The Librarian Ambassadors Fund

Passport to Knowledge:

The Librarian Ambassadors Fund

(Librarian Adrian Johnson with acquisition materials from his visit to Haiti and the Dominican Republic)

For 135 years, the University of Texas Libraries have committed to building one of the greatest library collections in the world. No matter how high our Longhorns set their academic goals, it is the duty of the librarian to ensure their resources are met. 

Here is where we need help. 

When it comes to acquiring research materials at the tier-1 research level, not everything can be delivered to our front door. There are no routes librarians can explore online to purchase materials because countries do not have the same framework as the US.  And even if a librarian discovers a method for shipping, in reality, often, it is cheaper for librarians to pack collections with them on airplanes.

To maintain UT’s subject expertise, and to help build and steward effective networks abroad, librarians need to go overseas to make negotiations—face-to-face—for one-of-a-kind purchases that distinguish and develop UT’s collections.

This is where you come in. We need your help to get them there. 

Along with acquiring materials, even more important is the responsibility of the librarian to set in motion our international relationships, and nurture them to create mutual educational opportunities. The University of Texas at Austin is unique. We are the only university in Texas where librarians build networks internationally to acquire collection materials.

As a result, our collections serve all researchers in Texas and many of our collection items serve as the only copy for the US. Library projects in South & Central America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East keeps the Forty Acres active in the global community.

By contributing to our campaign, together, we can help forge new international relationships, keep our current international networks intact, and help us acquire research materials to position our Longhorns for academic greatness. 

UT Librarian Dale Correa (center) on an acquisition trip to UAE and Oman         

UT Librarian Mary Rader (center: khaki pants and white shirt) in Pakistan. In addition to acquring materials, Mary co-lead a two day workshop with approximately 30 librarians from Lahore University of Management Sciences, Punjab University, Government College University, Kinnaird College for Women, and the Government of Punjab Research Wing.          

UT Librarian Uri Kolodney prepping acquisitions in Israel.