CSU Libraries Unite for Innovation, Equity and Student Success

This article was originally published by the California State University on June 9, 2025.

More than 650 library professionals, faculty and staff from across the California State University came together on June 3 for the inaugural CSU Libraries Conference. The hybrid event was hosted virtually and in collaborative spaces at Fresno State, Cal State Fullerton and San José State.

Framed around the theme of shared purpose and cross-campus collaboration, the conference highlighted the evolving role of libraries in supporting equity, digital transformation and student success.

“Libraries are central to student success,” Nathan Evans, CSU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, said in opening remarks. “When students walk into a library, they are walking into a space designed for discovery, collaboration and support.”

Sessions throughout the day reflected the diverse and forward-thinking efforts taking place at CSU libraries. Presenters from multiple CSUs shared strategies for enhancing research, equity and wellness.

One session titled “Creating an Optimized Strategy for Research Production and Analysis” demonstrated how evidence mapping across institutions is deepening interdisciplinary research across the system. Another project, “CSU Archives & Archivists Roundtable,” spotlighted the power of sustained professional communities in fostering collaboration and innovation.

Student-centered support was a major focus. Sessions included “Don’t Go Textbook Broke,” which highlighted Cal State San Marcos and SJSU‘s work on course material affordability, and “Paws for Purpose,” which highlighted Cal State Monterey Bay’s efforts to promote student well-being by bringing therapy dogs into the library.

Presentations also covered how libraries are navigating emerging technologies. The “Library-Led AI” session showcased how SJSU staff developed an in-house chatbot, KingbotGPT, using open-source tools and retrieval augmented generation. Meanwhile, another session compared popular AI tools with librarian-led research support to underscore the enduring value of human expertise.

Several sessions emphasized inclusive historical narratives and student engagement through archives, including how librarians are preserving underrepresented voices and stories. Other presentations explored open educational resources, leadership development and career growth—especially for mid-career librarians.

The day concluded with a session titled “Creating Impact Through Collaboration,” meant to leave participants energized and aligned around a shared vision for the future.

“This conference isn’t just a one-off gathering,” Evans said. “It’s a starting point for a new chapter of collaboration, idea-sharing and collective impact.”

As CSU libraries continue to evolve as dynamic, inclusive spaces, the 2025 CSU Libraries Conference marked a significant step toward building a stronger, more connected future for the entire university system.

The CSU libraries are a network led by the Council of Library Deans, with support from Systemwide Digital Library Services and Systemwide Digital Library Content at the CSU Chancellor’​s Office. Learn more about CSU libraries.