Tom Hickerson, vice-provost (libraries and cultural resources) completes term on June 30, 2018

Tom Hickerson came to the University of Calgary in 2006 after an extensive career at Cornell University, to lead the design and construction of the Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL). Opening in 2011, the TFDL has been recognized internationally as one of the most innovative research libraries. It is exceptionally popular with students. Under Hickerson’s leadership, Libraries and Cultural Resources (LCR) twice received the Students’ Union Presidential Citation in recognition of “passion and commitment to the students of the University of Calgary.”

In 2009, Hickerson led the campaign to achieve membership in the ranks of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), placing the University of Calgary among the premier academic libraries in Canada and the United States.

One of Hickerson’s primary focuses has been to build archives and special collections of national and international distinction. In 2016, the University of Calgary acquired the archives of EMI Music Canada. A donation from Universal Music Canada, this collection of more than two million items is among the most important recent cultural acquisitions by a research library.

Among his many community partnerships, Hickerson serves as a founding member of the governing Council of The Military Museums, a Department of National Defence facility, where the University of Calgary has established an outstanding library, archives, and art gallery.

Hickerson is a Fellow and former president of the Society of American Archivists and served on the executive committee of the International Council on Archives. In 2001, he was named a Computerworld Honours Program Laureate in recognition of his contributions to “the use of information technologies for the benefit of society.” Since coming to Calgary, he has served as president of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) and as a board member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL).

Hickerson is a leading theorist in reshaping the role of libraries within the research ecosystem. He is currently principal investigator for Academic Research and University Libraries: Creating a New Model for Collaboration, and co-principal investigator for Renewing Access to Culturally Significant Audiovisual Recordings. These grants, totaling C$3 million, are funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Hickerson will remain at the University of Calgary on administrative leave through June 2020. His main focus during his leave will be leading the  two Mellon-funded research initiatives. I am looking forward to gathering with UCalgary community members and stakeholders as we celebrate Tom’s many contributions to the university on Friday, June 15, 2018.

As previously announced, after a broad international search, Dr. Mary-Jo Romaniuk, PhD, has been appointed vice-provost (libraries and cultural resources), for a renewable term of five years, effective Sept. 1, 2018.

From July 1 to Aug. 31, 2018, Susan Powelson, who is currently the associate university librarian for Technology, Discovery and Digital Services will be interim vice-provost (libraries and cultural resources). Susan has been in her current role since July 2015 and has been at UCalgary since 2008. She holds a Master of Library Science from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta.

Libraries and Cultural Resources encompasses University of Calgary Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, the University of Calgary Press, Nickle Galleries, Library and Archives, and the Founders’ Gallery at The Military Museum, and the University of Calgary Copyright Office. This broad portfolio is a hub of activity for UCalgary, responsible for important initiatives that affect the discovery and research activities of our entire campus.

Please join me in congratulating Tom as we celebrate the conclusion of his time as vice-provost and thanking Susan Powelson for stepping into the interim leadership role during the transition period to Dr. Romaniuk.

Dru Marshall
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)