Loyola Welcomes Jamie Wittenberg, New Dean of Libraries

Loyola has selected the new Dean of University Libraries, Jamie Wittenberg, effective January 2026. 

Wittenberg’s selection was based on her new vision for Loyola libraries, one which emphasizes connection, curiosity and community, according to Provost Douglas Woods. Her aspirations align with Jesuit values and see the space as more than just a place for students to study, but a place where students’ ideas come together to inspire new conversations. 

“Libraries are about connecting people with information and expertise so they can develop an organized, analytical mind and make an impact in the world through their research,” Wittenberg said.

Woods said Wittenburg’s appointment reflects her innovative thinking and vision on how the university libraries can better connect communication, technology and research. 

“We were looking for someone with interdisciplinary insight, leadership and strong communication skills,” Woods said. “Jamie stood out for her ability to link innovation with our Jesuit mission and our commitment to student success.”

Wittenberg said her first priority as dean is to understand the needs of students and faculty since she believes it’s essential to recognize how the library can better continue to support Loyola’s community in learning, teaching and research. 

“The libraries ultimately belong to the students and the faculty on campus,” Wittenberg said. “We need to figure out and support what the demand is and what the needs are from that broader community.”

Woods pointed out how Wittenberg and him see eye-to-eye on how significant Loyola libraries are in the success of students and the crucial role they play in academics.

“The library is central to Loyola’s academic mission,” Woods said. “It’s not just a repository of knowledge — it’s a convening space where students and faculty come together to learn.”

Previously, Wittenberg was the assistant dean for Research and Innovation Strategies at the University of Colorado Boulder. She also has previous experience at Indiana University and University of California, Berkeley. Her background reflects her extensive experience and values she said will shape her journey at Loyola. 

Wittenberg holds degrees from Bard College, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and most recently earned a doctorate in educational equity at University of Colorado Denver. 

“She brings a strong passion for education and innovation,” Woods said, “That’s something she will carry with her throughout her time at Loyola.”

Her passion for innovation coincides with the latest technological developments happening within Loyola’s library system. In recent years, the library has expanded its resources in helping support students’ access to learning and research tools. The Systems Department has evolved to now provide digital services, metadata technologies and user experience and assessments. 

Loyola’s Head of Library Systems Ma Hong said the department has made tremendous progress towards improving digital accessibility for students and faculty. 

“We have been developing platforms that make it easier for students to discover library resources, book study spaces and connect with our subject librarians,” Hong said. “The new library website, launching at the end of the year, will modernize our services and better connect students with what they need both digitally and in person.”

Hong also noted that the department plans to collaborate with others around campus to have future growth. 

“Technoloy will continue to evolve along with campus priorities and user needs,” Hong said. “We’re well positioned to lead improvements in how students navigate and access library services.”

Wittenberg said she plans to build on this momentum, ensuring her vision of further developing library resources technologically and maintaining human connections stay interconnected. Her goal is to make the libraries a space where technology, research, and community intersect, while also incorporating Jesuit values.   

“I see libraries as sites of real dialogue and connection, within and across campus,” Wittenberg said. “They’re places that encourage open conversation and reflection of the world around us.”