William & Mary Libraries welcomes Candice Benjes-Small as the new head of research services February 5, 2018.
Benjes-Small comes to W&M Libraries from Radford University where she served for 16 years in various positions at the McConnell Library. In her most recent role as head of information literacy and outreach, Benjes-Small provided leadership for the library instruction program, evaluated student learning, coordinated library outreach efforts to faculty, and taught information literacy sessions.
“I am excited to join the William & Mary Libraries team. Dean Carrie Cooper has a great reputation for supporting and encouraging innovative projects, I am so impressed with the range of services and resources that Swem offers,” said Benjes-Small. “I can’t wait to collaborate with my new colleagues to find more ways to integrate the libraries into campus life.”
Benjes-Small earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Haverford College and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Texas at Austin.
Assuming an additional role at Radford as the information literacy coordinator for Core curriculum, Benjes-Small coordinated training and syllabus development for new Core instructors and served on the Core Curriculum Committee. Prior to her promotion to head of information literacy and outreach in 2010, she worked as the library instruction team leader, and reference/instruction librarian. During Benjes-Small’s time as the library’s instruction team leader, she aided the growth of the library instruction program from 180 to 400 workshops each academic year.
As the new head of research services, Benjes-Small will supervise eight librarians and a substantial budget for graduate assistants. The head of research will oversee a team of research liaisons and insure partnerships with academic units across the W&M campus. Benjes-Small will also support library initiatives by leading liaison outreach activities and provide expertise to develop and expand innovative campus enterprises.
“Candice is an exemplary leader who demonstrates the ability to influence, inspire and support her fellow librarians, students and faculty,” said Carrie Cooper, dean of university libraries. “Given her impressive track record of collaboration and passion for teaching, I am excited for the future of our Research and Instruction Program.”
