The University of Georgia Libraries are pleased to announce the naming of three new leaders who join University Librarian and Associate Provost Toby Graham in providing direction-setting and oversight for the libraries.
Newest to UGA is Sara Wright who started her role as Associate University Librarian for Learning Services and Academic Engagement in January. Wright formerly served as director of Cornell University’s Mann & Science Cluster Libraries, and her career at Cornell included stints as Academic Technology Librarian; Head of User Services and Engagement; and Head of Learning, Spaces, and Technology.
As associate university librarian for learning services and academic engagement, Wright oversees UGA Libraries’ public service units focusing on faculty and student research consultations, library instruction initiatives, and the work to maintain quality access to the libraries’ vast array of information resources.
Emily Gore, was recently elevated to the position of Deputy University Librarian, having joined UGA Libraries as associate university librarian in May of 2022. Gore previously served as assistant dean of libraries for digital strategy at the University of Tennessee, director of content at the Digital Public Library of America, associate dean of libraries for digital scholarship and technology at Florida State University, and head of digital initiatives and information technology at Clemson University.
Gore’s primary duties involve the oversight of UGA Libraries’ collections, technical services, research data services, and digital initiatives and stewardship. She also serves as the chair of the University’s Research Data Management Advisory Council and was recently elected to the Association of Research Libraries Advocacy and Public Policy Committee and to the steering committee of SPARC, a consortium of 250 libraries and academic organizations that advocates for equitable and open systems for research and education.
Kat Stein has been named Interim Associate University Librarian for Special Collections. Stein has served as director of the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library since 2017. She will continue in the Hargrett director role, while also coordinating workflows and collaboration efforts among the three special collections units based at the Richard B. Russell Building, including the Russell Library for Political Research and Studies and Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection.
Stein joined UGA Libraries in 2008 as head of arrangement and description for the Russell Library, and she has worked in multiple roles within UGA’s special collections, including administering the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame and the Lillian Smith Book Awards.
In addition to Gore, Wright, and Stein, several other department and unit leaders will continue to report directly to Graham, including administrative services/budget, library technology, human resources, development, UGA Press, Georgia Review, Center for Research and Education at Wormsloe, and marketing/communication.
“Our work at the UGA Libraries underpins each aspect of the University’s mission and supports faculty, students, and staff across campus and beyond. These organizational changes will help us to adapt to the changing needs of our users, improve alignment with University priorities, and provide our dedicated library faculty and staff with the engagement and direction they need to be successful in their work.” Graham said. “The new structure also more closely resembles the great majority of our university research library peers.”