UBC University Librarian Susan E. Parker announces retirement in 2026

November 10, 2025

Susan Parker, University Librarian at the University of British Columbia (UBC) since 2017, today announced her decision to retire on June 30, 2026.

Message from the University Librarian: Announcing my retirement on June 30, 2026

It is with deep gratitude to the University of British Columbia (UBC) community that I announce my plan to retire from my position as University Librarian at UBC Library on June 30, 2026.

As I look back on my eight years with UBC Library, I want to first recognize the dedicated and skilled librarians, archivists and staff who I have shared my time with. I am endlessly inspired by their expertise and proud of the countless ways they continue to strive for excellence in research, teaching, learning and engagement. Beyond our library teams, I am honoured to have served alongside my academic faculty colleagues, Deans and UBC Executive, as well as other University Librarians and library leaders across Canada and North America.

Finally, I extend my thanks to Dr. Gage Averill, UBC Provost and Vice-President Academic, and Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon, UBC President and Vice-Chancellor, for their support of the library throughout my tenure.

Reflecting on these years, including coming through the COVID-19 crisis, we have accomplished so much together, from developing UBC Library’s Strategic Framework, which continues to guide our goal-setting activities, to advancing important work related to the UBC Inclusion Action Plan and UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan. We have responded to the changing needs of students and faculty by offering original programming and freshly renovated spaces, and we have pursued exciting acquisitions, including a Shakespeare First Folio, while always finding news ways to highlight our existing collections, as in the displays offered in the Chung | Lind Gallery.

This is a time of immense change for research libraries, with new technologies and a digital landscape transforming how we do our work. In partnership with the Library Executive Team, I am planning ahead to support the long-term stability of the library and a smooth transition to the next University Librarian.

The Office of the Provost recently initiated a search for a new University Librarian, and I encourage you to visit their announcement to learn more. The search will be led by a President’s Advisory Committee (PAC) of elected, Senate-selected and appointed members, per UBC Policy AP11. The PAC will consider and advise the President on the candidates before the President makes a recommendation to the Board of Governors. I look forward to seeing what expertise and innovation a new University Librarian brings to this role.

It has been a privilege to serve the UBC community through these final, memorable years of my career, and I am optimistic as I look to the future of UBC Library and the university as a whole.

Sincerely,
Susan E. Parker

(Via UBC Library)