A message from University of St. Michael’s College President David Sylvester
Dear members of the St. Michael’s community,
I am writing to let you know that Sheril Hook, Dr. William D. Sharpe Chief Librarian and Director of the Archives, will be leaving the University of St. Michael’s College after eight years of wonderful work. Although we are sad to see Sheril go, it is also a time to congratulate her on her new role as Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning at York University Libraries.
Sheril has been an integral part of St. Mike’s and has played a key role in bringing the community together with exceptional services, spaces — including the creation of a conservation studio and digital preservation studio–and the development of collections to support a diversity of intellectual pursuits.
Upon arrival at St. Mike’s, Sheril initiated the development of a five-year strategic plan that included revitalizing library spaces, building staff capacity, and increasing the staffing complement. She guided the library toward projects that could enhance both the student and faculty experience while also increasing the visibility of and the ability to care for special collections.
Aligning with institutional priorities and ensuring staff capacity for shared leadership at Kelly Library, Sheril collaborated across divisions to create a robust annual lecture and exhibit program; created a new position for an outreach archivist that led to greater student use of special collections and advocated successfully for a new position for a conservator that led to the development of a front-of-house conservation studio to allow for both experiential learning opportunities as well as a high standard of care for the collection. Revitalizing the Kelly Print Studio led to the creation of beautifully designed letterpress publications that linked to the academic programs at St. Mike’s and involved the broader community in print production. With existing donations, generous support from the Friends of the Kelly Library, and feedback and funding from St. Michael’s College Student Union, Sheril increased and revitalized all seating in the library, added five group study rooms—the first group study rooms in Kelly, and refurbished existing spaces to create research and writing consultation rooms; purchased equipment to outfit the new digital preservation studio to digitize, store, and provide e-access to special collections; and built a new, enlarged space to house the rare book collection, paving the way for a new student-focused multi-use space on the first floor of the library.
I know that her colleagues, including those at the larger University of Toronto Libraries system, will miss her strategic insights and strong commitment to student learning and success.
Sheril’s last day at St. Mike’s is May 13, 2022. We expect to provide information about how the transition will be handled in the days ahead.
