Dean is the Library Director at Houston Christian University in Houston, TX (3700 FTE). He has been a member of ACL since 2008.
Librarian Career
I began my career as a librarian…taking care of the automation needs in 1994. I would have never guessed that I would still be at the same school thirty years later.
Between the Pages: Getting to Know Our Member of the Month
Describe yourself using a book title: Fugues in the Forecast: A Librarian’s Log of Curiosity and Cosmos
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? Seeing the “Aha!” moment light up in student’s eyes when they learn something new about library research methods!
What are you currently reading? How Ike Led: The Principles Behind Eisenhower’s Biggest Decisions (by Susan Eisenhower) and Tough and Competent: Leadership and Team Chemistry (by Gene Kranz).
How do you as a librarian contribute to your campus or community? I actively contribute to our campus by leading innovative library initiatives, guiding technical operations, and pioneering student-focused programs such as the “SearchWell,” a student-led, triaged reference-research service. I endeavor to enhance the academic environment by supporting faculty with AI-focused resources, collaborating on student success initiatives, and stewarding special collections to align with institutional values and goals. Through strategic leadership during times of transition, I have worked to ensure both operational stability and ongoing professional development opportunities for our campus community.
Do you have any specific interests in the library world? Following technology trends affecting information and sharing a Christian worldview of research
What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? I love baseball, collecting coins from around the world, playing the piano and the mountain dulcimer, and learning about outer space and the weather and more as I am naturally curious (hence the book title above).
ACL Involvement
How were you introduced to ACL?By my library director.
Describe ACL in three words: Faith-integrated; professionally-supportive; Globally-connected
What do you value about ACL? The community support — asking questions from librarians who are faith-based, sharing problems, sharing prayer requests, the good-natured humor, well-run conferences and information sharing.
How are you or have you been involved in ACL? I have presented once and attend conferences and webinars as I am able. The listserv has been most helpful and I need to give back more.