University Librarian Gerald J. Munoff has decided to retire in April 2010, concluding 12 outstanding years of service as a dynamic, transformational leader of the UCI Libraries.

University Librarian Gerald J. Munoff

Munoff came to UCI from the University of Chicago in 1998 to oversee UCI's library system comprising the Main Library, the Science Library, the medical library, and the Gateway Study Center. Under his visionary leadership, the libraries have grown from two million to more than 3.1 million volumes, with current subscriptions to 54,000 print and electronic journals.

Due to his efforts, the Main Library was renamed the Jack Langson Library in recognition of a gift from the Newport Beach entrepreneur, and the medical library was renamed the Forest J. Grunigen, M.D. Library. The Libraries' physical spaces and services were dramatically transformed to respond to changing user demands and information technologies, and increasing numbers of community users were welcomed for lectures and exhibits. All areas of the Libraries benefited from the significant increase in named library funds and the substantial growth of both the Library Endowment and the Partners of the UCI Libraries.

Munoff’s contributions have resulted in an exceptionally strong library system which will be treasured by all of us in the years to come.

Munoff formed highly successful academic partnerships with faculty and students and founded SPIRIT, (School Partnerships in Research and Information Technology) which prepares local high school students for success in higher education, work, and life, and SCAMP (Scholarly Communication and Management Program), which promotes scholarly communication issues. He also reached out extensively to the business community, offering new services in research expertise and customized information in a variety of subject areas.

Munoff has made substantial and innovative contributions to critical library initiatives including the Google digital project, Open Access, and the UC Melvyl catalog. He also chaired the UC Shared Library Facilities Board and served on UCI's Undergraduate Task Force and the UC Information Technology Guidance Committee. Most recently, he provided expert guidance in the establishment of the UCI Law Library.

Munoff's contributions have resulted in an exceptionally strong library system which will be treasured by all of us in the years to come. Plans for an interim replacement will be announced soon.