University of Illinois Will Begin Search for New Dean of Libraries, John Wilkin to Step Down From the Position

From The Daily Illini:

John Wilkin, University librarian and dean of libraries, announced he will step down from his position in about a year. The search process for a new Dean of Libraries will take place over the course of this next year.

Wilkin noted that he will be 66 years old when he steps down and will have completed 10 years in the role by that time.

“Not only is change important and good,” Wilkin said. “We have to see ourselves in a continuum of leadership where we build on what happened before and where we tee things up for those who follow us.”

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“As a dean, that title signals to us that he is also a leader of faculty, faculty used in a collective way,” said Lisa Hinchliffe, coordinator for Information Literacy Services and Instruction. “With that comes all of the responsibilities of research you would see the other faculty doing. We have our librarianship work. We have our service to the profession and the community.”

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“When I look at the future, for me, it’s about helping the institution navigate really complex issues, doing what I can to support behind-the-scenes — not in a high-profile way — ways that I can support our leaders (to make) those rich, complex futures happen,” Wilkin said.

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