University Librarian Sarah Thomas recently announced the appointment of H. Thomas Hickerson as Associate University Librarian for Information Technology and Special Collections.
For the past year, Hickerson has been serving as associate university librarian for special collections. While continuing his guidance of the library's primary rare book and manuscript programs, in this new role, he is additionally responsible for integrating and overseeing the library's entire information technology operations. In the coming year, this will involve the selection and implementation of a new computerized library management system, expansion of access to digital resources for library users, and development of a strategic digital library program for the new millennium.
Hickerson has been director of Cornell's Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections since 1992 and has served as director of the Cornell Institute for Digital Collections (CIDC) since its inception in 1997. CIDC is an interdisciplinary unit with a campuswide mandate to explore and promote the use of emerging technologies for improving access to cultural and scientific collections. From 1993 to 1996, Hickerson was co-director of the Cornell Digital Access Coalition, CIDC's precursor. As associate university librarian, Hickerson also will continue to direct the CIDC.
University Librarian Thomas said, "Under Tom Hickerson's guidance, Cornell has become a national and international leader in developing and testing new digital technology and standards, in implementing these advances, and in taking steps to analyze the impact of these changes on teaching, learning and scholarly communication. His vision for the library is manifest in his leadership of the Cornell Institute for Digital Collections and in the many digital projects under way or completed in Rare and Manuscript Collections. I am confident that Tom's skill in attracting private, corporate and foundation support for these endeavors will stand us in good stead as we seek to expand our digital initiatives in the future."
Hickerson currently is vice president/president-elect of the Society of American Archivists and was honored for his professional contributions by being named a fellow of the society in 1987.
In 1993 he was the recipient of an Andrew W. Mellon Research Fellowship, "Digital Access to Research Collections on College and University Campuses." He has written and spoken extensively on archival and library automation and on digital library development. At Cornell, he also has served as assistant director of John M. Olin Library and chaired the Department of Manuscripts and University Archives.
Hickerson holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in history from the University of Oklahoma and previously directed the Oklahoma State Archives and Records Division.
With more than 6 million volumes housed in 19 unit libraries, Cornell Library is one of the nation's 12 largest academic research libraries. The library's rare book and manuscript collections include more than 300,000 printed volumes, more than 7,000 manuscript collections and some million photographs, paintings, prints, microforms and electronic and other visual media.
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