Welcome back to campus, Longhorns!

I hope this message finds you well and recharged after a restful summer break. As the new academic calendar begins, I am thrilled to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to each and every member of our community. The University of Texas Libraries is buzzing with excitement as we embark on another year with the promise of learning, exploration and growth.

Over the summer, we witnessed accelerated technological developments in the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI continues to revolutionize the way we approach research, teaching, and problem-solving. As we step into this new academic year, I encourage you to approach this powerful new tool critically, and remember that the Libraries’ experts can augment your work with guidance on information literacy and research. Use customized LibGuides on a range of subjects, go straight to the source with digital resources and reach out for a consultation to get one-on-one help.

We’re excited to introduce a groundbreaking resource that is now available: Pressbooks. This open publishing platform empowers anyone to create, publish, and share interactive content, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange like never before. The world of open educational resources is growing as an exceptional alternative to traditional publishing, and this new tool makes entry into the practice even easier.

And our commitment to providing you with exceptional resources and opportunities extends even further. The Libraries has secured access to New York Times academic passes, granting users unlimited access to a wealth of insightful content. Stay informed about global affairs, trends, and breakthroughs in various fields by activating an academic pass today.

I’m thrilled to inform you about the upcoming Texas Open Science Summit, a remarkable event that will bring together innovators, researchers, and thought leaders to discuss the latest advancements in open science. This summit promises to ignite important conversations and collaborations that will shape the future of research and academia. Mark your calendars for this enriching experience: the Texas Open Science Summit.

If you’ve already visited the Perry-Castañeda Library this semester, you know that the Scholars Lab construction is in its final stretch. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to be a hub of digital scholarship, offering cutting-edge tools and resources to elevate your research and academic pursuits. The Scholars Lab is poised to open its doors any day now, and we can’t wait for you to explore its possibilities. Keep an eye out for details and plan to join us for an opening celebration slated to take place on October 5.

The new academic calendar provides new opportunities, and I encourage you to seize every one of them to learn, grow, and contribute to the vibrant UT community. The resources and initiatives at the University of Texas Libraries are here to support your aspirations and help you achieve your goals.

Here’s to a remarkable year ahead, filled with discovery, collaboration, and transformative experiences. Welcome back to the University of Texas Libraries!