Carrie Lynn Cooper, the next dean of university libraries, comes to us from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky. She will succeed Connie McCarthy, who retired last summer following thirteen years at the helm of Swem Library. "We are delighted that Carrie Cooper will be our next dean of university libraries," said President Taylor Reveley. "She brings experience, enthusiasm, and vision to the job. Carrie understands the central role our libraries play in the success of William & Mary. We are also very grateful to Bea Hardy for her excellent stewardship of Swem during the past year." Bea Hardy served as interim dean and will return to her position as the Marian and Alan McLeod Director of the Special Collections Research Center.
A native of Florida, Dean Cooper received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Florida State University and her master's degree in library and informational services from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has been at Eastern Kentucky since 1998, when she was appointed the team leader of the Learning Resources Center at Crabbe Library. In 2002 Dean Cooper was named the library's coordinator of research and instruction. In that role she oversaw everything from reference, library instruction, and university archives, to government documents, the Learning Resources Center, and distance education. In 2005 Dean Cooper was named interim dean of libraries and dean in 2006.
During her time as dean of libraries, she was credited with revitalizing the library's fundraising program--including securing the largest private gift in the university's history--and directing a major renovation of Eastern Kentucky's Crabbe Library. Completed in September 2010, the renovation project encompassed the relocation of the existing University Writing Center, creation of a new oral communication center, the reopening of the library's historic main entrance, and the integration of research assistance for students. Recognizing her interest in instructional faculty-librarian collaboration, the American Library Association in 2000 awarded her its H. W. Wilson Professional Development Grant for "Librarians and Faculty Collaborating for Student Success." At Eastern Kentucky Dean Cooper, who is also interested in working media and technology into the library experience, led a multimedia project that celebrated the scholarly and creative achievements of faculty and staff.
"The digital age presents many opportunities for librarians to support and enhance an academic community," Dean Cooper said. "In this evolving environment, I look foward to leading one of the country's most prestigious academic libraries."
Voicing the thoughts of many on campus, Provost Michael Halleran noted, "Carrie is considered a rising star among university librarians and was very well received by members of the College community during the search process. We're thrilled she will be our next dean. I am confident she is the right person to lead our libraries to the next level."