Pepperdine Libraries Enhances London Collection

The library at Pepperdine’s London campus has long been a fixture in the location’s historic six-story building. Since the program was established in 1984, the library has served as a highly valued study space. Through the Libraries’ information literacy program, student learning and research is supported while they are abroad. As the information-seeking needs of our learning community change, Pepperdine Libraries is dedicated to ensuring its resources and services stay current—for example, by helping students understand, use, and think critically about AI technologies through our AI literacy guide. Recently, the Libraries carefully analyzed the holdings in our London library, a deep-dive initiative designed to ensure our physical space is as high-performing as the students who use it every day.

To elevate the collection to the highest level of excellence, we conducted an extensive audit of our entire catalog, synchronizing our systems to ensure every search leads to an accurate find on the shelf. By enhancing the collection, we have optimized discovery and cleared the way for students and faculty to access high-impact, relevant, and up-to-date materials. This effort reflects our commitment to curate excellence across all Pepperdine spaces, including our international programs.

The success of this project was made possible through a dedicated, hands-on partnership between the Malibu and London teams. We owe a debt of gratitude to the leadership in London—Heather Pardee, program director, and Jennifer Ryan, assistant director—as well as our hardworking student worker, Guinevere Hesse, whose efforts on the ground ensured every volume was accounted for and every shelf organized. This collaborative partnership turned a complex logistical task into a seamless revitalization of our resources.

This project was as much about the environment as it was about the material. Enhancing the collection has transformed the library into a more breathable and functional space. The London library remains a vital hub for focused work, providing the quiet, scholarly atmosphere necessary for engaged study, while serving as a flexible, collaborative environment where students and faculty can connect outside the classroom.

Looking ahead, as our international campus footprint evolves, the library remains a cornerstone of the student experience. It is more than a place to access materials; it is a comfortable, safe, curated destination. By ensuring data is precise and our space is organized, we are proud to provide a library that is ready to support the next generation of London scholars.