The Duke University Libraries are the intellectual cornerstone of the university, with accomplished specialists well-versed in their particular field. Our staff support scholarship and collaboration across campus, from classroom instruction to digital preservation and data management. The accelerating pace of technology has directly impacted the world of information in positive and challenging ways. It is vital for our staff to remain a step ahead, guiding the evolution of Duke’s Libraries to meet the demands of this ever-changing landscape.
Your support of the Duke University Libraries will allow us to:
Train Librarians for Duke's Second Century
Librarianship has changed dramatically in the digital age. It is critical for today’s librarians to have deep subject matter expertise and advanced training in areas such as information and data science. Our staff are key contributors to class curricula and partner with faculty, staff, and students in their research endeavors. They are instrumental in helping users understand the value of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) while offering guidance in the ethical research methodologies that are transforming academic disciplines. Position endowments will allow us to retain and recruit leading experts in current and emerging fields and will ensure that we remain a beacon of innovation and talent among our peers.
Mentor Early Career Residents
Launched in 2023, our three-year residency program for early career librarians provides one-on-one mentorship and professional development for two recent graduates in library science or a related field. The residents work in specialized fields that align with the strategic goals of the library and gain valuable experience as librarians at a top-tier academic research library. In 2024, the library welcomed its first cohort of Early Career Residents — a Resident Librarian for Resource Description and a Resident Librarian for South and Southeast Asian Studies. Permanent funding will ensure that we continue in our mission to mentor and retain the next generation of library experts.Prioritize Professional Development
Our ability to deliver a wide and valued range of library services will depend foremost on our people, including their well-being, career opportunities, and ability to keep pace with the rapidly evolving nature of library work. It is crucial for the Duke University Libraries to prioritize and support professional development opportunities for all library employees, acknowledging that a healthy work environment can foster a deep sense of commitment, personal meaning, and pride. Permanent funding is necessary to ensure that our staff have what they need to grow and succeed in their professions.
Did You Know?
The Duke University Libraries have more than 230 full-time staff members across six libraries and the Library Service Center, our climate-controlled storage facility. Our librarians assist students and faculty from more than 100 undergraduate majors and more than 80 graduate programs, resulting in more than 7,000 research consultations with users each year.
Contact Us
For more information on the Duke University Libraries and how you can make an impact, please contact:
L. Blue Branton,
Associate University Librarian for Development
blue.branton@duke.edu
Opportunities For Support
Emerging Technology Fund: $3.5 million
An outright gift of any size or an endowed gift of $300,000 or more will help us meet the accelerating pace and evolving landscape of technology.
Early Career Resident Librarian: $5 million
An endowed gift will allow us to advance future generations of library professionals while diversifying our organizational expertise.
Expanding Professional Development Opportunities: $1.5 million
An outright gift of any size or an endowed gift of $300,000 or more will expand career development opportunities to ensure our staff have the necessary skills to meet evolving research, teaching, and learning needs at Duke.