Marquette Names New Dean of the Library Released: April 5, 2006 MILWAUKEE- Janice Simmons-Welburn, associate dean of libraries at the University of Arizona, has been appointed dean of the university library at Marquette University. Simmons-Welburn succeeds Dr. Nicholas C. Burckel, who retired in Dec. after 10 years of service to Marquette. “Janice has a wealth of experience in academic library leadership and an extensive background in meeting the needs of students, faculty and staff at a research university,” Provost Madeline Wake says. “Her strong vision of the future and national connections will help the Raynor Memorial Libraries continue to support our pursuit of knowledge.” As chief officer of the libraries, Simmons-Welburn will direct long-term planning; oversee recruitment, development and evaluation of the librarians and staff; and secure resources through fund-raising, grants, and other means.  “The issues of digital resources, the changing nature of scholarly communication and advances in technology will require new resources and skills for everyone,” Simmons-Welburn says. “As these issues arise, we need to teach lifelong skills to our students and make sure faculty have the resources they need for scholarship and research. What the librarians and staff of the Raynor Memorial Libraries have already done is most impressive. I hope to continue the strong collaboration that Marquette and Dr. Burckel have had with the community.” Prior to her position at the University of Arizona, Simmons-Welburn held positions at the University of Iowa, New York University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Indiana University, and Princeton University. She also served as a librarian for the Indianapolis-Marian County Public Library and at Bishop College in Dallas, where she began her professional career. Simmons-Welburn has published extensively and made numerous presentations in her fields of interest in librarianship. She serves on the editorial board of Portal: Libraries and the Academy and her academic and professional service includes serving as vice chair/chair-elect of the University Libraries Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries. Since 2002, Simmons-Welburn has taught online lyceum courses as an adjunct faculty member of the Association for Research Libraries. Simmons-Welburn earned a bachelor of arts in history at Bishop College and a master of arts in American History focusing on the antebellum South at Atlanta University. She earned a master of science in library and information studies from Atlanta University in 1978. "The Midwest is a wonderful place to live and to work,” said Simmons-Welburn.  “I attribute much of my values in work and life to the years I've spent in the Midwest.  My family and I have a great appreciation for the arts, and Milwaukee has a great reputation for promoting and supporting the arts.   We are also great basketball fans, so I am excited to be part of the Marquette community.” Simmons-Welburn joins the university this week.  Interested media should contact Anne Broeker in the Office of Marketing and Communication at (441)288-0286 to arrange an interview. A print-quality photo is available at:  http://www.marquette.edu/opa/newsroom/downloads/simmons-welburn.jpg Office of Marketing and Communication Contacts Christopher Stolarski Media Relations Specialist Phone: (414) 288-1988 Send e-mail