IPL News: Sue Davidsen to Lead Internet Public Library

[Patricia Memmott]

Sue Davidsen to Lead Internet Public Library
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:

Jay Jackson
304 West Hall
550 E. University
Ann Arbor, MI
48109-1092
(734) 763-0074
jacksonj at umich.edu

April 17, 2002

ANN ARBOR, MI -- The University of Michigan School of Information has
appointed Sue Davidsen director of its Internet Public Library.

Davidsen has extensive experience in librarianship on the Internet. For
eight years she was director of the Michigan Electronic Library, the
state's free online library service. Her virtual library design continues
to be used as a model today throughout the world.

She replaces David S. Carter, who has helped develop the IPL for the past
seven years. He will remain at the U-M as an associate librarian at the
Media Union.

In 1995, the new director's extensive experience in developing electronic
information resources was recognized with the national Paul W. Thurston
Award, which cited her effort to make government information accessible.
She has also received the Michigan Library Association's Walter Kaiser
Award for bringing innovation to Michigan libraries. Before coming to the
School of Information, Davidsen was a member of the interface design team
at ProQuest in Ann Arbor.

Davidsen will continue as the School's associate director of academic
outreach and practical engagement programs and lecturer in government and
business information at the School of Information. She is also an advisor
and consultant to a number of digital library and portal projects in
Michigan and throughout the United States.

The Internet Public Library (www.ipl.org) began as a course project at the
School in 1995. The library has since developed into a unique learning
laboratory staffed by professional librarians, students, and volunteers
that attracts more than 1.5 million visitors a month from around the
world.