Since stepping into the role of Interim Dean of Libraries, I’ve had the joy and privilege of witnessing the true heartbeat of this place—its people. From the scholars who bring history to life to the students shaping new narratives, the University of Rochester Libraries continue to be a space where curiosity is not only encouraged—but celebrated.
This season, we invite you on two extraordinary journeys that embody our mission to connect past and present in meaningful and sometimes surprising ways.
First, follow the fascinating trail of a medieval prayer book that traveled across centuries and continents to find a temporary home in our Special Collections. It’s a story that reminds us how both fragile and resilient knowledge can be—and highlights the essential role libraries play in preserving it.
Next, we cross the Atlantic to Vienna—but not for a traditional library tale. Instead, we spotlight an extraordinary example of how the University of Rochester’s reputation for research extends well beyond STEM. Thanks to support from the Friends of the University of Rochester Libraries, undergraduates from a range of disciplines are empowered to pursue original research that feeds their curiosity and expands their academic journey. This year’s Research Initiative Award (RIA) winners prove just how far that support can go. From exploring museum politics in postwar Austria to decoding the neural effects of parasitic wasps, these student projects are bold, brilliant, and uniquely Rochester.
Both stories reflect the values that guide our work: curiosity, stewardship, and the belief that learning extends far beyond the classroom.
Thank you for traveling alongside us. Whether you’re turning the pages of a 15th-century manuscript or decoding 21st-century data, we’re glad you’re part of this story.
Maurini Strub
Interim Vice Provost and Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean
University of Rochester Libraries
