#United States #University of Maryland #College Park #Holly Mercer #Libraries

Holly Mercer Named Dean of University Libraries at the University of Maryland

The University of Maryland, a premier public research institution, has made a significant announcement regarding its leadership in academic support. Effective July 1, 2025, Holly Mercer will take on the role of Dean of University Libraries. This position places her at the helm of the most extensive university library system in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore region, comprising seven individual libraries dedicated to supporting the educational and research endeavors of the university.

In her capacity as Dean, Mercer is expected to exhibit strong collaborative and visionary leadership. She plans to guide a talented team to further develop innovative, user-centric programs and services within the libraries. Furthermore, she aims to form strategic partnerships with various colleges and departments across the university to elevate initiatives that align with the educational and research aspirations of the academic community.

Jennifer King Rice, the senior vice president and provost at UMD, expressed confidence in Mercer's capabilities, stating, "University libraries at research institutions are undergoing rapid change and, at Maryland, we have been a leader in this evolution." She highlighted that Mercer's commitment to equitable access and scholarly excellence is pivotal in enhancing the libraries' stature.

Before her appointment at UMD, Mercer served as the senior associate dean and professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In that role, she had extensive oversight of nine library units, managed technology planning and collections strategy, and played a crucial part in financial and strategic planning for the libraries.

Mercer shared her enthusiasm about the position, stating, "The University of Maryland's commitment to scholarly excellence and innovation serves as a reminder of what universities can and should be places to engage, explore, create and share." She looks forward to further building the reputation of University Libraries and adapting to the evolving needs of the academic community.

During her tenure at UT Libraries, Mercer has been instrumental in numerous transformative projects. This includes a collaboration with the Office of Innovative Technologies for the large-scale storage of research data and the planning for relocating special collections to a new Library Storage Annex. She also initiated programs to assist faculty in developing digital projects and obtaining external grant funding, while facilitating collaborations with library personnel.

Since her arrival at the University of Tennessee in 2012, Mercer has held several roles that encompass overseeing research, collections management, and scholarly communications. She also directed the Newfound Press, a digital publishing entity within UT Libraries. Her career includes significant positions such as the head of digital services at Texas A&M Libraries and roles at the University of Kansas and Stanford University.

A highly regarded professional, Mercer is a recognized leader in her field. She has served on key boards and committees, including as board chair for HathiTrust. Her scholarly contributions include numerous publications on topics pertinent to open access and library science.

Mercer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Duke University and a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina.

The University of Maryland continues to be a leading public research institution, known for its dedication to addressing contemporary challenges and fostering an inclusive environment for over 50,000 students. With this appointment, the university anticipates a new chapter in the advancement of its libraries, further enhancing the academic experience it provides.

For more information about the University of Maryland, visit umd.edu.