As the days grow shorter and the end of 2010 is in sight, it’s time to take stock of what has happened over this busy year and to say “thank you” to the many people who have helped the UCSC Library carry out its mission. We are very grateful for all of your support and good will, and it has sustained us through one of the most difficult years in memory. The budget situation, student occupations of the Science & Engineering Library, and the fire in McHenry Library tested our mettle over the past 12 months, and we could not have made it through without the help of so many people:

Thank you to the wonderful people who have continued or increased their support of the UCSC Library.

Thank you to the generous people who parted with precious collections of prints, photographs, books and more, so they can be used to support teaching and research in Special Collections & Archives and in our circulating collection.

Thank you to the Grateful Dead fans who hosted us in your homes and who invited your friends to make miracles happen for the Grateful Dead Archive.

Thank you to the UCSC parents who understand the role libraries play in their children’s education and who helped us extend library hours during finals.

Thank you to the people who answered the call to support the UCSC Library by responding to students who phone to solicit donations.

Thank you to the fabulous students who worked to pass Measure 42, the proposition to institute a student fee to pay for the restoration of library hours for the next three years.

Thank you to the construction workers who are moving into the final stages of renovating the original McHenry Library.

Thank you to our campus partners in administration, ITS, Student Affairs, and other units who have worked with us in many ways to help us enhance the library’s support for teaching and research.

Thank you to our hard-working and dedicated library staff who, in the face of daily challenges, so ably keep the UCSC library services and buildings running. You have done a terrific job!

Finally, thank you to the 1 million library users who are living testimony that academic libraries thrive and continue to serve the purpose of educating the future leaders of the state and the country.

2011 is not far off, and we’re looking forward with optimism. Have a wonderful holiday season and best wishes for the new year!

Ginny Steel, UCSC University Librarian