Ann D. Thornton has been named as Columbia University's University Librarian and Vice Provost.
Here's an excerpt from the announcement:
"Columbia's library system is a dynamic academic resource that is at the very core of our teaching and research missions," [Columbia University President Lee] Bollinger said. "Ann's broad experience is ideally suited to the task of harnessing both digital technology and intellectual vision to expand our collections and enhance their long-term value not only to our university, but also to our society."
Thornton has held a series of senior leadership positions at the New York Public Libraries, spanning the sciences, business, the humanities and social sciences. She has been responsible for collecting, preserving and presenting the institution's vast collections. She has also helped lead in the areas of electronic resources, reference and research services and public training. Before coming to New York, she was a systems librarian with the University of Houston Libraries. . . .
After earning her bachelor's degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thornton received her master's degree in information studies from Florida State University. She has published and spoken widely on the nexus of research, teaching, learning and leadership.