Library Friends Webinar: 協力 Kyoryoku: Bringing Japan’s Material Culture to the Library

Join an engaging webinar exploring the Library’s international collection development initiatives through a recent professional development and book-buying trip to Japan. Emilee Mathews, Head of the Ricker Library of Architecture and Art, will share insights from her travels exploring Japan’s material culture. She expanded the library’s collections with unique acquisitions such as rare books, fabrics, paper samples, and ephemera. Her journey provided a deeper understanding of Japanese visual culture and strengthened the library’s ability to support global scholarship.

Steve Witt, Head of the International and Area Studies Library, will provide a broader perspective on the Library’s International Buying Trip program, highlighting its role in fostering global partnerships, enhancing collections, and supporting research. Through this program, the library builds meaningful international connections, ensuring access to diverse and specialized materials. This webinar offers a behind-the-scenes look at how international engagement enriches collections and expands opportunities for researchers and students alike.