Drexel Libraries 2025 Impact Report January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025

Part of the Drexel University Libraries’ core mission has always been to connect students, faculty and staff with resources, expertise and spaces that support their learning and research. In 2025, we sought out new and innovative ways to create safe, welcoming spaces and to improve and expand the systems we use to provide access to information resources:

• In January, Drexel announced the new Libraries, Collections and Archives unit, a major step towards increasing visibility and alignment of the University’s unique collections and archives.
• Responding to student requests for collaborative learning environments, the Libraries converted empty office spaces into four new group study rooms.
• Staff continued their work to fully integrate Elkins Park-based library systems and resources into the Drexel Libraries’ workflows, following Drexel’s merger with Salus University, extending Libraries resources and support to a broader community.
• Libraries staff added the 100,000th research asset to Drexel Research Discovery, the University’s research repository, marking the latest milestone in the Libraries’ efforts to provide a comprehensive database of Drexel research and scholarly work.
• In June, the Libraries migrated to a new EBSCO user interface, making it even easier for faculty, staff and students to navigate these important databases and scholarly research.
• The Drexel University Libraries was designated an OCLC Express Library for the fourth year in a row for performing at the top 10 percent of libraries participating in the OCLC WorldShare interlibrary loan service.
• The Libraries also unveiled a new and improved website in August, featuring a modern look and feel, a new and improved mobile experience, and enhanced accessibility.

The Libraries also continued its work to build on Drexel’s legacy for hands-on, experiential learning, hiring paid co-op positions and creating project-based opportunities and exhibits that put the spotlight on the remarkable work our students – and faculty – produce. Highlights from the year include:

• The Libraries hired nine co-op students across several different departments, including the University Archives, the Communications Department and the Library Integrated Technology team.
• The Drexel University Archives welcomed students from Professor Nic Ramos' Archives, Research & Historical Methods course into the Reading Room, where they conducted archival research and gained first-hand insight into primary source analysis.
• Staff from the Libraries, Collections & Archives unit also launched the new Library Exhibit Initiative, an exhibit series that features ways in which students interact with Drexel's collections and archives. The first exhibit, called The Philadelphia Challenge, opened in May, and the second exhibit -- "When We Sketch…": Student Drawings of Everyday Objects -- opened in December.
• Drexel Archives Assistant and spring/summer co-op Erin White curated an exhibit highlighting Drexel University student handbooks published from 1944 through 2005 that depict student life throughout the years.

2025 also showcased the power of collaboration and the impact of the Libraries’ efforts to foster community and connectedness through exhibits, programming and events, and the University’s history.

• The Libraries collaborated with Professor Simone Schlicting-Artur, EdD, College of Arts & Sciences, and students in her Introduction to Cultural Diversity (ANTH 101) course to host “Dragon Stories: Exploring Cultural Identify through Art,” an exhibit on display in the W. W. Hagerty Library that featured more than 40 pieces of art that reflect rich and diverse cultures and experiences from around the world through the lens of Drexel students.
• During the 13th annual Celebrating Drexel Authors event, the Libraries and the Office of the Provost honored 79 faculty, staff and students who published books in calendar year 2024.
• The Drexel University Archives continued their work to preserve and ensure access to the University’s history, both online and in print. In 2025, staff completed several significant projects, including work to conserve a 19th-century travel journal from Francis M. Drexel and digital curation of “born-digital” materials.
• The Libraries also continued to prioritize connecting students with intellectual wellness resources and services by adding new resources and tools to the Serenity Suite and wellness table and hosting events centered on mental health and well-being, like author talks with Professors Girija Kaimal, PhD, and Denise Wolf, MA, ATR-BC, ATCS, LPC, LPAT, from the College of Nursing & Health Professions, to an intro to Zine making workshop.
• For the second year in a row, the Drexel Libraries was honored to receive the Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine.
• The Libraries also continued to partner with other campus groups, offering fun ways to connect students with information and with each other, from the College of Arts & Sciences’ party for Jane Austen’s 250th birthday to throwing a spring “Wooder Ice” party with the ARC.

In 2025, Drexel University Libraries staff published articles, presented at conferences, and made many other contributions to the library & information science profession. They also made time to attend professional development workshops, volunteer in the community, and have a little fun together.