Librarian of the future at the University of Adelaide

Friday, 2 September 2016

The University of Adelaide has appointed a new University Librarian to help drive the transformation of the University’s library services.

Ms Teresa Chitty, currently Director, Research and Collections at the University of Melbourne, will lead the further development and implementation of the University’s Library of the Future plan, which sets out a roadmap for a “bold and agile” libraries service to support the University’s research, teaching and student success. She will join the University of Adelaide in November.

“Libraries across the world, including the greatest academic libraries, are undergoing considerable transformational change as a result of the digital disruption society is now experiencing,” says Professor Pascale Quester, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic).

“In the past year, the University has reviewed its library operation and services, and made recommendations for creating the Library of the Future here at the University of Adelaide, focussed on meeting the evolving needs of our University community.

“Ms Chitty has had a career spanning 20 years with a range of leadership positions in the library and information services within the Australian and New Zealand higher education sector, and before that the public library sector.

“She will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the University of Adelaide offers a leading-edge library service, embracing digital technologies to best support our world-class research, innovative teaching and learning and successful students.”

At the University of Melbourne, Ms Chitty was responsible for the redesign and restructure of their Research and Collections program; initiated and coordinated various reviews of library technologies, facilities and services; and led the development of the University’s Collections Policy.

Previous positions include Associate Librarian, Research and Information Services at the University of Newcastle; Associate Director, Resources and Development, University of Western Australia; and University Librarian at Lincoln University in New Zealand.

“Libraries at the University of Adelaide are well placed at the start of an exciting future with a comprehensive and clearly articulated strategic framework to deliver transformative library and information services,” says Ms Chitty.

“The position of University Librarian presents an inspirational opportunity for personal and professional growth and I am looking forward to leading University Libraries to success in achieving the goals set out in Library of the Future.”

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