UCLA Library Listening Exercise

Attendees at the chancellor’s Listening Exercise for the UCLA Library on March 21, 2025 expressed a range of hopes, concerns, and questions about the future of the library system.

Some speakers expressed worry about the potential impacts of new federal actions on the university, particularly regarding student aid, immigration policies, diversity and inclusion programs, research funding, and academic freedom. They voiced concerns that these changes could affect intellectual inquiry and the university’s ability to serve its diverse student body. Speakers also discussed the importance of preserving physical library spaces in an era of increasing reliance on digital resources. They highlighted the value of print materials for learning and emphasized the need to find creative solutions to address the library’s space constraints.

The topic of artificial intelligence emerged as a point of discussion, with speakers acknowledging its potential impact on various aspects of library work and exploring its implications for the future of scholarship and research. One speaker raised concerns about potential changes to the definition of librarians’ roles within the University of California academic personnel manual.

Themes

• Federal Policy: Discussion focused on concerns about the potential impacts of federal policy changes on universities, including restrictions on diversity initiatives, research funding, and student aid.  
• Academic Freedom: There was a call to protect academic freedom and the right to express diverse viewpoints on campus.  
• Community Building: Libraries were characterized as important spaces for community building and fostering a sense of belonging.  
• Open Access and Open Science: Open access to research and data was highlighted as critical to the academic enterprise.
• Library Space and Resources: The need for adequate library space and resources was emphasized, particularly in light of the importance of preserving print materials. Ensuring the preservation and accessibility of library materials for future generations was a concern.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Discussions focused on the importance of EDI initiatives and the need to ensure that all students and faculty feel welcomed and supported. In addition, concerns were raised about the funding of EDI programs.
• Librarianship and Academic Personnel: A speaker raised questions about proposed changes to the definition of librarianship and the role of librarians within the academic personnel system. 
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The potential impact of AI on libraries and academic work was a topic of discussion and exploration.
• Misinformation and Disinformation: The challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation were discussed, as well as the need for libraries to promote critical thinking and media literacy.  
• Collaboration and Partnerships: The value of collaboration between libraries, other academic units, and community organizations was noted. 
• Workplace Safety and Well-being: The need to create a safe and supportive work environment for library staff was emphasized.
• Strategic Vision: The vision for campus-wide units like the library and how libraries can contribute to that common vision were discussed.