Recognizing technology's vital role in academic libraries, Cornell University Library has named computer scientist Dean Krafft to a new senior-level chief technology strategist position.

Krafft is senior research associate and director of information technology in Cornell's Department of Computer Science; he begins his new position July 7. He received his master's and Ph.D. degrees in computer science from Cornell.

"Dean Krafft brings a wealth of experience to this position, as well as a profound respect for the role research libraries play in the academy," said Anne R. Kenney, the Carl A. Kroch University Librarian.

"More than 30 years of working with technology at this institution will allow Dean Krafft to take a long view of the library's needs and craft a strategy for the future that fits those larger goals," said Robert L. Constable, dean of the Faculty of Computing and Information Science.

Krafft will focus on developing a long-term vision for the library's technology future and assessing information technology trends and innovations that impact the library. He will also serve as an ambassador for collaborative technology initiatives across the university and in national and international efforts.

"The very rapid changes in the information landscape and the needs and workflows of Cornell's faculty, staff and students make these challenging times," Krafft said. "I am very much looking forward to working with the library staff and the Cornell community to help ensure that the library remains at the intellectual heart of university life and scholarship."

Gwen Glazer is a writer at Cornell University Library.