Dean's Welcome Message, 2026 - 2027
Faye A. Chadwell
Dean, University Libraries and Scholarly Communications
As University partners amplifying learning and research, we are committed to helping every Penn State student, faculty member, and researcher succeed. Whether you visit us in person, access our resources online, collaborate with our experts, or engage with us as a student employee, our goal is to remove barriers, expand opportunities, and create the conditions for success. Our work is grounded in a simple belief: every Penn State student deserves equitable access to the resources, spaces, technologies, and expertise needed to thrive academically and beyond.
Student success remains a key priority across the University, and it is deeply embedded in our work at the Libraries. As one of North America's premier research libraries, our collections are among Penn State's greatest scholarly assets, serving as a foundation for discovery, innovation, and learning. Through extensive research collections, distinctive special collections and archives, and access to a global network of scholarly resources, we connect our users to ideas, evidence, and perspectives that enrich learning and enable new knowledge creation. Through these collections, as well as our services and expertise, we connect learners with the information, tools, and experiences they need to graduate on time, develop the skills required for meaningful careers and lifelong learning, and access support systems that help them reach their goals. From affordable course materials and innovative learning spaces to information literacy instruction, research support, and experiential learning opportunities, we help students navigate an increasingly complex information environment and prepare for an AI-enabled future.
Four interconnected priorities are guiding our work. We are defining a cohesive teaching program that strengthens information literacy, AI literacy, digital fluency, and other essential skills. We are elevating library experiences by fostering welcoming spaces that encourage inquiry, collaboration, engagement, and belonging. We are empowering researchers through stewardship of knowledge, open scholarship, and strong research partnerships. And we are transforming our workforce so that our organization remains agile, innovative, and prepared to meet the evolving needs of our communities.
The Libraries are often described as the intellectual heart of Penn State. Every day, students gather in our spaces to study, create, collaborate, and discover. Many begin their professional journeys through employment in the Libraries, developing transferable skills and experiences that will serve them throughout their careers. We are proud to contribute not only to academic achievement, but also to the sense of belonging, confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning that define a successful Penn State experience.
As we begin the 2026-27 academic year, I invite you to explore all that the Penn State University Libraries have to offer. We look forward to partnering with you in learning, research, discovery, and innovation.
Faye A. Chadwell
Dean of the University Libraries and Scholarly Communications