Texas Tech University Names Bella Karr Gerlich New Dean of Libraries
Bella Karr Gerlich will begin a new chapter at Texas Tech University as professor and dean of the University Libraries. Gerlich is currently dean of libraries at University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and will assume her new role March 1.
She replaces Donald Dyal, who retired in August after serving as dean since 2001. Earnstein Dukes is serving as interim dean.
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Gerlich has decades of experience in library work. She received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, a masters of public management from Carnegie Mellon University and her doctorate in library and information sciences from the University of Pittsburgh.
“As university libraries continue to evolve with the ever-changing technological landscape, it is imperative that we maintain a program that benefits our students and faculty in their academic endeavors,” said Texas Tech President M. Duane Nellis. “Dr. Gerlich’s academic pedigree and extensive background in university libraries will greatly benefit Texas Tech University.”
Gerlich gained experience from prior appointments as university librarian at Dominican University, associate university librarian at Georgia College and State University and head of Arts & Special Collections at Carnegie Mellon University. Her research has resulted in publications in the areas of assessment, organizational behavior and valuation of services. She also is a frequent guest lecturer and presenter at professional venues, both in the U.S. and abroad.
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Filed under: Academic Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Libraries, Management and Leadership, Reports
About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.