Library Dean Awarded SUNY Distinguished Faculty Rank

Distinguished Librarian Rebecca Mugridge

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 25, 2020) — Rebecca Mugridge, dean of University Libraries, has been named a SUNY distinguished faculty. She was awarded the designation based on the wealth of her scholarly contributions on policy development for research libraries, and her service to the University, SUNY and the field of library science.

Mugridge is a leader in the field of library and technical services management, cataloging and metadata services, and library assessment. She joined the University Libraries in 2013 as associate director for technical services and library systems, became interim dean two years later, and in August of 2016 was named dean of libraries, heading the University’s three-library system and its more than 100 employees.

“The University at Albany is incredibly proud to count Dean Rebecca Mugridge among our most accomplished faculty,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Carol Kim. “I am delighted that the State University of New York has recognized Dean Mugridge for her achievements and commitment to excellence by promoting her to SUNY Distinguished Librarian, among our system’s highest academic ranks.”

In addition to administrative tasks of managing the libraries and its collections, Mugridge continues her scholarship in the area of cataloging and metadata, the critical infrastructure that makes it possible for users to search and find library resources. Throughout her career, Mugridge has focused on how libraries can increase quality and efficiency through improved training and workflow, and increased use of digital tools and networks.

“I am incredibly honored to join the ranks of Distinguished Librarian, following in the footsteps of two other UAlbany librarians: Meredith Butler (the very first SUNY Distinguished Librarian), and Trudi Jacobson.” Mugridge said. “I feel very fortunate to work with many talented and dedicated librarians in the UAlbany Libraries, across SUNY and beyond. I truly value the relationships that I have developed with colleagues inside and outside the Libraries during my years at the University at Albany.”

Mugridge has written or edited five books, as well as numerous articles, book reviews and conference proceedings and reports, and is a frequent presenter at national and regional conferences. Her service includes contributions to the Library of Congress, the American Library Association, the SUNY Libraries Consortium, and the Capital District Library Council. She has served as a director of the board of the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services; and as a member of several committees of the Association of Research Libraries.

At the University, Mugridge developed a research support group and expanded professional development opportunities. She oversaw the Libraries’ migration to a new collaborative, SUNY-wide library services platform; the redesign of the Libraries’ website, and the development of a five-year strategic plan to lead the Libraries into the future.

A Pittsburgh native, Mugridge came to the University with more than 25 years of experience, including appointments at Yale University, Pennsylvania State University (where she received her bachelor’s degree), the University of Pittsburgh (where she received her MLS), and Robert Morris University (where she received an MBA).

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