UMass Amherst Libraries Announce Appointment of Jennifer Friedman to Associate Dean of Research and Learning

The UMass Amherst Libraries are pleased to announce that Jennifer Friedman has been appointed associate dean of research and learning.

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Prior to joining the University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries in 2016, Friedman worked in several different libraries, large and small, academic, public and private, including Clemson, MIT, Harvard, and University of South Florida (USF). Friedman has navigated across library organizations via several positions in multiple departments, including the management of research services, collections, access services and technical services. In her last position at USF, she was the assistant director of research services, where she is proud of her leadership role in the year-and-a-half-long collaborative project across the division re-evaluating the academic liaison program to develop a vision and strategic plan for the future of the program.

Over the course of her appointment of head of research services and interim associate dean of research and learning, Friedman has accomplished a significant amount of work in support of the Libraries’ Academic Liaisons Program, and has provided a nearly complete overhaul of our public facing research support and space management system in Springshare. Additionally, she initiated the Peer Research Consultant Program, which, prior to the pandemic, had students interested in librarianship training on research consultation and support. She will provide strategic direction as the Peer Leadership Program in the Learning Commons continues to develop. Friedman has played a key leadership role in multiple strategic planning processes, both within the Libraries and on campus. Her incredible depth of knowledge and experience at a diverse range of institutions has provided a wealth of perspective, support, and guidance not only in the Research and Learning Portfolio, but also in the organization as a whole.