Four finalists have been named in the search for the next dean of the University Library. They are:
- Maggie Farrell, dean of libraries, University of Wyoming
- Beth McNeil, professor and associate dean for academic affairs, Purdue University Libraries
- Marilyn Moody, professor and dean of the University Library, Portland State University
- Jeff Steely, associate dean of libraries, Baylor University
"We are pleased to bring four outstanding finalists to campus," said David Spalding, dean of the College of Business who co-chairs the search committee with associate provost Dawn Bratsch-Prince. "I am excited for them to meet the university community and share their visions for moving the University Library to the next level.
"On behalf of the search committee, I encourage students, faculty and staff, and the entire campus community, to attend the open forums and provide feedback," Spalding said.
Farrell will be on campus Feb. 26-27; McNeil on March 2-3; Steely on March 4-5; and Moody on March 9-10. Each will meet with members of the university community and University Library, and participate in an open forum. The open forums will begin at 3 p.m. in 2019 Morrill Hall on the following dates:
- Farrell, Feb. 26
- McNeil, March 2
- Steely, March 4
- Moody, March 9
Those who wish to submit comments on the finalists should complete an evaluation by noon on Monday, March 16. The online evaluation form will be available on the search website.
About the finalists
Farrell
Farrell has served as dean of libraries at the University of Wyoming since 2002. Her career also included positions at Montana State University; the U.S. Government Printing Office's Library Programs Service; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada; and Arizona State University.
Farrell earned a bachelor's degree in American studies from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and master's degree in library science and public administration from the University of Arizona. She also completed programs in German and Russian language studies.
McNeil
McNeil has served as associate dean for academic affairs at the Purdue University Libraries since 2009. Her career included library positions at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Bradley University and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
McNeil earned a bachelor's degree in English and a master's in library and information science from the University of Illinois. She has also completed a doctoral program in human sciences, with a focus on leadership studies, at the University of Nebraska.
Moody
Moody has served as dean of the University Library at Portland State University since 2012. Her previous service includes positions at Boise State University, where she served as library dean, as well as at the University of California, Santa Barbara; University at Buffalo (State University of New York); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Iowa State University and Miami University.
Moody earned a bachelor's degree in the teaching of social studies and a master's in library science from the University of Illinois.
Steely
Steely serves as associate dean of libraries at Baylor University, a position he has held since 2012. His tenure at Baylor included positions as assistant dean and director of central libraries, assistant director for client services, and outreach services librarian.
Steely earned a bachelor's degree in history and religion from Bethel College, and a master's in library and information science from the University of Texas, Austin, where he also completed doctoral coursework in higher education administration.
Photos and vitae of the candidates will be available soon on the search website.
Joyce Garnett, university librarian emeritus at Western University, London, Ontario, has been serving as interim library dean since September.
