Below find a special note from Lorcan Dempsey -- and please join me in congratulating Jim, who has lead the Partnership so ably. -- Merrilee
Colleagues, Jim Michalko has decided to retire from his role as Vice President, Research Libraries, in February 2016. During his tenure Jim has played a key role in the reshaping of OCLC's research agenda and directions, provided a focal point for OCLC's research library relations, advised on research library directions as part of strategy formulation and led the most recent effort to recalibrate the cooperative's policies around WorldCat rights and responsibilities. Jim joined OCLC Research when The Research Libraries Group (RLG) combined with OCLC in 2006. At that time the RLG data assets were integrated into OCLC services and the program activities related to research libraries were brought into OCLC Research. The resulting Research Library Partnership, which Jim leads, became an important venue and provided a voice for those interests. Since the combination the Partnership has grown from 110 to 165 institutions including libraries at 25 of the top 30 universities in the Times Higher Education World University rankings. Prior to the merger Jim led RLG for nearly sixteen years as part of a career that began in the early days of library technology and spanned multiple generations of policy, technology, collaboration and leadership in the research library community. During his career, Jim has been a central figure in the shaping of research library interests and directions. His professional commitment and organizational tact greatly facilitated the transition from RLG to OCLC. Between now and February Jim will work with me on the transition to new leadership. I would be glad to hear your thoughts about the kind of expertise and experience we need to shape and guide OCLC's investment in this important activity. Lorcan Dempsey Chief Strategist & VP, Membership and Research, OCLC http://www.oclc.org/research http://www.twitter.com/lorcand -- Merrilee Proffitt OCLC . Senior Program Officer, OCLC Research 777 Mariners Island Blvd, Suite 550, San Mateo, CA USA 94404 T +1-650-287-2136 <http://www.oclc.org/home.en.html?cmpid=emailsig_logo> OCLC <http://www.oclc.org/home.en.html?cmpid=emailsig_link> OCLC.org . <http://www.facebook.com/pages/OCLC/20530435726> Facebook . <http://twitter.com/oclc> Twitter . <http://www.youtube.com/OCLCvideo> YouTube
