In response to ongoing budget reductions across the University of California system, the UC libraries are implementing limited adjustments to shared systemwide licensed collections and content. These measures are necessary to maintain essential scholarly resources, ensure financial stability, and protect the long-term strength of the UC Libraries’ collective investment in collections and content supporting research and teaching across the University of California. Therefore, the UC Libraries enacted a 3.7% reduction to the systemwide collections budget, representing a $1.75 million decrease in shared spending power.
What Is Changing
- A total of 25 systemwide subscriptions to digital resources are being cancelled during FY 2025–26, of which UCSB had access to and contributed funding for 20 titles. As a result of these cancellations, UCSB users will lose access to those 20 titles previously available through systemwide subscriptions.
- The UC Santa Barbara Library will continue to provide access to selected content affected by these cancellations through Interlibrary Loan and other alternative access pathways, as we are able.
Library Commitment
Even amid these reductions, the UC libraries remain dedicated to supporting our shared digital collections and the University of California’s academic mission. Collectively, we are committed to:
- Supporting teaching, research, and scholarship across all UC campuses
- Advancing open access and sustainable publishing models
- Ensuring equitable and reliable access to information for the entire UC community
These changes, although challenging, are part of a broader strategy to safeguard the long-term sustainability of the UC Libraries’ shared collections and ensure that the most essential scholarly resources remain accessible for generations to come.
UC Santa Barbara Library has made a strong commitment to protect its local collections budget during this fiscal year. There will be no reductions to UCSB-funded resources in FY 2025–2026. The adjustments described here apply only to systemwide licensed collections that are jointly funded and managed across all UC campuses through the CDL and the UC Libraries’ shared collection program.
Last updated: December 1, 2025.