After 17 years leading the University Library, Olivia Madison will leave her position as dean Sept. 1 to join the provost's office as a special assistant supporting Iowa State's upcoming Higher Learning Commission accreditation review.
Following that assignment, on Dec. 1, she will take an administrative leave prior to returning to the library faculty.
Olivia Madison
"Olivia built a strong foundation upon which the library will continue to grow," said senior vice president and provost Jonathan Wickert. "I also appreciate the experience she will bring to our accreditation review."
Madison's accomplishments as dean include building an enhanced e-Library, transforming public spaces to support collaborative student activities, acquiring vibrant campus art and expanding the library's role in research through the Digital Repository@Iowa State University and Scholarly Communications Program.
University service
Madison has contributed to the ISU community through significant service, which includes chairing the committee that drafted the current promotion and tenure document and serving as the third president of the Faculty Senate. She also has been active nationally and internationally in her discipline – including serving as president of the Association of Library Collections and Technical Services, chair of the Greater Western Library Alliance, board member of the Association for Research Libraries, and in leadership positions for the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. On July 1, she will receive the American Library Association's Ross Atkinson Lifetime Leadership Award, which recognizes her contributions to the profession.
"The library staff has been integral in making the library a recognized campus center of excellence as it supports the research infrastructure and student success," Madison said. "I am proud of their accomplishments and consider it a privilege and honor to have served the university as dean of the library."
An interim leader of the library will be announced in the coming weeks.
