I am delighted to announce that the Agenda Committee of Academic Board has approved the reappointment of Larry Alford as the Chief Librarian, University of Toronto Libraries for a five-year term, beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2023.

Larry is currently serving as the Chief Librarian of the University of Toronto Libraries (UTL). Since joining UTL, he has demonstrated a keen awareness of the changing nature of libraries, and has championed the growth of new services for students, communications, and collaboration across the three campuses. Under Larry’s leadership, the UTL has been transformed into a globally recognized leader for research, education, and student services. Construction has also begun on the Robarts Common, a 1200-seat expansion of the John P. Robarts Library, which will play a key role in accommodating the ever-growing need for library resources and quality learning spaces on the downtown campus. Larry has an impressive history of working to promote and grow our Canadian collections, and has ensured that their contributions are recognized internationally.

Prior to his appointment as Chief Librarian, Larry was the Dean of University Libraries at Temple University where he was responsible for a library system that includes the five libraries of the Paley library system, the Ginsburg Health Sciences Library, and the Podiatric Medicine Library.

Larry Alford obtained his B.A. and M.L.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of North Carolina School of Information and Library Science in May 2005.

Larry’s exceptional leadership, insight, and administration has positioned UTL for continued success over the next five years. Please join me in congratulating him on this appointment.