The accomplishments highlighted below represent just a few of the many achievements from Fiscal Year 2024-2025. Together, they reflect the innovation, collaboration and dedication of our Library employees, whose expertise and commitment advance the Library’s mission and support research, learning and discovery across UC San Diego and beyond.
By The Numbers
Your Questions Answered
How Has Access to Library Resources Improved?
This year, the Library introduced a new way to access its online licensed resources, making research faster and more secure for users. With the launch of OpenAthens, students, faculty and researchers can now sign in once using their campus credentials to access library databases, journals and ebooks from anywhere — no VPN required. This streamlined experience reduces barriers to discovery, minimizes login interruptions and allows users to move easily between resources. By simplifying off-campus access and improving reliability, this update reflects our ongoing commitment to making scholarly resources more accessible, efficient and user-friendly for the campus community.
Additionally, the Featured Collections tool was introduced to UC Library Search, making it easier to browse curated selections of our locally purchased/licensed print and electronic materials. These librarian-created collections bring together materials around specific subjects and interests, helping users discover materials they might not find through a traditional search. Initial Featured Collections include Graphic Medicine, New Spanish-Language Titles, New Fiction, and Art, Architecture, and Photography.
How Did the Library Put Its Strategic Plan Into Action?
With the removal of desktop computers from the Geisel tunnel, the space was ready for a new purpose. Launched in summer 2023, the Student Co-Design project engaged students throughout the planning process to create a unique Library space that meets previously unmet needs, reflecting the Library’s commitment to social justice (Strategic Pillar 3) by centering student voices in decisions that affect their learning environment.
Library staff worked closely with the Library Student Advisory Council (LSAC) on ideation exercises to explore potential uses and design concepts for the tunnel. Together, they developed a feedback process to involve the broader student community in shaping the space, demonstrating responsible stewardship (Strategic Pillar 4) by ensuring Library resources and spaces are thoughtfully adapted to serve evolving campus needs.
On October 24, 2024, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, officially reopening the space. The tunnel quickly became a favorite study spot, especially the egg chairs, filling up each day with students looking for a comfortable, collaborative space.
New and Expanded Digital Collections
Carol Pletcher Papers
The images in the finding aid illustrate scientist Pletcher’s travel to China with the U.S. Women Scientists China Study Tour in 1981. A biochemist and leader in corporate innovation, Pletcher was one of 16 female American scientists invited to visit China in 1981 under the auspices of the All-China Women’s Federation. The tour group met with professional Chinese women, were introduced to officials of the People’s Republic who formulated science and technology policy, and travelled to Shanghai, Wuxi, Nanjing, Sian and Beijing. The collection includes her travel journal and photographs, illustrating the events and people associated with the tour and Pletcher’s involvement with them.
Cuyamaca Water Company Records
The records of the Cuyamaca Water Company, formerly the San Diego Flume Company, owned and operated by Colonel Ed Fletcher and Montana businessman James A. Murray from 1910 until its sale to the La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley Irrigation District in 1926, include maps of flume routes, dam locations, proposed dam locations, subdivisions, and the watershed of the San Diego River, all documenting the area’s water resources and use.
New and Noteworthy Acquisitions
45 Original Drawings by Kiowa Artist Wohaw, 1875-1877
Drawn by the artist while he was imprisoned at Fort Marion in Florida, the sketches depict scenes from Kiowa life on the prairie, as well as life at Fort Marion and his transport there.
Collection of Letters from Midshipman George Skene Aboard HMS Gannet, 1821-1823
In these 15 handwritten letters, the 14-year-old midshipman wrote to his father of his adventures on an 18-gun brig in the Irish Royal Service tasked with patrolling in search of smugglers and pirates. A highlight of the correspondence is his description of the capture of the smuggler Zee Menuw and her cargo.
Maps of California and San Diego by Artist Jo Mora
Two maps by Uruguayan-American artist Jo Mora blend history, culture and humor with their detailed, whimsical depictions of people, places and events. The California map, issued in 1945, incorporated landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and UC Berkeley. The City of San Diego map, issued in 1928 and commissioned by San Diego philanthropist George Marston, offers a colorful history of the city, including Cabrillo’s landing, nearby Tijuana and the Marine base.
Supporting UC’s Vision
Empowering Research: UC’s Open Source Initiative
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Grant Aids Multi-Campus Effort to Build a Network of Open Source Program Offices
Much of today’s research relies on computers and software for data gathering, analysis and publication. To accomplish this work, many researchers use what is referred to as open source software (OSS), which is free to use and modify. As OSS has become more prevalent in higher education, universities have faced challenges providing the necessary resources for scholars to find, use and create new OSS tools. Thanks to an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation grant, the University of California is beginning to explore and develop ways to better assist researchers in this area.
Campus Recognition
Library Digital Experience Team Recognized for Transformative Accessibility Work 
At UC San Diego Library, accessibility isn’t just a goal — it’s a continuous commitment. The Library’s Digital Experience (DX) Team has been recognized by UC San Diego, taking home a prestigious 2024 Inclusive Excellence Award for their outstanding efforts in fostering an inclusive design culture, making the Library’s digital platforms more accessible and mentoring the next generation of design professionals.
Scott Paulson ‘84 Honored with UC San Diego Foundation’s 2025 Excellence in Stewardship Award
Each year, the UC San Diego Foundation honors individuals who exemplify outstanding donor stewardship and relationship building. Among the three recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Stewardship Awards is a longtime campus employee and proud alum whose work is as musical as it is meaningful: Scott Paulson ‘84, Exhibits and Events Coordinator at UC San Diego Library.
Signature Event Series
In May 2025, the Signature Event Series featured alumni authors Sarina Dahlan ’98 and S.B. Divya MEng ’00. Together, they explored how speculative fiction can illuminate contemporary issues — from memory and identity to technology and social structures — while reflecting on how their time at UC San Diego shaped their creative journeys. Dahlan shared insights from her bestselling “Four Cities” trilogy, a sweeping sci-fi narrative that examines love, loss and belonging, while Divya discussed her acclaimed novels, including “Machinehood,” “Meru” and “Loka,” and her approach to blending hard science with compelling storytelling.
Established in 2020 to commemorate Geisel Library’s 50th anniversary, the Signature Event Series offers the campus and broader community opportunities to engage with authors, filmmakers and artists exploring culturally and intellectually significant topics.
These events are made possible through the philanthropic support of Signature Event Series Sponsors and Library Associates — alumni, parents, faculty, staff and community members — whose generosity helps bring inspiring voices to our community and supports the Library’s collections and programming.
Community and Collaboration
In Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the Library hosted more than 135 events, 20 exhibits, and over 50 outreach activities designed to engage and inform the campus community. These highlights reflect the creativity, collaboration and impact that defined another vibrant year at the Library.
Event Highlights
Explore a selection of recordings from 2024-2025 through our YouTube Playlist, featuring just a few of the engaging programs hosted throughout the year.
Exhibit Highlights
Learn more about several exhibits presented throughout 2024-2025:
- Mapping San Diego
- Planting A Seed & Watching It GROW: 5 Years of Gathering UCSD AAPI Stories
- Creative Correspondence: The Mail-Art Experience
- Celebrating APIA Heritage Month and the Immigrant Experience in San Diego
Collaboration Highlights
Libraries at UC San Diego and University of Amsterdam Forge New Partnership 
In October 2024, UC San Diego Library and the Library of the University of Amsterdam (UvA/HvA) launched a new partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, to foster closer collaboration in education and research.
The WongAvery Visiting Scholar Exchange Program 2025
Launched in September 2024, the WongAvery Visiting Scholar Exchange Program enables doctoral students from the University of Cambridge to spend two to four weeks conducting research with UC San Diego Library’s Chinese Collection. Conversely, UC San Diego students have the opportunity to study at the University of Cambridge as part of the partnership. The program is generously supported by the Avery-Tsui Foundation.
UC San Diego Welcomes Visiting Scholars From Kazakhstan
In Spring 2025, UC San Diego Division of Extension Studies hosted a group of visiting scholars from Kazakhstan as part of the Bolashak Leadership Academy for International Professionals. As the first cohort concluded their time in San Diego, they expressed their appreciation by donating books to the Library on Kazakhstan and their respective research areas.
NOTABLE NEWS
Charting the Course of Digital Art History: UC San Diego Library from Artstor to JSTOR 
We’re celebrating a significant milestone: two decades of providing unparalleled access to digital images through Artstor. From its inception, the Library’s collaboration with Artstor has been transformative, revolutionizing how faculty and students utilize visual resources to enhance teaching and research across various disciplines.
UC San Diego Honors 2025 Undergraduate Library Research Prize Winners 
Seven UC San Diego students have been selected to receive the 2025 Undergraduate Library Research Prize (ULRP) awards and honorable mentions. An annual tradition that enriches the undergraduate student experience at UC San Diego, the ULRP recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional research skills and the effective use of Library resources, services and expertise.