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An information management expert who transformed the e-learning and research information management systems of King's College London has been appointed as The University of Western Australia's new Librarian and Director (Information Management).

Dr Mary Davies becomes only the fifth librarian in the University's history and replaces Mr John Arfield, who retired earlier this year after 14 years.

Dr Davies is currently the Deputy Chief Information Officer and Director of Research and Learning Support at King's College London and has had a distinguished career in library and information services in the university, government and private sectors, including eight years with Cancer Research UK.

Dr Davies successfully led the development of King's Information and Knowledge Strategy, including the roll-out of the first centrally supported e-learning system at King's and the development of a research information management system, for which she received a King's Professional Services Award.

UWA Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bill Louden, said Dr Davies' appointment would provide strong direction for the University's library collections and information systems and her expertise in information technology would be invaluable for the University.

"Libraries are no longer simply repositories of books and journals; we are in an unprecedented information age that requires universities to have the resources available in a range of formats to enable students to fulfil their ambitions," Professor Louden said.

"Dr Davies will assist our University, through its library and information services, to maintain its position as an intellectual resource to students, staff and the broader community."

The University Library, which began in 1911 with a budget of 2000 pounds sterling and a few hundred books, now boasts a collection that includes millions of volumes and an annual purchasing budget of more than $10 million.

It incorporates eight libraries, the Reid Library being the primary one, and includes libraries for Law, Music (Wigmore Music Library), Medicine, Education, Fine Arts and Architecture and a new $30 million purpose-built Science Library.

Dr Davies will commence her appointment in the middle of the year.

Media references

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716