Martha Whitehead has been reappointed Vice-Provost and University Librarian for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2016.

“Martha has fostered many outstanding programs within Queen’s University Library that have enhanced the student learning experience and supported our research community,” says Alan Harrison, Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic). “Martha’s consultative leadership style and in-depth knowledge in the field of library science will ensure our libraries continue to be a rich and vital resource for years to come.”

Since taking over leadership of Queen’s University Library in July 2011, Ms. Whitehead has spearheaded significant organizational development to meet current and future information needs. She coordinated the design and implementation of the Library and Archives Master Plan in concert with the Campus Master Plan and implemented new planning processes to support the university’s Strategic Framework. She has also helped develop new services such as copyright advisory and research data management.

Ms. Whitehead completed her Master of Library Science at the University of British Columbia. Prior to assuming the role of Vice-Provost and University Librarian, she was the Associate University Librarian at Queen’s for six years. Before joining Queen’s, she held positions at the University of British Columbia Library, and was a visiting scholar at the University of Melbourne.

Ms. Whitehead is recognized as a leader in her field with national and international profile. Her external activities position Queen’s as an active player in the research library landscape, and help build collaborations and develop new perspectives. She is President of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) and she has served as Vice-Chair/Chair/Past Chair of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL).

The principal’s advisory committee – chaired by Alan Harrison – unanimously recommended Ms. Whitehead’s reappointment. The committee membership also included:

Lori Stewart (Secretary), Director, Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic)
Lorne Beswick, VP Campaigns and Community Affairs, Society of Graduate and Professional Students
Irène Bujara, University Advisor on Equity and Human Rights
Michele Chittenden, Coordinator, Adaptive Technology Centre; Research and Instruction Librarian
Amy Kaufman, Head, Law Library
Shelley King, Chair, Senate Library Committee
Steven Liss, Vice-Principal (Research)
Tyler Lively, Academic Affairs Commissioner, Alma Mater Society
Rebecca Luce-Kapler, Dean, Faculty of Education
Arlie Redmond, Collections Assistant (Learning Research Services), Discovery and Technology Services
Brenda Reed, Librarian (Education Library)
Jill Scott, Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning)
Nathalie Soini, Head, Information Services
Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs
Michael Vandenburg, Associate University Librarian
Bo Wandschneider, Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice-Principal (IT Services)