Union will welcome Frances Maloy as the new college librarian in August when she comes to campus to oversee the College’s library system and extensive book and art collections.
Maloy has decades of experience in overseeing libraries supporting higher education. She has worked at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. for the last 20 years, most recently serving as its services division leader. She was also director of public services at the Hamilton College library.
She is a member of numerous professional associations and organizations including the American Library Association and the Association of College and Research Libraries, of which she is a past president.
Maloy said she values academic libraries and the roles they play in a young scholar’s education. “I think it speaks to my values around learning and the freedom to learn,” she said. “I love supporting the process of self-exploration and how colleges and universities allow students to grow mentally, physically and emotionally.”
“She has a passion for libraries, extensive experience at Emory and Hamilton, dedication to supporting students, and a collaborative style with faculty and staff,” said Therese McCarty, the Stephen J. and Diane K. Ciesinski Dean of Faculty and vice president for Academic Affairs. “I am very grateful to the search committee, the library staff and other faculty and students who assisted with the search.”
A Capital Region native, Maloy received her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Lawrence University and her Masters of Library Science from the University at Albany.
The transition from a larger university setting to a small, liberal arts college shouldn’t be difficult because the goals of libraries in higher education are very similar, she said.
“Training the next generation of scholars is still at the very core of the two places.”
Maloy will take over for Thomas McFadden, who has presided over Schaffer Library and its collections for the past 15 years.