University secures promotion for Camille Cook to the position of Library Services Director at Park University.
Park University's New Director of Library Services: Camille Cook
Camille Cook, a seasoned librarian and academic, has taken on a new role at Park University. On August 1, 2024, Cook was promoted to the position of Director of Library Services, a role that encompasses the management of the university's McAfee Memorial Library, Norrington Center, and Campanella Gallery.
Cook's responsibilities in this role are extensive and align with best practices for similar positions in academic libraries. She is tasked with strategic leadership and planning, developing and implementing a vision and strategic priorities for the library to support the university’s mission and research needs.
In addition, Cook is responsible for team and resource management, overseeing library staff, fostering collaboration, and managing budgetary and resource allocation to ensure effective library operations. She is also charged with advancing library services, enhancing access to library resources including digital materials, integrating technological innovations, and improving workflows for better service delivery.
Cook's role also involves collaboration and outreach, partnering with university departments, peer institutions, and external stakeholders to promote library engagement and support academic goals. She is also responsible for fundraising and development, pursuing grants, philanthropy, and other funding opportunities to sustain and expand library resources and services.
Prior to her promotion, Cook held several roles at Park University. She started her career at the university in 2020 as an instruction and outreach librarian, and assistant professor of library instruction and outreach. Since then, she has taken on additional roles, including faculty librarian, assistant professor of library services, director of first-year experience, and more recently, director of library services.
Cook's dedication to Park University has been recognised with several awards. In 2021, she received the Faculty Newcomer of the Year Award, and in 2023, she was honoured with the Dusing-Proudfoot Award. Cook is also a member of the American Library Association's 2024 Class of Emerging Leaders, a program designed to enable library staff and information workers to network, gain insights into ALA structure, and serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in their careers.
Cook holds a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Emporia State University and a Master of Library Science degree from the same institution. She continues to serve in her roles as a faculty librarian, assistant professor of library services, director of library services, and director of first-year experience at Park University.
[1] For more precise details about Camille Cook’s appointment or Park University’s Library Services, checking official Park University announcements or contacting their library directly is recommended.
[1] Camille Cook, in her role as Director of Library Services, will focus on education-and-self-development by strategic leadership and planning, ensuring the library supports Park University’s mission and research needs.
[2] Also under her career-development responsibilities, Cook aims to advance library services, including the integration of technological innovations and improving workflows for better service delivery.
