Tara Radniecki joins University Libraries as Associate Dean
Welcome, Tara!
After two concurrent nation-wide and months-long searches for both Vice Dean and Associate Dean – coordinated by many departments and teams – Tara Radniecki accepted the Associate Dean position in Administration, and started in August. Radniecki relocated from Reno, Nevada.
Background & experience
Radniecki earned a BA in English Literature from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, an MA in Medieval Literatures from the University of York, England, and an MA in Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Her career began at Loyola University Chicago, Illinois, where Radniecki's responsibilities were split between liaising to the life sciences, e-resources management, and working with then-emerging consumer technologies such as iPads. She moved to Los Angeles and became an emerging technologies librarian at Loyola University Marymount (LUM) where she continued to work with various online platforms, conduct liaison work, and start LUM's lending technology collection.
From 2014 to mid-2023, Radniecki held various positions at the University of Nevada, Reno. She was the engineering liaison, patent and trademark resource center librarian, director of the makerspace (similar to our CATalyst Studios), and then head of the DeLaMare Science & Engineering Library.
She has been active in the American Library Association Science and Technology section (most recently serving as member-at-large on the executive board), and the International Federation of Library Associations & Institutions Science and Technology Libraries section.
Current role
As Associate Dean, Radniecki will primarily work with staff in Administration, Health Sciences Library, Research Engagement, and Student Learning & Engagement. In addition to serving on various internal groups, including Cabinet and Library Staff Council, she is the University Libraries representative on the Associate Deans for Research Council and other campus committees and working groups.
"I’m excited about working with people who are clearly very knowledgeable about and dedicated to their respective fields," Radniecki said. "They are also curious, collaborative, and kind. As someone who enjoys variety and teamwork, I've really enjoyed learning about all the different Libraries departments, their accomplishments, and what opportunities and challenges they want to tackle next. And I look forward to growing and developing myself in ways that can help further our work."
Reflecting on her professional accomplishments to date, Radniecki said, "I’m proud of the work my science and engineering team accomplished. Together, we developed a highly regarded makerspace, a research data services team, and strong collaborative working relationships across the libraries and campus. I’m most proud that we did this while also fostering an environment of inclusivity, smart risk-taking, and kindness."