Supporting the Dean’s Vision
Jeffrey Rothenberg joins the Libraries as Executive Director of Development
Q: What drew you to this position?
A: Libraries have historically been the institutions most associated with the preservation of accumulated human knowledge. Modern libraries have taken this critical mission a step further by promoting and enabling broad access to that knowledge. I believe in public education. When I saw an opportunity to lend a hand at UMass, the flagship public university of the Commonwealth, and more specifically, to support the UMass Amherst Libraries as the largest public research library system in New England, I was immediately interested. I feel truly honored to have been invited to join team UMass and to be working with such impressive colleagues here at the Libraries.
Q: What are you most looking forward to?
A: Our new Dean of Libraries Dr. Nandita Mani has articulated a compelling vision to support student success and engagement, advance the research enterprise, be attentive to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to further activate our collections, with a focus on technology, maker spaces, open education, and a view to our role in the broader global landscape. I look forward to showcasing the Libraries’ team members and patrons in a way that I trust will inspire even greater attention from our treasured supporters.
Q: Tell us why the Seed Library resonates with you.
A: The Seed Library, located within the Science and Engineering Library, embodies so much of what I want people to know about the Libraries today. Conservation, gardening, and environmental stewardship books are available along with an actual bank of fruit, vegetable, and flower seeds that patrons can use in their home and community gardens, and that they are asked to replenish when able. The seed library is an example of open education and resources, a tangible representation of sustainability-in-action, and a vibrant demonstration of the Libraries’ renewable OPEN “give and take” ecosystem.
Q: What have you been most impressed by?
A: The Libraries are entrusted with nearly 10 million individual items, including nearly six million volumes, and an assortment of online resources, databases, journals, and exciting historical artifacts. The Du Bois Library is the tallest academic research library in the world. Peregrine falcons nest on our roof! In my first month, I was able to hold documents, newly acquired for the Robert S. Cox Special Collections and University Archives Research Center, signed by George Washington and John Hancock. I was invited to ride a virtual reality roller coaster in our Digital Media Lab, to see state-of-the-art hologram technology, to witness large-scale 3D printing in action, and to hear patrons utilizing sound recording services in the Du Bois Library Lower Level.
Q: How can people learn how to support the Libraries?
A: Please contact me if you would like to support the UMass Amherst Libraries. We are delighted to connect with supporters and prospective supporters, and there are never any hard sells or expectations when we have an informational contact. You may have considered funding a collection, or a position, or perhaps you may have already made arrangements for UMass through your estate but haven’t yet told us about it. We would love to get to know you, to celebrate you and your generosity, and to find new and exciting ways to partner with you to meet your philanthropic interests. Drop me an email at jeff.rothenberg@umass.edu if you would like to get in touch!
Support every UMass Amherst student with a gift to the Libraries.
To make a gift online visit:
library.umass.edu/giving
or
Mail a check to:
Records & Gift Processing
Memorial Hall
134 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9270