I am pleased to announce that the Agenda Committee of Academic Board has approved the appointment of Professor Wendy Duff as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Information, from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 or until a new Dean is appointed.

Professor Duff is a distinguished researcher and teacher, and has a demonstrated commitment to service in academic administration and governance. Since joining the Faculty of Information in 1997, she has held many academic and leadership positions, including terms as the Interim Director of the Museum Studies program and the iSchool’s Director of Graduate Studies. Professor Duff also has an impressive history of participation in University boards and committees; she served as a member of Academic Board from 2008-2012 and 2014-15, and the Planning and Budget Committee in 2014-2015.

She is a founding member of AX-SNet, an evolving international team of researchers interested in facilitating access to primary materials. She has also served as a member of the ICA Ad hoc Commission on Descriptive Standards, the Encoded Archival Description Working Group, and The Canadian Council of Archives Standards Committee.

Professor Duff teaches archives and records management with a focus on access to archival materials. Her current research project uses case study methodology to understand better the link between archives and social justice. She is using case study methodology to examine, discuss and seek understanding of how archives have assisted or failed to assist in righting injustices and supporting social justice. One of her collaborative projects investigated the impact of technology on museums for the Canadian Heritage Information Network. Professor Duff obtained her B.A. from the University of King’s College, her M.L.S. from Dalhousie University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Information and was the Director of the Digital Curation Institute (DCI) from 2009-2014.

I am grateful that Professor Duff has agreed to serve in this important capacity. Please join me in welcoming her to this role.