The time after summer session ends and before fall begins is traditionally a peaceful time of year. This year, late summer has brought with it lots of budget and space planning questions at the campus level. What will happen to the lower level of Ellis Library is wrapped up in some of those discussions this year.
Most of you have heard by now about the possible changes. I want to emphasize that no decisions are final yet except that the new director of the Teaching for Learning Center is moving temporarily, until new offices are ready for her, into my old office, Ellis 56. Sharing information about other ongoing plans helps people be aware of what is under discussion, and I have to balance openness against creating situations that can generate unhealthy gossip and speculation. I want to be as open as possible about things, and I know trusting people to hear and understand in an open-minded spirit is the right thing overall.
As we confront changes and challenges, the most important thing we can do is be calm and respect each other’s viewpoints. We need to be careful about thinking out loud sometimes, as we can unintentionally tread on the feelings of others. I am trying not to do that, and hope you will, too.
Many of you will be on vacation for a few days as the summer ends. Deb Ward will be acting University Librarian while I am gone during the next few weeks. I look forward to having productive discussions at our All Staff Meeting, featuring our new Provost, on Aug. 16!
Ann Campion Riley
Vice Provost and University Librarian
rileyac@missouri.edu
573.882.1685