Gordon Coleman, Brock University\u2019s new Associate University Librarian, Research, is driven to help shape the future of academic libraries.<\/p>\n
With more than 20 years of experience from Simon Fraser University (SFU), Coleman brings with him with a background in collection development, resource management and research support.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re excited to have Gordon join the team,\u201d says Brock University Librarian Nicole Nolan. \u201cHe brings a depth of experience in collection development and a strong record of leadership that will help advance the Library\u2019s goals and support the needs of our campus community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Coleman\u2019s portfolio includes stewarding both general and archival collections while also overseeing services that support the research enterprise, such as data management, scholarly communication tools and skills development for graduate students.<\/p>\n
In the early days of his role at Brock, Coleman says he\u2019s focused on building relationships.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m eager to connect with colleagues across the Library and University to understand their needs and how I can have a positive impact,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
At SFU, Coleman led a major transformation of the Library\u2019s technical services division, repositioning it to meet the demands of the digital age. He negotiated key agreements with major publishers, helped launch innovative classification systems for Indigenous materials, and co-chaired strategic initiatives to streamline services and free up resources for new priorities.<\/p>\n
He also played a role in advancing accessibility through services such as alternate-format delivery for students with disabilities and implemented new systems for managing digital and streaming media.<\/p>\n
At Brock, Coleman is looking forward to aligning the Library\u2019s expertise with evolving research needs and contributing to the broader transformation of scholarly communication.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of questioning about the role of for-profit publishers,\u201d he says. \u201cLibraries can be important partners in creating new, more equitable ways to disseminate and assess research.\u201d<\/p>\n
Coleman holds a Master of Library and Information Studies from University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Toronto.<\/p>\n