New UA Dean of Libraries to Begin in October

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Carolyn Henderson Allen has accepted the position of University of Arkansas dean of libraries, Chancellor John A. White announced today.

Allen comes to the U of A from the University of Florida where she is the deputy director of university libraries and director for support services. She replaces Juana R. Young, who has served in the capacity of interim director since September 1998.

"We are delighted to have someone with Ms. Allen's abilities and experiences join us," White said. "She has had extensive experience at the University of Florida, as well as at the University of Southern California and Stanford University. These will be invaluable as we create the great library that all universities must have to be nationally competitive academically. University libraries across the nation are being impacted by the science and technology revolution. Digital libraries, Internet2, on-line access, and new and emerging fields of science are among the many challenges being faced."

"In reviewing Ms. Allen's credentials, it appears the Search Committee had her in mind when it established its objective of identifying the nation's strongest candidate," White said. "Ms. Allen is imminently qualified to provide the leadership that is essential for the University of Arkansas being a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world."

Allen’s position with the U of A will be effective October 1, 2000, at an annual salary of $120,000.

"I believe in the vision that John White and others have for the university," Allen said. As the institution grows, so shall its library. I envision more comprehensive collections that support the teaching and research mission, a high degree of service, and working with the teaching faculty to ensure that student needs are being met. These components are vital to the success of any library program. I think we can make it happen."

The library system of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, is composed of the David W. Mullins Library (the main research facility) and five branch libraries: the Robert A. and Vivian Young Law Library, the Fine Arts Library, the Chemistry Library, the Physics Library, and the Learning Resources Center in the College of Education.

The combined holdings of the Libraries total over 1.5 million volumes of books and bound periodicals and over 1.6 million items in microform. The Libraries currently receive over 14,000 journal and periodical titles. Other resources include approximately 600,000 government documents, as well as several thousand maps, sound recordings, electronic full-text and bibliographic databases, and manuscripts.

The Special Collections Division acquires and preserves material for research in the history, literature, and culture of Arkansas and surrounding regions. Among the original manuscript collections of note held by the Division include the papers of John William Fulbright, David H. Pryor, Dale Bumpers, John Paul Hammerschmidt, Orval Faubus, Daisy Bates, Edward Durell Stone, William Grant Still and Verna Arvey, John Gould Fletcher, and Vance Randolph.

The University Libraries have membership in the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL).

Allen indicated that it was obvious from her visits that the University of Arkansas Libraries and staff are a respected component of the University community.

"The one thing that stands out and makes the U of A unique is the genuine enthusiasm of the faculty and staff. I was amazed at how much people enjoy working at the U of A and the ideals that seem to permeate the campus atmosphere," Allen said.

Allen will be joined in Arkansas by her husband Charles E. Allen who is currently a correctional probation officer with the Florida Department of Corrections, and their 15-year-old daughter Akia Allen.

The Allens have six children: Denise Thomas, the director of Small Business Service Center for the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce; L. Kay Allen, a graduate student who is completing her doctorate at Auburn University; Charles E. Allen, Jr., who is self-employed; Zaneta Allen, a pharmacist; Yvonne Allen, a college student at Santa Fe Community College, and Akia who will be entering 10^th grade.