SACKVILLE, NB — Mount Allison University will welcome Dr. Rachel Rubin as its dean of libraries and archives this summer. Her appointment begins on Aug. 1.

Rubin is joining Mount Allison from the University of Pittsburgh, where she is currently the associate university librarian for research and learning.
 
Mount Allison Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research Dr. Jeff Hennessy says Rubin’s combination of work experience in different library settings and education in organizational citizenship behaviour and the liberal arts are ideal in this role.

“The libraries and archives are an essential place on any campus and hold significant meaning at a small liberal arts university like Mount Allison,” says Hennessy. “An upcoming renovation to the R. P. Bell Library will represent the largest capital project in the University’s history, which Rachel will help lead in her new role as the dean of libraries and archives. We are pleased to welcome her during this time of innovation and growth for Mount Allison.”
 
In consultation with the library team and reflecting trends across the post-secondary education landscape, Mount Allison changed the title of University Librarian to Dean of Libraries and Archives to acknowledge its Decanal-level responsibilities with Rubin’s appointment.
 
Rubin has worked in both academic and public libraries over her career. She holds a PhD from Simmons University with a focus on managerial leadership in the information professions. She says the role of the library at Mount Allison, in the centre of campus both literally and figuratively, can really elevate the student experience.
 
“I went to a school a lot like Mount Allison for my undergraduate degree," says Rubin, “and it was clear to me how special Mount Allison is. I am excited to work in the liberal arts and sciences again and I am thrilled to be joining the Mount Allison community.” 
 
As dean of libraries and archives, Rubin will work foster a dynamic learning centre, expanding on its traditional strengths in information resources and student support by adding dynamic, diverse, and multi-use spaces and enhanced digital services. Working with library colleagues and those across campus, Rubin will ensure that the Libraries and Archives’ resources and programs continue, and grow to meet the information needs of faculty and students and support their academic success, teaching, research, and lifelong learning. 
 
“Library space, including how people make use of it and how services are offered, is so important, not only for students but for community members, academic programs, and the institution as a whole,” says Rubin. “A supportive library community really creates a sense of belonging. I’m excited to work collaboratively with Mount Allison's and to continue to build on library services and space on campus and online.”
 
The Mount Allison University Libraries and Archives is comprised of the Ralph Pickard (R. P.) Bell Library, the Alfred Whitehead Music Library, and the University Archives. Together, the Libraries and Archives offer research instruction, resources, collections, and services designed to support the curriculum and meet the scholarly requirements of faculty members and students. The University library is also part of the Novanet Consortium of Academic Libraries, which provides students, faculty, and staff of its member institutions across the Maritimes with access to the collective resources of all its members through a shared integrated library system.