Champion of libraries as innovation hubs appointed new University Librarian

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology announces the appointment of Catherine Davidson as University Librarian, effective Thursday, June 1.

Through her administrative experience, Davidson has accumulated extensive expertise in areas currently confronting academic libraries and higher education. Known for her skill at forging new relationships and collaborations with key campus stakeholders, she will bring strong knowledge in budget management, strategic planning, policy development, fundraising and donor cultivation.

Davidson played an influential role in the development and leadership of the library services and collections at York University in Toronto as Associate University Librarian, Collections and Research. She began her career at York as a reference librarian in 1988. She served as York’s Interim University Librarian in 2014-2015.

In addition to being a member of numerous library and university committees, Davidson was York’s representative on an Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) Information Resources committee. She recently joined a working group that is exploring the role OCUL could play in supporting the development of open educational resources.

Davidson has maintained ongoing commitment to her own research through scholarly articles, paper reviews and conference presentations. Her current research focus includes surveying digital scholarship practices at a number of Canadian and American universities. She holds a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Toronto. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Western University in London, Ontario.

The University Librarian also works in close collaboration with Durham College. Davidson will oversee library operations at the university’s and college’s shared location in north Oshawa, the university’s downtown Oshawa location and Durham College’s Whitby campus. She will succeed the retiring Dr. Pamela Drayson, who has held the post since 2006.

Quotes

"Libraries have always been the heart of an institution for students and researchers alike, but today, that centrality is being defined in new and exciting ways. The uniqueness of the collaboration between the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College offers innovative opportunities for student success–our top priority. As a champion of an academic library that plays a key role in furthering our teaching, learning and research missions, I look forward to advancing technological innovation in traditional and emerging library services, furthering open-access strategies and exploring emerging digital scholarship opportunities.”  
-Catherine Davidson, Incoming University Librarian, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

“The university is excited to welcome Catherine Davidson to campus and looks forward to how she will help shape the university’s unique library system and build its extensive electronic and print resources in the years ahead. Catherine has long been on the cusp of the innovative role modern libraries play in supporting student success and research excellence. The university expresses deep gratitude to Pamela Drayson for her guidance and stewardship of the library system throughout the university’s formative years.”
-Deborah Saucier, PhD, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

“We look forward to welcoming Catherine Davidson to the role of University Librarian. Catherine is joining us at an exciting time, as we look to further advance innovation in our library services, resources and assets. We are confident that she will work closely and collaboratively with Durham College to ensure the needs of our students realized. Welcome!”
-Elaine Popp, PhD, Vice-President, Academic, Durham College

Media contact
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 6709
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca