Farewell after more than 42 years

After more than four decades of dedicated work, Gabriele Seipel is retiring. Since joining the University of Karlsruhe - now KIT - in 1982, she has significantly shaped and developed the Architecture Library.

She began her career in the Art History Library, but soon took on additional tasks in the Architectural History Library and the Department Library of Architecture. Under her leadership, the libraries transformed from traditional card catalog collections to modern, digitally networked facilities. She oversaw numerous technological changes, ranging from the first electronic cataloging systems to today's Koha system.

In addition to her library work, Gabriele Seipel has always been involved in the further development of library content. She worked on exhibitions such as "MaterialArchitecture" (2018) in collaboration with the Chair of Sustainable Building and "The Bauhaus, a Myth in Books" (2019) in collaboration with the Chair of Building and Architectural History. The integration of new collections, including the Werner Sewing Library, also fell within her area of responsibility.

Her work went far beyond librarianship. She supported students and researchers, helped with spatial restructuring, coordinated conversions and continuously sought improvements for the use of the libraries. In doing so, she always demonstrated foresight, commitment and a spirit of innovation.

With Gabriele Seipel, a highly esteemed colleague is leaving KIT, whose professional competence, organizational talent and humanity will leave many traces. The faculty and her colleagues would like to thank her for her commitment and wish her all the best for the future!