Dear Colleagues,

I want to extend my warm greetings and appreciation to you as we come to the end of the calendar year.

As I think back on 2025, it’s evident that we’ve continued to evolve thoughtfully and deliberately to keep pace with new and emerging technologies while remaining grounded in the values that define what we do. I am deeply grateful to all of you for your contributions to this progress, and for your responsiveness to the changing needs of students, faculty, and the wider community.

We have continued to build for the future with a more integrated, user-centred, and digitally forward system. We also continued to support the University’s efforts to become an AI ready institution through shared learning and system-wide exploration. Our efforts around information literacy also helped students and faculty meet the moment.

Our physical spaces continued to evolve. Through the expansion of the Downsview shared high-density preservation facility and the transformation of the fifth floor Map & Data Library, we have invested to create dynamic, accessible, sustainable spaces that keep student well-being and academic success at the forefront.

This year marked the 70th anniversary of the Rare Books & Special Collections department. The accompanying exhibition is a tribute to the department’s legacy and serves as a reminder that library and archival holdings are integral to scholarship and discovery. Our work is critical to preserve the historical record, help uncover unique stories and voices, and to open new paths of academic inquiry.

I am grateful for the expertise of that each of you brings to our work. This year we welcomed new librarians and staff members in roles that support and enliven our community. I am deeply appreciative of the knowledge, creativity, and care that each of you brings to your work every day.

As I approach the close of my term, I have been reflecting on our collective progress. I am proud of how far we have come together and am confident in the strong foundation we have built to prepare for the years ahead. Thank you sincerely for your dedication to our shared mission.

I wish you a restful holiday season and a successful year ahead.

With deep appreciation.

Larry P. Alford
University Chief Librarian
University of Toronto Libraries

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year