The Wayne State University Library System has announced the appointment of Stephen T. Bajjaly, a veteran information professional and administrator, as director of its Library and Information Science Program, effective August 1, 2007.

Bajjaly will join the LIS Program with over 15 years of experience in the information science field. Most recently, he served as an associate professor and associate director for undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science, where he oversaw all aspects of the implementation of the school’s recently approved bachelor of science program in library and information science. He also has been active in the community, including serving on various university committees at USC, consulting with area libraries and organizations, and as a representative on the site visit team for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Accreditation.

Bajjaly earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Lawrence University, a master’s degree in business administration from San Diego State University and a doctorate degree in information science from the State University of New York at Albany. He succeeds Joseph Mika who announced his resignation last year and will return to teaching in the LIS Program. “Stephen Bajjaly will bring a new enthusiasm to the LIS Program,” said Mika. “His vision and experience will be helpful in guiding the Program into the future.”

“Stephen Bajjaly’s wealth of experience, especially in the area of technology and history of teaching in library and information science, will be a valuable asset to the LIS Program and the university,” said Sandra Yee, Dean of the University Library System. “I look forward to working with him.”

While at USC, Bajjaly served as a project director for the first community-based, non-profit Web portal In SC and oversaw a campus-wide effort to promote interest in creative new media solutions for education, research and service to faculty, students and staff. He also worked for South Carolina’s First Lady, Rachel Hodges to develop and maintain her family literacy program’s Web site.

As part of the Wayne State University Library System, the Library and Information Science master’s program is one of the largest American Library Association-accredited LIS programs in the U.S. and Canada, with over 550 students enrolled across six specialized programs.

Wayne State University is a premier institution offering more than 350 academic programs through 12 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.