UVa Library Press Releases 1999 - 2000

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U.VA. LIBRARY SEEKS NEW DIRECTOR OF CLEMONS

Contacts: Diane Walker, associate University of Librarian for user services at (804) 924-4606
or e-mail: dpw@virginia.edu

Feb. 3, 2000 - The University of Virginia Library is seeking a director of Clemons Library, the system's undergraduate library.

After serving 18 years as the director of Clemons, James Self is leaving the position to become the director of the Library's Management Information Services (MIS) full-time, a position he has been handling part-time for three years. "I look forward to dedicating my full attention to the position of director of MIS and to serving U.Va. students in this new capacity," said Self, who has been director of Clemons since it opened in 1982. He will continue in both posts until a new Clemons director is hired.

MIS identifies areas, functions, and tasks within the University Library where performance and service could be enhanced. MIS conducts and analyzes surveys and focus groups and then uses the data for decision-making. One recent MIS project resulted in an improvement in the speed and accuracy of reshelving books.

"The library is searching for a director with the same commitment to students that Jim has," said Diane Walker, associate University librarian for user services and coordinator of the search. "We are also looking for someone who will enhance and highlight the many strengths of Clemons while at the same time developing new areas of service."

A search committee made up of University Library personnel has been formed to look nationally for candidates. The library plans to involve the Office of the Dean of Students and students from the Library Advisory Committee, an ad hoc group that meets once a semester to advise the library on its services, in the interviews of finalists for the position. The library hopes to fill this position by summer. Contact at (804) 924-4606 or dpw@virginia.edu for more information.