Tim Gritten was recently named associate dean of the Wayne State University Libraries. The appointment was announced by Dean Sandra Yee, who oversees the Wayne State University Libraries and School of Library and Information Science.

Gritten joins the libraries from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries, where he was the assistant director of libraries for user services. Gritten has more than 20 years of experience in libraries, serving in escalating roles within circulation, collections, acquisitions, technology and administration.

“Tim Gritten is the perfect candidate to fill the essential role of associate dean of libraries,” said Yee. “His expertise in all areas allows him to understand our users at every level, enhancing the overall user experience, which is our most important goal.”

In his role at the Wayne State Libraries, Gritten will focus on developing and implementing library programs and services to align with the university’s strategic goals, leading academic staff, and expanding and enhancing classroom technology.

Gritten earned his master’s in library science from Indiana University and bachelor’s degrees in anthropology, classics and history from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He served on several American College and Research Libraries editorial boards and committees, and as a mentor and committee member in the Library Leadership and Management Association. Gritten’s research interests include open access, copyright, fair use and publishing.

“I am thrilled to be joining the phenomenally talented individuals at the University Library System,” Gritten said. “I can't wait to see what the libraries do next across campus and beyond.”

The Wayne State University Library System consists of the university's six libraries: The David Adamany Undergraduate Library, the Purdy/Kresge Library, the Shiffman Medical Library, the Arthur Neef Law Library, the Science and Engineering Library and the Reuther Library and the School for Library and Information Science.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 380 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 27,000 students.