Linda Phillips Named Interim Dean of the University of Tennessee Libraries

Linda Phillips, Head of Scholarly Communication at the University of Tennessee Libraries, has been named the Interim Dean of that library effective 7/1/10.

Here's an excerpt from the press release:

"Linda has given exemplary service to the University Libraries in a variety of roles including, most recently, as a leader in the Libraries initiatives on open access and other developing trends in scholarly communications," said UT Knoxville Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Susan Martin. "She brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this critical position. I am grateful for her willingness to serve."

Phillips, an Alumni Distinguished Service Professor, is currently head of scholarly communication for the libraries. She came to UT from Ohio State University's Agricultural Technical Institute Library in 1977. Her work encompasses the creation of local digital collections, including digitization of library holdings; the launch of Newfound Press, the libraries' peer-reviewed digital imprint; and leading community outreach efforts about the libraries' scholarly and economic impact on society.

Phillips succeeds Barbara Dewey, who is leaving to become the dean of university libraries and scholarly communications at Penn State.

The search for a permanent dean will be under way shortly. Douglas Blaze, dean of the College of Law, will lead the effort.