Gates Library Foundation Hires Former Connecticut State Librarian

REDMOND, Washington -- The Gates Library Foundation today announced that Richard Akeroyd, former Connecticut state librarian, has joined the Foundation as library programs director.

"We are thrilled to have Richard with us," said Patty Stonesifer, president and CEO of the Gates Library Foundation. "His expertise really enhances our ability to partner with libraries to bring access to digital information to patrons in low-income communities."

Richard Akeroyd has 25 years of direct experience in libraries. He holds a master's degree in library science from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut. Recently, he has studied at the University of Connecticut, focusing on advanced coursework in educational media and instruction technology.

Akeroyd is a long-time member of a number of professional associations including the American Library Association, the American Society for Information Science and the Coalition for Networked Information.

In addition to bringing Akeroyd on board, the Gates Library Foundation has created a grant review committee to evaluate all the grant applications they have received since announcing guidelines in October of this year. The committee includes Bernard Vavrek, Ph.D., professor of library science and director of the Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship at Clarion University; Ginnie Cooper, director of libraries for Multnomah County and president of the Public Library Association; Luis Herrara, director of the Pasadena Public Library; and Annabelle Stephens, Ph.D., associate professor, School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama.

"We believe that peer review is crucial to the integrity of our grant-making process," said Stonesifer. "The committee members are well-respected in the field and each bring special expertise to the process. We are privileged that these experts from around the country are willing to help us meet our goal of providing computer and Internet access to libraries."