28 Association of Research Libraries Research Library Issues 300 — 2020 Looking to the Future As we look to a future that sees us safely back on our campus, UML and LAM are committed to maintaining expanded footprints in the digital sphere. The more exciting question for both units is how we can continue to develop, expand, and refine collaborative efforts while maximizing the benefits that the network turn affords, including enhancing object-based teaching and learning opportunities while leveraging technology’s power to increase our reach, maximize our impact, and promote DEAI. Early thoughts include born-digital, crowdsourced exhibitions that unite objects from LAM and UML collections in heretofore unimagined ways a dynamic range of livestream programs as well as archived talks, lectures, and symposia projects intentionally designed to give voice to the voiceless and MOOCs that harness the distinctive expertise of both units’ staff members. Practical considerations include the continued expansion of object-based learning concepts to include both physical objects and their digital surrogates as well as ensuring that UMLLAM has a scalable, shared, digital storage space. UMLLAM’s embrace of the virtual, however, does not mean that either LAM or UML will abandon the analog. On the contrary, the pandemic and related economic contraction have made clear that, now more than ever, humanity craves authentic experiences that involve all five senses, foster connections, and promote unity and togetherness. The UM Libraries and the Lowe will, therefore, be closely examining the feasibility of shared spaces specifically designed to address the “whole” student. The idea of communal gathering areas for the local UMLLAM’s embrace of the virtual, however, does not mean that either LAM or UML will abandon the analog. On the contrary, the pandemic and related economic contraction have made clear that, now more than ever, humanity craves authentic experiences that involve all five senses, foster connections, and promote unity and togetherness.