University Relations 202 Eielson Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7520
(907)474-7581 Fax (907)474-6492
fynews@uaf.edu
ALASKA'S LARGEST LIBRARY HAS NEW DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 1998
Fairbanks, Alaska - University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Joan Wadlow has appointed David Bantz, former assistant vice president for learning and information technologies at the University of Wisconsin, as director of libraries and information technology at UAF's Rasmuson Library. The appointment follows a national search which began when former director Sharon West left in June of 1996 to take a position in the private sector. School of Education Director Joe Kan, Associate Professor of Library Science Diane Ruess, Systems and Network Engineering Manager Richard Machida and former UAF Computing and Communications Director Steve Smith have served as interim directors during that time.
According to Wadlow, Bantz begins at UAF on July 1 and brings with him an understanding of the Rasmuson Library's role in providing a network of educational and informational resources to all Alaskans.
"He also recognizes the unique needs and culture of a research institution. His knowledge of traditional library settings, combined with his understanding of the role of information technology in facilitating learning will be an asset not only to UAF, but to the state," Wadlow said.
Bantz was recommended to Wadlow by a search
committee headed by UAF mathematical sciences department head
Clif Lando. "UAF has demonstrated its understanding of the
importance of technology to higher education and to providing
information access. Dr. Bantz has wide experience in managing
modern technology and information systems," Lando said. "The
Rasmuson Library has taken the lead in the last few years and
is part of a nationwide trend which is moving libraries toward
total information and delivery support systems. Dr. Bantz will
continue that momentum."
The Rasmuson Library in partnership with the Alaska State Library
helped develop SLED, the Statewide Library Electronic Doorway.
SLED provides a single access point for on-line information both
within the state and beyond.
The Rasmuson Library is considered one of the Pacific Northwest's major libraries, with more than 1.75 million book volumes and 20,000 serial and periodical
titles. It contains the world's largest collection outside of Russia of books relating to Alaska and polar regions.
Material in Rasmuson's general collection is available in a variety of formats, including computer software and compact disks. Most recently, the library upgraded and strengthened ElmerNet, the local area network of CD- ROM and Internet databases, and has provided information and training on changeable web resources.
Prior to his appointment at UAF, Bantz chaired the Information Technology Management Council for the University of Wisconsin system. He was also assistant vice president for learning and information technologies at that time. Before that, Bantz was associate vice chancellor for information technology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. From 1991 to 1993 he was director of academic and public computing at the University of Chicago, where he was also an associate member of the department of philosophy. He joined the faculty at Dartmouth College in 1986 and ultimately served as director of arts and sciences computing at the same college.
Bantz received a Ph.D. in conceptual foundations of science from the University of Chicago in 1977. His master's degree in biophysics and his bachelor's degree in physics are also from the University of Chicago.
CONTACT: UAF Library Search Committee Chair
Clif Lando, (907) 474-7118, or
UAF Public Information Officer Debra Damron (907) 474-7122.
UAF NEWS RELEASES AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY AT:
http://www.uaf.edu/univrel/media/
DPD/6-3-98/98-067
Return to Media Releases FY98
Return to news releases main page