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Dean of University Libraries to depart

November 13, 2015

Founders Memorial LibraryNorthern Illinois University Dean of University Libraries Patrick Dawson will leave NIU to pursue a professional opportunity as director of the Albin O. Kuhn Library and Gallery at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), effective Feb. 1, 2016.

“Patrick has provided excellent leadership and facilitated a number of innovative initiatives associated with research and technology during his seven years as dean of University Libraries,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Lisa Freeman.

“Our library staff, programs and resources are nationally recognized for their excellence, and we will conduct a national search to fill this very important position.”

Dawson arrived at NIU in July 2008, and during his tenure he promoted the implementation of innovative and emerging information retrieval and delivery technologies and trends such as the Huskie Commons Digital Repository and launch of NIU’s Open Access Fund.

Dawson will remain at NIU until his departure, and after his departure Chalermsee (Ete) Olson has agreed to serve as interim dean of University Libraries.

Olson’s appointment will be presented to the Board of Trustees for approval at the Dec. 10 regular meeting. A national search for a permanent successor to Dawson will begin in fall 2016.

Patrick Dawson

Patrick Dawson

Olson joined NIU Libraries in 1991 and has served as the associate dean of Collections & Technical Services Division in NIU’s University Libraries since 2009.

She has been responsible for library materials budgeting, library collection and management, and managing Technical Services (acquisitions and cataloging), Rare Books and Special Collections, Southeast Asia Collection, Government Publications, the Music Library and Faraday Library.

She is also a faculty associate of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies.

Olson received a master’s degree in Library and Information Studies from NIU and a master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Pittsburgh as a Fulbright Scholarship recipient.