Illumination
The Magazine of the University of Maryland Libraries
While the scope of libraries has continually evolved and adapted to users’ needs and technological changes, the core mission of libraries has remained steadfast, which is to organize and preserve knowledge, enhance equitable access to information and services, and serve as a resource to our communities’ intellectual and cultural needs.
In this issue of Illumination magazine, read about how our community uses our libraries to discover new knowledge, access specialized technology, test new models, find communities of fellow scholars, get hands-on guidance from experts, and experiment with different ways of producing and sharing their scholarship.
Plus, learn why fingerprints are unique, search for our hidden Testudo, and more!
In this issue ...
Libraries as Labs
In many ways, the library can be thought of as a laboratory. Read how Terps use our libraries as their own personal labs—to experiment with new technology and ideas, test out theories, find a community of fellow scholars, get hands-on guidance from experts, and ultimately create new knowledge to share with the world.
Parting Thoughts from the Dean
We are deeply grateful for Dean Lim’s service to the University of Maryland and for her leadership in advancing strategic initiatives that have propelled the Libraries to the forefront of innovation on campus and in the field. In her own words, Lim shares the story of her career path, wisdom from serving as dean at four academic institutions, and thoughts on the future of librarianship.
Short on Time, Big on Impact
Last January, UMD Libraries hosted three students for a three-week “Sprinternship” with Break Through Tech DC, an organization on a mission to propel women and underrepresented communities into careers in tech.