The University at Albany is thrilled to officially announce Carey Hatch's immediate appointment as Dean of the University Libraries, marking the culmination of his impactful year and a half as interim dean.

Hatch's interim tenure was characterized by visionary leadership, notably showcased through innovative upgrades to the University Libraries. Highlights include the Minerva Room's creation, a versatile event space, and strategic collaborations with the Learning Commons, College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering, and Disability Access and Inclusion Services – transforming library spaces into hubs for tutoring, mentoring, and academic support.

Under Hatch's stewardship, initiatives like the bound periodicals weeding project and the expansion of resources for the B47 Podcast Studio unfolded, reflecting his commitment to future-forward library enhancements. The 2024 LEAD Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine acknowledged UAlbany's libraries, lauding programs fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Dean Hatch's journey to UAlbany in 2022 from SUNY’s Office of Library and Information Services adds further depth to his illustrious career. Over 37 years at SUNY, he played a key role in the library system’s digital transformation and crafted pivotal policies supporting open access publishing (SUNY Open Access Policy) and electronic resources (SUNYConnect). His academic journey includes an MLS from the University of Maryland and a B.A. in Philosophy from SUNY Brockport.

Dean Hatch shares a warm welcome, emphasizing the University Libraries' central role in the UAlbany experience. They serve as catalysts for teaching, learning, research, reflection, and relaxation. Committed to supporting students, faculty, and staff, the Libraries provide essential scholarly resources, user-centered services, and inclusive spaces that promote innovation, collaboration, and open access.

Comprising the University Library and Science Library on the Uptown Campus and the Dewey Graduate Library on the Downtown Campus, the University Libraries house over 2 million print volumes and offer access to a myriad of online resources. E-books, streaming video, rare books, manuscripts, archives, sound recordings, DVDs, government documents, theses, dissertations, and digital media services make the Libraries a dynamic hub for research and learning.

Dean Hatch extends an invitation to explore the Libraries' facilities, collections, and services, emphasizing their commitment to fostering a vibrant learning and research community. As he assumes the permanent role of Dean, Carey Hatch looks forward to steering the University Libraries toward continued excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.