Schottlaender to Lead UCLA Senior Fellows Program

Since its creation in 1982, the Senior Fellows Program at UCLA has identified and developed many academic library leaders who have gone on to distinguished careers. Upon the retirement of longtime director Beverly Lynch, professor of information studies, UC San Diego’s University Librarian, Brian Schottlaender, will come on board as its new director. In addition, the program will become a collaborative effort of the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, the UCLA Library and Ithaka S+R, a nonprofit that provides guidance to the academic community.

The fellows program combines management perspectives, strategic thinking and practical and theoretical approaches to the issues confronting academic institutions and their libraries. During the three-week residential program, fellows listen to lectures, review case studies, attend field trips and participate in group study sessions. Of some 250 alumni, nearly half have gone on to positions as library directors.

“It’s truly my privilege to follow in the footsteps of Beverly Lynch, who has contributed so much toward the development and success of the Senior Fellows Program,” said Schottlaender. “I look forward to leading the program — in collaboration with our new partners — and am eager to help shape the next generation of library leaders in the academic world.”

Schottlaender, who will retire as UC San Diego’s University Librarian on June 30, was a member of the Senior Fellows Program’s 1995 class.

“The Senior Fellows Program has established an unmatched legacy in the development of academic library leadership, and it was a joy to lead the program during the past 25 years,” Lynch said. “Brian Schottlaender is an outstanding appointment to lead the program into its next phase, and now, with pleasure, I turn it over him.”

A member of the first fellows class in 1982, Lynch has guided the program since 1991. She has used her background as an academic dean and as a library leader to bring in speakers ranging from chancellors, provosts and academic faculty to influential figures in library and information policy. Furthermore, she has customized the curriculum for each cohort and carefully structured opportunities for interaction in order to make the experience as rewarding for participants as possible.

The next fellows program will take place in 2018 at UCLA.