KU Libraries will welcome dean candidates to Lawrence campus


LAWRENCE – Four candidates will give public presentations in a bid to be the next dean of University of Kansas Libraries. The university is seeking a leader who will guide KU Libraries beyond its traditional responsibilities to meet the emerging needs of the university and the community it serves.

Dean candidates will describe their vision and aspiration for the role of libraries in the next 10 years at a flagship state university.

“Each finalist brings expertise in the field and would benefit KU Libraries, the university and the community,” said Arvin Agah, dean of the KU School of Engineering and co-chair of the search committee. Mary Walsh, chief information officer for KU Lawrence/Edwards, also serves as co-chair of the search committee.

Members of the KU community are encouraged to attend each candidate’s public presentation and provide feedback to the search committee. The name of each candidate will be announced approximately two business days before their respective campus visit.

All public presentations will take place in Watson Library in the Watson 3 West Event Space, and they will be livestreamed. Public presentations for each of the candidates are scheduled for the following dates:

  • Candidate 1: 2:30-3:30 p.m. Feb. 13
  • Candidate 2: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 16
  • Candidate 3: 3-4 p.m. Feb. 21
  • Candidate 4: 3-4 p.m. Feb. 23

“The search committee reviewed an excellent field of candidates,” Walsh said. “We are thrilled by the finalists who will visit campus and share with the KU community their vision for the future of libraries.”

KU Libraries sets out to transform lives by inspiring the discovery and creation of knowledge for the university and global community. Furthermore, KU Libraries is a place of welcome, amplifying the diverse voices of the KU community. It also serves as a leader in the dissemination of knowledge, advancing innovative and substantial ways to collect, create and steward resources. KU Libraries partners in connecting and engaging communities, fostering student success and transformative research.

More information about the department and the search committee can be found online.

Wed, 02/08/2023

author

Evan Riggs

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Evan Riggs

Office of the Provost

785-864-1085