David Alexander takes on vital University Librarian role with Vancouver Island University.
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is pleased to announce that after an extensive search, David Alexander has been appointed its next University Librarian. As the Librarian, Alexander will be responsible for leading the planning and development of the Library services while being an advocate for the Library’s community of users. His work will lead the Library through rapidly evolving opportunities and challenges, guiding the contribution the Library may offer to cultural stewardship.
Alexander is excited for this opportunity, “I am really honoured to be joining an outstanding team at VIU. Libraries have been so fundamental to my own learning; I am looking forward to supporting learners and the VIU communities and finding ways to increase that support.”
David Alexander brings 12 years of exceptional, relevant experience from his service with the Royal BC Museum, where he most recently served as Acting Vice President of Collections and Research. In this role, he oversaw a broad portfolio including preservation of and access to the provincial museum, archives and library collections; partnerships; Indigenous engagement and repatriation; research and registration; conservation and digitization services. Prior to his tenure with the Museum, Alexander worked at the Vancouver Island Regional Library system as Communication and Privacy Manager and prior to that founded a technology company that provided digital solutions for cultural and government institutions. For the past 20 years, he has been an active member of the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, museums) sector, which includes 12 years’ experience at the Museum in various capacities including taking a leading role on collections, partnerships, digital and IT, as well as communications.
Alexander holds a Master of Applied Communication from Royal Roads University (2005); and a Bachelor of Arts in Pacific and Asian Studies from the University of Victoria (1995). His community leadership roles have included Chair, Council of Provincial and Territorial Archivists and Co-chair, National, Provincial, and Territorial Archivists Conference (2020-present); Executive Board Member, National Heritage Digitization Strategy (2020-present); Convocation Senator, University of Victoria (2018-2021); Advisory Board Member, Canadian Museum of History (2018-2021); Past President, BC Museums Association (2012-2019) and Board Member, Greater Victoria Public Library (2010-2017).
When he is not working to support best practices in the GLAM sector, as a born and raised west coaster Alexander can be found in his happy places – beaches and forests, walking with his dogs and husband.
David Alexander’s appointment as University Librarian commences April 19, 2022.
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