John Tombarge Named University Librarian at W&L
John W. Tombarge has been named University librarian at Washington and Lee University.
Tombarge, whose appointment is effective July 1, has been a member of the faculty at W&L’s Leyburn Library since 1996, serving most recently as associate University librarian for digital services and strategies.
“John brings broad professional experience and an intimate knowledge of Washington and Lee to his new duties,” said Robert Strong, interim provost, who made the appointment. “He has been a leader in the complicated process of integrating new digital technology with traditional library services and understands the potential and pitfalls in the revolutionary changes that are taking place in information storage, retrieval, and utilization. He brings superb qualifications to his new position.”
Tombarge, who will also hold the rank of professor at W&L, first joined Leyburn Library as reference librarian and head of circulation services. He was appointed head of public services in 2003 and served as interim University librarian from in 2010-11.
Prior to coming to Washington and Lee, he had worked in several capacities in the University Libraries at Virginia Tech for five years.
Tombarge has participated in the Association of College and Research Libraries/Harvard Leadership Institute, the Frye Leadership Institute, and the Snowbird Leadership Institute. He is a past winner of the Yankee Book Peddler Award from the Virginia Library Association and is a member of Beta Phi Mu International Library and Information Science Honor Society.
A member of both the American Library Association and the Association of College and Research Librarians, he is the author of numerous articles in professional journals and co-author of a book chapter on using the Internet to teach library literacy skills.
Tombarge received both bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees from Virginia Tech and a master of library science degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
News Contact:
Jeffery G. Hanna
Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs
jhanna@wlu.edu
(540) 458-8459
