Provost names dean of libraries

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: (907) 474-7902
10/18/05

University of Alaska Fairbanks Provost Paul Reichardt has announced the appointment of James Huesmann as the university’s new dean of libraries.

In the position, Huesmann will be responsible for providing vision and direction for Rasmuson Library. With holdings of more than 2.2 million items, including one of the world’s pre-eminent Alaska and polar region collections, it the largest library in Alaska

"I am delighted that James will be joining UAF’s leadership team,"? Reichardt said. "He has outstanding qualifications and experience for his appointment as dean of libraries. I also anticipate that he will contribute to programs and efforts throughout UAF."

Huesmann most recently served as dean of university libraries and assistant provost for computing and information technology at Western Illinois University. He holds master’s degrees in library and information science and Latin American history and a bachelor’s degree in history.

Huesmann was selected for the position from a pool of well-qualified applicants, according to College of Liberal Arts Dean Phyllis Morrow, who chaired the search committee. Along with extensive experience and a dynamic personality, Morrow said Huesmann has a strong vision for how the library can serve the research, teaching and service missions of the university, as well as increase its presence as an information center in the community and the state.

"He has a real breadth of understanding and knowledge that I think is going to serve this university well,"? she said. "He is strong in all the areas the committee highlighted as critical to the position."?

Huesmann said he hopes to increase Rasmuson Library’s cooperation with other libraries throughout the state and search for new ways to boost its role in the university’s three-pronged mission. In addition, he said the use of technology has potential to offer library patrons quick, focused access to the information they seek.

"There’s a saying, ’nobody graduates from a library but nobody graduates without a library,’"? he said. "The Rasmuson Library has an incredible foundation and is poised to move forward and grow and be that incredibly important aspect of a great university."?

Huesmann said he, his wife, Lori, and their children are looking forward to life in Fairbanks. "She didn’t want to come back home after we were up there for the interview."?

He is slated to start work in January, but says he hopes to head north prior to the new year.

"I want to make sure we get up there to see the Nanooks win the Governor’s Cup,"? he said. "I’m going to buy my tickets now."?

CONTACT: UAF Public Information Officer Marmian Grimes at (907) 474-7902 or via e-mail at marmian.grimes@uaf.edu.

A high resolution photo is available for download at http://www.uaf.edu/files/news/download/releasephotos/05/0510huesmann_james.jpg.