Carrie Cooper was recently named the newest Dean of University Libraries at the College of William and Mary. Cooper, who will replace Interim Dean Bea Hardy, begins her new position August 1.
Twenty-eight professionals and 37 university employees will be given into Cooper’s charge, as will nine million dollars in funding and over two million volumes.
“We are delighted that Carrie Cooper will be our next Dean of University Libraries,” President Taylor Reveley said in a press release. “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.”
The Dean of University Libraries position involves strategic planning and collection development of library content as well as budget assessment of library services, resources, programs and facilities. Cooper will report directly to the Provost and will provide collaborative and entrepreneurial leadership in support of the teaching, learning and research activities of the university. She will also serve as a member of the Deans’ council and represent the College at national and statewide library consortiums.
During her tenure at the College, Cooper hopes to incorporate media and technology into the library experience at Earl Gregg Swem Library.
“The digital age presents many opportunities for librarians to support and enhance an academic community,” Cooper said. “In this evolving environment, I look forward to leading one of the country’s most prestigious academic libraries.”
In her new role, Cooper will also be an active fundraiser for the library, seeking donor support in the forms of gifts or endowments and working with the Office of Development.
Cooper, who will move from Kentucky to Williamsburg this summer, said she fell in love with the College two years ago while at a conference in Williamsburg.
In her previous position as Dean of Libraries at Eastern Kentucky University, Cooper secured the largest fundraising gift in the University’s history and oversaw the major renovation of the Eastern Kentucky University Crabbe Library.
“I believe it’s important for a great university to have a great library,” Cooper said. “Right now, the William and Mary library is known as being a great library, and I just want to make sure we continue that reputation.”
Before beginning her career in university libraries in 1998, Cooper worked as a fourth grade teacher, and then as a high school librarian.
In 2000, Cooper was awarded the America Library Association’s HW Wilson Professional Development Grant. She has also co-authored numerous articles on children’s literature and published several book reviews.
“Its really important that we use that money to serve the teaching, service and resources of the university,” Cooper said in a press release. “ It’s going to be fun to use that money to help the students succeed.”
