University Libraries Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Highlights

University Librarian's Note

It is my pleasure to share with you the University Libraries Annual Report. Over the past fiscal year, our team has worked to make Dunbar Library not just a place to study, but a vibrant hub for connection, creativity, and discovery at Wright State.

We know that a strong sense of belonging plays an important role in student success. With that in mind, we introduced a variety of programs designed to engage students, spark new interests, and build community. From our annual Game Night with the Table-Top Club to hands-on Crafternoons, from Family Weekend activities to Bingo Nights with the University Advisory Board, these events have brought joy and connection to campus life. We also launched a Book Chat series for students to share their favorite reads, and we were thrilled to welcome the Dunbar Cafe - a student-inspired addition that quickly became a favorite spot for coffee, snacks, and study breaks.

At the same time, we are investing in the future of the library. The first phase of the improvements in Special Collections and Archives is now underway, thanks to the generosity of private and business donors, the State of Ohio, the Friends of the Libraries, and the National Aviation Heritage Alliance. These upgrades will strengthen our ability to preserve Wright State's history and make if more accessible to our community. Looking ahead, we are planning additional enhancements throughout Dunbar Library, including updated study spaces and new entry doors. 

This past June, University Libraries also joined all OhioLINK member institutions in migrating to a modern, cloud-based library system. This platform expands access to resources, improves day-to-day operations, and strengthens collaboration across the state, ensuring that Wright State students and faculty have the tools they need to succeed.

These initiatives reflect our vision to reimagine what a library can be: a dynamic, engaging, and supportive space that enriches the student experience and advances academic success. I am grateful for the support of our campus partners, donors, and the Wright State community as we continue this important work. 

New Library System

On June 18, 2025 the University Libraries, along with all OhioLINK member libraries, migrated to a new library system. The migration involved two years of planning, preparation, configuration, testing, and data migration. Multiple library staff members were involved in the migration project and all library staff dedicated time to learning the new system. For all the details, read the full Library and Archives News blog post. 

University Libraries Receive Celebrating Ohio Book Awards and Authors Grant

This spring the University Libraries received a "Celebrating Ohio Book Awards and Authors" grant from the State Library of Ohio. To learn more about this grant and the titles purchased, read the full Library and Archives News blog post.

Public Services - Evolving Space for Student Focused Place

An essential element of the University Libraries' mission is to provide space for students to meet, study, and socialize; a place of belonging and welcoming. To learn more about ways we enhanced our spaces and initiatives we made to improve the student experience in the University Libraries, read our highlights in the full Library and Archives News blog post.

OhioLINK Read and Publish Open Access Agreements

OhioLINK, on behalf of its members, has negotiated transformative agreements with five publishers to benefit OhioLINK and Wright State authors. Authors may publish open access articles at no cost to the individual or the author's institutions when publishing in eligible journals. Check out the full Library and Archives News blog post for more information. 

Special Collections and Archives Highlights

Between July 2024 and June 2025, Special Collections and Archives (SCA) engaged with Wright State students, faculty, and staff, as well as community members from the Miami Valley region, across Ohio, the United States, and internationally. We assisted a wide range of researchers both in-person and virtually, fulfilling more than 1,700 reference and media requests, and providing access to over 1,385 boxes of archival materials for research and outreach purposes. Read the full Library and Archives News blog post for all the details. 

Friends of the Libraries Highlights

The Friends of the Libraries supports the mission of the University Libraries: To provide exceptional resources, services, and spaces that support the academic and research needs of the Wright State community while fostering a welcoming environment. The funds raised through memberships directly support Wright State students, faculty, staff, and the Miami Valley community through a variety of programs, including a book club, scholarships, grants, and materials. Read the full Library and Archive News blog post for all the fiscal year 2024-2025 highlights. 

Library Staff - Awards and Recognition

The University Libraries held their annual Staff Recognition Ceremony on May 7, 2025. Eight library staff were honored for their years of service and two for the Staff Achievement and Recognition (StAR) Award. The StAR award is a peer recognition program designed to honor excellence among library staff through individual awards. The Friends of the Libraries provide support for the awards. 

Library Staff Years of Service Awards:

30 Years: John Freeman, Chris Nimmer, and Kevin Storer

25 Years: Linda Daniels, Carol Fang, Jane Wildermuth

20 Years: Christina Duffy, Arthur Seifert

StAR Award Recipients:

Lisa Rickey and Aaliyah Williams

To learn more about the staff receiving awards and recognition, read the full Library and Archives News blog post.

Library Staff Appointments, New Staff, and Goodbye

Appointments:

Toni Vanden Bos, Head of Special Collections and Archives: Read more about Toni in the Wright State Newsroom article.

Jane Wildermuth, University Librarian: Read more about Jane in the Wright State Newsroom article.

Welcome New Staff:

Grace Ethier, Reference and Outreach Archivist: For more about Grace, read our Library and Archives News blog post.

Brenna McNulty, Student Success Librarian: For more about Brenna, read our Library and Archives News blog post.

Retirement:

Brian Olesko, Student Success Librarian (Social Sciences): retired on December 31, 2024. We thank Brian for his 27 years of service to the University Libraries and wish him all the best in retirement.