Launch of National Search for the Boston University Librarian
From Dr. Jean Morrison, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Last year, we announced plans for a national search to select a permanent University librarian. In order to help identify the next leader for this important University-wide position, I have appointed a search committee that, over the coming months, will develop an applicant pool and review and recommend candidates.
I am grateful that David Chard, dean of the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, has agreed to chair this committee, whose membership is listed below. The committee will enlist the input of faculty, students, administrators, and other relevant stakeholders in the University community as we work to further the vision of the libraries as a modern and vibrant hub for collaborative, interdisciplinary research. The role of University librarian is vital to the advancement of our academic and research missions, overseeing the procurement, management, and delivery of scholarly resources and our ability to provide essential services to researchers. As set forth in the BU 2030 Strategic Plan, the next University librarian will be responsible for driving the continued modernization of the BU Libraries. This will include, among key priorities, the full renovation and update of the Mugar Library – the central node in the BU Libraries system – and its programs, capabilities, services, and resources to better serve the needs of our digital-age R1/AAU University. It will also mean ensuring the libraries’ continued relevance as inclusive centers for campus life, supplying significant study space, connecting users with a wide array of University resources, supporting instruction and student wellness in their spaces, and housing BU’s many special and distinctive archival collections.
I look forward to reporting back in the spring semester on the progress being made on this search. In the meantime, I’d like to give special thanks to Mark Newton, who has been serving since July 2021 as University librarian ad interim, as well as to the members of the BU Libraries staff for their continued work and dedication to serving the scholarly needs of our faculty, students, and staff.
Boston University Librarian Search Advisory Committee
Chair:
David Chard, Dean, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development
Members:
Eleni Castro, Director of Digital Ventures, BU Libraries
Dana Clancy, Director, School of Visual Arts; Associate Professor of Art, Painting, College of Fine Arts
Ashley Jester, Associate University Librarian for Research & Learning
Robert Chodat, Professor of English, College of Arts & Sciences
Patricia O’Brien, Vice President and Associate Provost for Academic Budgets & Planning
Ron Wheeler, Interim Associate Dean for Equity, Justice & Engagement; Associate Professor of Law and Legal Research; Director, Fineman & Pappas Law Libraries, School of Law
Launch of National Search for the Boston University Librarian – 1.12.23