As the Leatherby Libraries continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary, we are proud to reflect on two decades of dedication to innovation, service, librarianship, and technological advancements. By integrating cutting-edge technology, we’ve transformed the landscape of academic support, offering the Chapman University community unparalleled access to knowledge and resources.

Over the past 20 years, we have continuously bridged the gap between traditional scholarship and modern research. Our extensive bibliographies and comprehensive physical and virtual exhibits demonstrate our dedication to delivering essential information to our campus community. The Leatherby Libraries continues to evolve and remains at the forefront of educational excellence by providing our community with the tools and skills necessary for academic and professional success.

Please join us in celebrating our 20th anniversary with “The Year of AI” initiative, including our exhibitions AI: The Next Chapter – Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation Display and Beyond the Lens: AI Infusion in Art and Photography. This initiative showcases our commitment to pushing the boundaries and creating a thriving community where technology and creativity can thrive together.

We invite you to join us in these celebrations and more as we look forward to a future filled with endless possibilities and advancements. Here are 20 ways to help you celebrate the anniversary with us:

1. The Library at Chapman University: A Historical Look

2. 80+ Virtual Bibliographies and Virtual Exhibits

3. AI: The Next Chapter – Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation Display

4. Beyond the Lens: AI Infusion in Art and Photography

    •  Check out “Beyond the Lens: AI Infusion in Art and Photography,“ the first-ever artificial intelligence (AI) generated photography exhibit at the Leatherby Libraries. The works in this exhibition were crafted by Reem Abousaif utilizing groundbreaking AI image-generating programs. This collection is a snapshot of a rapidly evolving artistic landscape, capturing the convergence of technology and creativity. As you navigate through the exhibit, reflect on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in art and photography.

5. Read our latest feature on the Chapman Magazine: What Does the Library of the Future Look Like?

    • Learn more about our ongoing initiatives to transform the Leatherby Libraries into a cutting-edge “Library of the Future.” Discover the range of innovative projects and services we have implemented to support the Chapman community.

6. Explore the Leatherby Libraries’ Enhanced Instructional Video Hub

    • Use our newly updated and enhanced Instructional Video Hub, designed to enrich the academic and research experience at Chapman University. Whether you’re just beginning your research, diving into specific topics, or looking to refine your writing and citation skills, our hub provides an easy-to-use platform with a comprehensive range of topics to support your needs. You can access the hub here.

7. Attend Upcoming Workshops

    • Explore a wide range of fascinating subjects by participating in one of the upcoming workshops at the Leatherby Libraries. Delve into the intricacies of artificial intelligence, get hands-on experience with virtual reality (VR) headsets, learn how to submit your thesis or dissertation to the library, and much more. You can secure your spot for a workshop by registering here.

8. Read a Story from Our Short Story Machines
Short Story Dispenser

    • Take a break with a quick read from one of our Short-Story Machines at the Orange Campus in the First Floor Lobby and at the Rinker Campus in Rinker Study Commons. If you need a moment of literary escape, our short story machines offer diverse, engaging stories.

9. Explore Faculty Publications

    • Visit the Faculty Publications display on the First Floor of the Leatherby Libraries to explore the recently digitized collection of monographs written by faculty members.

10. Discover the Chapman University Digital Commons

    • Uncover a wealth of academic resources and scholarly works on Chapman University Digital Commons, with access to more than 5 million downloads of scholarships, publications, archives, and creative works. From student research to works by faculty researchers, the platform offers diverse content for academic exploration and research.

11. Engage with Figshare

    • Learn about Chapman Figshare, the University’s new and first-ever research data repository, launched in Spring 2024 during Love Data Week. Read more about how to use this new resource on our blog. Stay tuned for our 2025 Love Data Week celebration taking place this February!

12. Presentation Studio: Designed to Create Quality Academic Presentation Recordings

    • Make a reservation to utilize our newly upgraded Presentation Studio, designed to provide an ideal environment for honing your presentation skills using cutting-edge technology.

13. OER: Leatherby Libraries Launches First Open Educational Resource: “Institutional Racism in America Revisited”

14. Meet Your Tech Needs at the Circulation Desk

    • Check out the technology and equipment available at the circulation desk to assist your research efforts. You can find calculators, charging cords, power banks, and other useful resources at the circulation desk to support your academic work.

15. Connect to Knowledge SeriesConnect to Knowledge

16. Meet with a Liaison Librarian

    • Connect with a Liaison Librarian to learn how to get personalized support during your academic journey. Each major has a designated librarian specializing in that field and can provide tailored assistance.

17. Reserve a Multi-Media Study Room

    • Utilize one of our recently renovated Multi-Media Study Rooms, outfitted with new furniture and the latest technology, to provide a comfortable space for students, staff, and faculty to engage in research, study, and collaborative work.

18. Attend Upcoming Events

    • Take advantage of all the exciting updates and events throughout the year as we celebrate our 20th anniversary. You can learn more about upcoming events on the News and Events page on the Leatherby Libraries website.

19. Register for your ORCID ID

    • Create an ORCID ID that allows researchers to distinguish themselves from others with the same or similar names. It links research activities and outputs to these identifiers so others can tell who conducted that work. This system helps prevent author confusion, maintains an author’s record, and simplifies reporting and analysis. Learn more about ORCID at the Leatherby Libraries here.

20. Follow Us on Social Media

    • Stay in the loop by following our blog for in-depth coverage, and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and exclusive announcements.

The 20th anniversary of the Leatherby Libraries marks a significant milestone in our journey of supporting education with innovative resources and technology. With a focus on advancing information literacy, embracing the transformative potential of AI, and fostering a rich cultural and intellectual community, the Leatherby Libraries continue to redefine the boundaries of academic support.

We invite the Chapman community to join us in this celebration and explore the depths of knowledge available at the Leatherby Libraries. Together, we will continue inspiring creativity and cultivating a thriving research and learning hub.

The future of the Leatherby Libraries is not just about the books on our shelves or the digital resources we offer; it’s about the people we empower, the minds we enlighten, and the community we build.

* During the Academic Year 2024-2025, Leatherby Libraries proudly celebrates 20 years of supporting the academic experience at Chapman University.