Dr. Dale Askey appointed University Librarian

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Dale Askey as University Librarian for a five-year term, effective September 1, 2026. This appointment reflects UBC’s continued commitment to advancing the Library as a cornerstone of research, teaching, and learning.

Dr. Askey currently serves as Vice Provost (Library & Museums) and Chief Librarian at the University of Alberta, a role he has held since 2018. Previously, he served as Associate University Librarian for Library & Learning Technologies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, where he also occupied the role of Administrative Director of the Lewis & Ruth Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship. Dr. Askey has filled a wide range of roles in libraries, primarily in collection development, public services, web services, and information technology management. He completed his PhD in 2018 at Humboldt University in Berlin, earned his MLIS from the University of Missouri in 1998, and holds a BA from Colorado College and an MA from Washington University in St. Louis, both in German language and literature.

I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that Julie Mitchell has been appointed as University Librarian pro tem for the period July 1, 2026, until August 30, 2026. Ms. Mitchell is currently the Associate University Librarian, Teaching, Learning and Engagement, and Director of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.

My thanks to the members of the President's Advisory Committee for their thoughtful leadership throughout this process, and to the many students, faculty, and staff whose perspectives helped inform and strengthen the search.

Dr. Susan Parker’s term as University Librarian will conclude on June 30, 2026, when she retires. I would like to thank Dr. Parker for her dedicated service to the university since 2017.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Askey on his appointment and in thanking Ms. Mitchell for stepping up to serve as University Librarian pro tem. I look forward to working with Dr. Askey and the UBC Library leadership team.

Gage Averill
Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Vancouver