The 2024–25 academic year has been a landmark period for The University of Manchester Library, defined by exceptional achievement, strategic progress, and a deepening of our commitment to the University's Manchester 2035 ambitions. As the third largest academic library system in the United Kingdom, we have worked closely with the University in developing this new institutional vision, ensuring that library services and expertise are embedded at its very heart. 

The Library is critical to all aspects of life and endeavour at the University, serving as the heart of campus for students, an essential partner in research and teaching, and a vital resource for innovation and discovery. As one of the UK's National Research Libraries, we hold responsibilities that extend far beyond our own institution, and we continue to build upon an already significant international profile, strengthening our role as a global leader in research collections, digital scholarship, and academic innovation.

This annual report is structured around nine strategic pillars that together capture the breadth and ambition of our work: Creative People, Engaged Students, Manchester Collections, Open Principles and Equality, Our AI, Remarkable Spaces, Research Innovation, Sustainability, and Valued Services. Each pillar represents a vital dimension of our contribution to the University's mission, and together they illustrate how we are building a library fit for the future while honouring our distinguished past.

From strengthening staff capability and enhancing student experience, to advancing digital innovation and stewarding our world-class collections, to embedding sustainability across our operations and spaces we have pursued excellence while remaining firmly anchored in our core values of openness, creativity, and service. Our progress in developing AI capabilities, promoting open research principles, and delivering valued services across all our sites demonstrates the Library's role as an integral and innovative partner within the University.

None of this would be possible without the expertise, dedication, and commitment of Library staff across all our teams and locations. Their professionalism, creativity, and unwavering focus on supporting our users have been the foundation of every achievement documented in these pages. I am deeply grateful for their continued excellence and collaborative spirit.

The University of Manchester Library continues to evolve as creative, inclusive, and forward-thinking, and one that is essential to the University's ambitions. As we look ahead, the successes chronicled in this year's Annual Report provide both affirmation and momentum for the work still to come.

Professor Christopher Pressler
University Librarian and Director of The John Rylands Library

This year, we strengthened staff capability, collaboration and engagement through professional development initiatives, major cultural events, innovative apprenticeships, and the successful celebration of The John Rylands Library’s 125th anniversary.

We strengthened student experience through feedback-driven improvements, expanded digital skills support, and increased academic engagement, leading to enhanced facilities, skills development, and stronger integration of Library teaching into degree programmes.

We expanded and enriched our digital and physical collections, strengthened international partnerships, advanced digital platforms, and delivered major exhibitions and acquisitions, enhancing global research access and public engagement in 2024-25.

We advanced inclusive practice through accessible assessment and research support, AI-enhanced digital accessibility, creative community partnerships, and more transparent, equitable approaches to describing and presenting collections.

We strengthened support for responsible AI use through new academic integrity guidance, staff development initiatives, innovative AI projects, and the establishment of governance structures to drive ethical, inclusive adoption.

We enhanced learning, study and cultural spaces through major refurbishments, new audio-visual and upgraded digital and physical teaching facilities, and accessibility-focused improvements, creating more inclusive, flexible and high-quality environments for students, staff and visitors.

We strengthened the University’s research culture through expanded open research initiatives, responsible research metrics, innovative digital infrastructure, and data-driven tools that enhance transparency, collaboration and global research impact.

We improved the sustainability of its digital preservation by introducing Amazon S3 Glacier for long-term archival storage, reducing energy use and costs while ensuring secure, enduring access to rarely used data. 

We strengthened our role in supporting the University community by expanding access to resources, enhancing wellbeing support, investing in digital innovation, and deepening engagement with local communities. Key developments included growth in inclusive membership schemes, major milestones in digital learning provision, and essential technology upgrades to ensure services remain accessible, sustainable and future-ready.