Press Release: Dominican University appoints Ken Haycock as Follett Chair

River Forest, IL – Dominican University’s Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) has appointed Dr. Ken Haycock as the Follett Chair in Library and Information Science. Haycock is the recipient of the American Library Association’s 2010 Beta Phi Mu Award, presented annually for distinguished service to education in librarianship, as well as the association’s Herbert and Virginia White Award for promoting the profession of librarianship. A prolific writer and editor, he currently serves as regional editor for Library Management and series editor for Neal-Schuman’s The MBA for the MLIS Bookshelf.

Haycock has held senior positions in both his native Canada and the United States, including most recently, as director of the School of Library and Information Science at San Jose State University, where he was named an outstanding professor; and director of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies at the University of British Columbia. He is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal for contributions to Canadian society. A past president the American Association of School Librarians as well as the California Library Association, Haycock now serves as a member of the ALA Committee on Accreditation. He is also senior partner at Ken Haycock & Associates, Inc., which works with organizations to build capacity for leadership, collaboration and advocacy.

Haycock received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a diploma in education from the University of Western Ontario, a master’s degree in education from the University of Ottawa, a master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in business administration from Royal Roads University, and a doctorate in education from Brigham Young University.

“Dominican University is delighted to make this appointment,” noted Dr. Susan Roman, dean of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science. “Dr. Haycock is a noted scholar, educator and leader who has been recognized by a wide variety of professional library organizations and has experience in a number of library environments. We look forward to his invaluable contributions to our new doctoral program, to our strategic planning initiatives, and to our position and profile within the field of educating librarians.”

One of only four chairs in library science in the country, the Follett Chair is bestowed upon a master researcher and scholar who has achieved renown in the profession, and is endowed through a gift of the Follett Corporation.

Accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), Dominican University’s GSLIS has been educating future library leaders and information professionals since the 1930’s. The school offers master’s degrees in library and information science as well as a doctor of philosophy in library and information science.

From Michael: I am over the moon about this! Welcome Ken!