The search committee for the position of university librarian has completed its work and has recommended Susan Cleyle for the position.
President Gary Kachanoski has accepted the recommendation; the Board of Regents approved the appointment on June 8, 2016. Ms. Cleyle will begin a five-year term effective Aug. 1, 2016.
Strategic leadership
Ms. Cleyle comes to the university librarian role from the Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning where she has held the position of director since 2012.
“Ms. Cleyle has a history of highly effective, dynamic leadership as a member of the university’s senior leadership team.”
In this role, Ms. Cleyle led a team of more than 90 staff, providing strategic leadership to the unit to advance the use of educational technologies in teaching and learning, the delivery of the university’s online course and program offerings and the provision of professional development for Memorial’s educators. She was also responsible for fostering and sustaining meaningful relationships with the many faculties, schools and campuses of Memorial. Prior to this role, Ms. Cleyle spent 10 years as the associate university librarian at Memorial’s Queen Elizabeth II Library.
‘Knowledge and vision’
“Ms. Cleyle has a history of highly effective, dynamic leadership as a member of the university’s senior leadership team,” said Dr. Noreen Golfman, provost and vice-president (academic). “Her experience and depth of knowledge, combined with her vision for Memorial University Libraries, will further enhance the libraries’ ability to support teaching, learning and research, and deliver the highest quality services to faculty, students and staff across our campuses. I welcome Ms. Cleyle to this important role.”
In 2005 Ms. Cleyle became co-founder of the Canadian Library Association interest group—the Evidence Based Librarianship Interest Group—as well as co-founder of the first online, peer-reviewed, open access evidence-based library journal. In 2008-09 she was president of the Atlantic Provinces Library Association; since 2010 she has been chair of The Partnership, the network of provincial, regional and territorial library associations of Canada. She also co-authored a book titled Last One Out Turn Off the Lights: Is This the Future of American and Canadian Libraries?
Ms. Cleyle holds a bachelor of arts in North American history from Mount Allison University and a master of library and information studies from Dalhousie University. To add to her vast professional experience and activities, in 2014 Ms. Cleyle completed a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Royal Roads University in British Columbia.
‘Leadership and many contributions’
Dr. Golfman expresses her thanks to the search committee and recognizes the work of Louise White, who served as acting university librarian throughout the search process.
“I extend my sincere thanks to Ms. White for her leadership and many contributions to advancing Memorial University Libraries during her time as acting university librarian.”
