5 Essential Facts About The Kathryn A. Martin Library: UMD’s Hub Of Innovation And 2025 Movers And Shakers
The Kathryn A. Martin Library, a cornerstone of the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) campus, continues to evolve as a vital center for academic research, student support, and community engagement. As of December 2025, the library is not just a repository of books, but a dynamic, modern learning environment, boasting state-of-the-art services and recently celebrated personnel who are shaping the future of information science. This comprehensive guide provides the freshest, most essential details about the library, its namesake, and the innovative programs currently underway.
Named in honor of UMD’s eighth chancellor, the Kathryn A. Martin Library stands as a testament to forward-thinking leadership and dedication to equitable access to information. Completed in September 2000, the building itself is a modern architectural landmark on the Duluth campus, designed by the local firm Stanius Johnson Architects. Its mission is to enhance learning and research across the entire University of Minnesota system, serving as an indispensable resource for students, faculty, and the broader community.
The Legacy of Chancellor Kathryn A. Martin: A Biographical Profile
The library’s namesake, Dr. Kathryn A. Martin, holds a significant place in the history of the University of Minnesota. Her tenure marked a period of notable growth and transformation for the Duluth campus, cementing her reputation as a pioneering leader in higher education.
- Full Name: Kathryn A. Martin
- Key Role: Eighth Chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD)
- Career Highlight: She was the first female chancellor in the entire University of Minnesota system.
- Previous Position: Prior to her arrival at UMD, she served as the dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign.
- Start of UMD Tenure: Dr. Martin came to UMD in 1999.
- Retirement: She announced her retirement on September 3, 2009, with her tenure officially concluding on July 31, 2010.
- Library Naming: The Kathryn A. Martin Library, completed in September 2000, was named in her honor to recognize her impactful leadership and vision for the campus's academic future.
- Successor: She was succeeded by Chancellor Dr. Lendley C. Black on August 1, 2010.
The Securian Learning Commons: A Hub of Integrated Student Support
The modern library is defined by its integrated services, and the centerpiece of student support at the Kathryn A. Martin Library is the Securian Learning Commons. Located on the library’s second floor, this space is designed to be a one-stop-shop for student academic success, moving far beyond traditional book check-out services.
The Securian Learning Commons brings together numerous essential campus services, ensuring students can access coordinated support without having to travel across campus. This integrated approach is crucial for promoting equitable access and enhancing the overall learning experience for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Key Services Available in the Commons:
- In-Person Research Help: Direct access to Subject Librarians for specialized research support, citation guidance, and source discovery.
- Academic Writing and Learning Center (AWLC): A dedicated writers' workshop offering tutoring and assistance with all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to final revisions.
- Mathematics Learning Lab: Provides tutoring and support for students in various mathematics courses.
- Tutoring Services: General academic tutoring across a range of subjects, helping students master challenging course material.
- Technology Support: Access to specialized equipment and collaboration spaces for group projects and digital media creation.
Fresh Updates and Recognitions: What’s New at the Library (2024-2025)
To maintain its status as a fresh and vital resource, the Kathryn A. Martin Library is constantly introducing new programs, collections, and celebrating the achievements of its staff. The most recent updates highlight a commitment to the arts, professional excellence, and unique community outreach.
2025 Mover and Shaker Recognition
In a significant professional achievement, Kayleen Jones, the Education & Human Service Professions Librarian, was selected by *Library Journal* as a 2025 Mover and Shaker. This prestigious national recognition highlights librarians who are driving innovation, leadership, and positive change within the library world. Jones’s work underscores the library's commitment to excellence in professional service and its role in supporting UMD’s academic programs.
2024-2025 Artist in Residence Program
The library actively integrates art and culture into the academic environment through its Art in the Library initiative. The current 2024-2025 Artist in Residence is Kathy McTavish. Her presence and work provide a unique opportunity for the UMD community to engage with contemporary art and explore the intersection of creativity and information science. The library also welcomes the display of Student art, creating a vibrant, ever-changing environment.
Unique Outreach and Collections
Recent news also includes the publication of "Power of One," a new open-access book made available by the University of Minnesota Libraries, expanding the reach of scholarly work. Furthermore, the library has found a unique way to repurpose old resources, with library equipment getting a second life as game pieces for community engagement. The UMD Archives and Special Collections also saw a major update, with new issues for the years 1977-2023 being digitized and made available for local history research, enhancing the documentation of UMD history.
UMD Archives and Special Collections: Preserving Local and University History
Beyond its function as a modern learning center, the Kathryn A. Martin Library is the official repository for the history of UMD and a significant contributor to regional historical preservation. The UMD Archives & Special Collections department plays a critical role in collecting, preserving, and providing access to materials that document the history of the University of Minnesota Duluth and the surrounding Duluth, Minnesota, area.
The Archives are an invaluable resource for faculty, students, and external researchers interested in local history, institutional memory, and unique primary sources. These collections are often utilized for academic research, dissertations, and community projects. Researchers are welcome to use the Archives, which typically operate with hours by appointment to ensure proper handling and access to the delicate materials.
The library’s dedication to digital access is also evident through its collaboration with the Minnesota Digital Library, which expands the reach of its unique holdings to a global audience. This commitment ensures that vital historical and cultural resources remain accessible, supporting the library's core mission of expanding equitable access to information.
Architectural Significance and Operational Details
The construction of the Kathryn A. Martin Library was a major undertaking for the UMD campus. The project, which began on June 23, 1998, was overseen by General Contractor Oscar J Boldt Construction Co. The design by Stanius Johnson Architects resulted in a facility that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, built to support the rapidly changing needs of a 21st-century academic institution.
The library’s architecture emphasizes natural light, open spaces, and flexible areas for both quiet study and collaborative work. It is a physical manifestation of its mission—a welcoming space that encourages intellectual exploration and community interaction. The facility continues to be a central point for UMD, embodying the spirit of its namesake, Chancellor Kathryn A. Martin, by prioritizing innovation, student success, and institutional excellence.
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