Tabatha Farney named Associate Dean of Library Administration

abatha “Tabby” Farney has been named Associate Dean of Library Administration at the Kraemer Family Library. Farney assumed the role Jan. 1.

Farney’s role includes managing the day-to-day operations of the library as well as leading the strategic planning process to direct the future of the library. This includes facilitating a survey for stakeholder feedback and organizing focus groups. 

“We’re trying to get a pulse on how the library can best serve campus needs as well as align more closely with the 2023 UCCS strategic plan,” Farney said.

In addition to promoting the library as a welcoming place for all students, Farney also hopes to inform UCCS students of the library’s modern function.

“We’re not just a place to store books,” Farney said. “Really we’re a knowledge creation center. We’re here to create knowledge throughout the entire process. The library even has an undergraduate research journal, so we can help undergraduate students publish the research they create at UCCS. So we’re a part of the entire research life cycle.”

Prior to her role as Associate Dean, Farney started at UCCS in 2007 as Assistant Professor and Web Services Librarian. In 2014, she was promoted to Faculty Director of Web Services and Emerging Technologies. She also served as Co-Interim Dean of the Kraemer Family Library in 2020.

Farney is an active member of the American Library Association, where she leads a committee in the Core division of the organization. Core’s mission is to “cultivate and amplify the collective expertise of library workers in core functions through community building, advocacy and learning.”

Farney was one of 10 recipients of the I Love My Librarian Award in 2016, an award given by the American Library Association for exceptional contributions to the community and ongoing commitment to transforming lives through education and lifelong learning. 

She hopes to continue those contributions to the UCCS campus and community. 

“We want students to know that we are a resource for them,” Farney said. “Whether they are on campus or off campus, the library should be a place that is open to everyone.”