The Library hits 1 million visitors for 2025

The Library is a favourite place on campus for study, collaboration and research – both for students and staff. Last week, we were thrilled to welcome our 1 millionth visitor of the year for the first time since 2019!

Since our campuses reopened following the Covid lockdowns, visits to our libraries have risen steadily. With blended/online learning now established as the norm, it’s wonderful to see that Library spaces remain popular and serve an important purpose for students, staff, educators and researchers alike.

Staff at Swanston Library celebrated the entrance of Lachlan Timms with streamers and cheers, leaving him a bit amused by all the fuss. He was offered a selection of Library merchandise and a box of chocolates as an acknowledgement.

Lachlan looks surprised and happy to be informed he's the millionth visitor

Lachlan Timms celebrates with Library staff

Lachlan Timms is an Adjunct Industry Associate in RMIT’s School of Engineering. Together with Associate Professor Kiao Inthavong and Professor Kate Fox, his work is revolutionising the treatment of anaphylaxis. He says the Library is the perfect place for focused, solo research.

Lachlan with the Library's Senior Coordinator, Frontline Services Mel Kidman; and Associate Director, Quality and Engagement Jack Dunstan

The Library is often quoted as being the ‘silent partner’ in the delivery of learning and teaching by educators and academics, so it’s excellent to see the role we play in facilitating research and development work too.

As students are hard at work finishing up the semester, we look forward to welcoming thousands more before the year ends. Thank you to every visitor who contributed toward this milestone.

10 November 2025

Other news from the Library

Print vs online: the great debate

09 Feb 2026

The RMIT University Library Podcast launched late last year, sharing conversations with researchers, teachers and staff across the university.

Students sit in a semicircle talking outside

Soft skills are human skills – and they’re more essential than ever

15 Jan 2026

In a world where AI is rapidly changing the way we learn, work and communicate, the abilities that make us uniquely human are what set us apart.

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Learn how to fact check the fake news

02 Dec 2025

Misinformation and disinformation are prevalent – and becoming harder to identify. Do you have the skills to separate what's real from what is not?

Library wins Responsible Practice Award

26 Nov 2025

This week, the Library was honoured to receive the Responsible Practice Award in RMIT’s Awards for Excellence ceremony at the Capitol Theatre.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures