JOSEPH BRANIN TO HEAD UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

   COLUMBUS -- Joseph J. Branin, dean and director of University Libraries, State University of New York at Stony Brook, has been nominated by Edward J. Ray, executive vice president and provost, to the position of director of University Libraries at The Ohio State University. Pending Board of Trustees approval, the appointment will begin Jan. 1, 2000.

   Branin, 52, has held the SUNY position since 1996, administering a $10 million annual budget, a 187-member staff, and a collection of nearly 2 million volumes. Prior to that, he served as associate university librarian for public services and collections at the University of Minnesota.

   "Joe Branin has demonstrated his administrative skills in managing large and complex university library systems at Stony Brook and Minnesota," Ray said. "He has a solid reputation for teamwork and the ability to develop and articulate a vision for the library of the future."

   The Ohio State University Libraries, with an annual budget of $22 million, holds more than 5 million volumes in a main library building and 17 library units. The staff of some 250 includes more than 80 librarians with full faculty status.

   As director, Branin will be charged with forming an academic research library compatible with the changing environment of higher education and integrating new technologies to serve the information needs of all library users, Ray said.

   While at Stony Brook, Branin prepared a plan for creation of a SUNY Virtual Library, and he has served as a consultant to a number of other academic and corporate libraries throughout the nation. He has written extensively on information-related topics in professional journals and is sought-after as a speaker and book reviewer.

   Branin said he is looking forward to coming to Ohio State. "I am honored to have the opportunity to lead one of the great university libraries in our country," he said. "Ohio State offers its students, faculty and staff an unparalleled array of information services, and I plan to build on the university's many library strengths -- its superb collections, staff and significant partnership in OhioLink."

   Branin began his career in 1975 as a branch librarian at Kent State University Libraries. In 1977, he joined the University of Georgia Libraries, first as humanities librarian, then as assistant director for collection development. He moved to the University of Minnesota in 1986 as director of Humanities/Social Services Libraries. In 1990, he was named associate university librarian for public services.

   "His abilities to manage a complex system and to promote collegial teamwork toward setting a future course position Joe for great success as Ohio State's library director," Ray said.

   Branin holds master's degrees in library science and English literature from the University of Pittsburgh and an undergraduate degree in English from LaSalle College in Philadelphia.

   Branin succeeds William J. Studer, who will step down as director after 22 years in that position. Studer will remain on the University Libraries faculty as a full professor.

Contact: Edward J. Ray, executive vice president and provost, (614) 292-5881