Gosling closes chapter as U-M librarian, turns page

University Librarian William Gosling will step down from his position April 1 and assume new duties that include serving as curator of the Children's Literature Collection in the Special Collections Library and supporting library fund raising programs.

Gosling (Photo by Martin Vloet, U-M Photo Services)

Provost Paul N. Courant shared the announcement with the campus Feb. 17, noting that Gosling's recent surgery and subsequent recovery prompted him to reevaluate his professional responsibilities and refocus his energies.

Courant said the University Library has prospered significantly under Gosling's direction, and it is a tribute to his exceptional leadership that the system continues to be ranked among the best in the country.

Gosling has served in the top librarian position since 1997. During his tenure, the online catalog was converted to a new dynamic system that improved access to the nearly 7 million volumes, Courant said. Gosling is credited with creating a more welcoming environment for library users, improving services and collections, and increasing the library's endowment and expendable income by broadening its donor base—making the nation's sixth-largest library system one of the best in the country, the provost said.

"Bill's contributions have helped reshape the scholarly communication landscape both on campus and nationally," Courant said.

Under his leadership, the University was selected as one of five institutions to partner with the popular search engine Google on a multi-year project to digitize the entire University Library collection.

"The outcome of this project will transform the way materials are accessed from the University's collection," Courant said. "Through his efforts, especially in addressing alumni organizations across the country, Bill also has given the library a public face with alumni and other donors that had not been previously realized."

A search advisory committee will be formed and the process of finding a new University librarian soon will be underway, Courant said.

During the transition, James Hilton, associate provost for academic information and instructional technology affairs, will serve part-time as the interim University librarian, pending approval by the Board of Regents.

"James will bring to the interim role a strong relevant background and interest in technology, intellectual property, scholarly communication, and a deep appreciation of the important role of the University Library," Courant said.

Associate University Librarians Brenda Johnson and John Wilkin will manage the daily operations during this interim period.