University Librarian shares plans in interview with Yale Alumni Association

University Librarian Barbara Rockenbach recently spoke with Alison Cole ’99, executive director of the Yale Alumni Association, for a segment in the ongoing series “Afternoons with Alison.”  

During their conversation at Rose Alumni House, Rockenbach shared stories about her early days at Yale as a Kress Fellow and later roles she held before becoming university librarian in 2020—and why she always chose to return to Yale.  

“The reason I have come back to New Haven, to Yale, is the extraordinary people. It’s the students, the staff, the alumni, the faculty— working with people who are smart and motivated. I love it.” 

Cole also asked Rockenbach about her top priorities as university librarian. “The top-three evergreen priorities that are always with us are building and preserving the collections and the buildings, supporting students and faculty and researchers, and, finally, innovating. 

“For the next few years, we are looking at preserving our important architecture, with a project we call Sterling 2031, as Sterling Memorial Library turns 100. That project has encouraged us to think not only about the architecture,” she said, “but also about librarianship and how to support research in the 21st century. We are thinking a lot about science right now and support for our science faculty and students.”  

Throughout her career, Rockenbach’s work has focused on the intersection of collections, technology, and pedagogy, including advancing research and learning through visual literacy, research education, and digital humanities.

“We are investing in the ethical and responses uses of artificial intelligence and the way that we can really support our researchers. The library is going where the research is going.” Rockenbach urged alumni to help spread the word about the many innovations that are underway at Yale Library.  

View the YouTube video to hear more about the university librarian’s plans for the future and learn about her favorite pizza, her first day in New Haven, and the back story of the dish of candy that always sits on her desk to welcome visitors to her office. 

President McInnis was also recently interviewed as part of the Yale Alumni Association’s series.