Michael Vandenburg appointed Executive Director of CARL

January 12, 2026

The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) today announced the appointment of Michael Vandenburg as the new Executive Director, effective February 1, 2026. Vandenburg joins CARL from Dalhousie University, where he has served as Dean of Libraries since 2022. He succeeds Susan Haigh who served as executive director from 2014 to 2025.

CARL Appoints Michael Vandenburg as Executive Director

January 12, 2026 – The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Vandenburg as its new Executive Director, effective February 1, 2026.

As Executive Director, Michael will provide overall strategic, operational, and financial leadership for CARL. He will work closely with the Board of Directors to advance the Association’s mission, strategic priorities, and governance, while overseeing CARL’s programs, partnerships, and day-to-day operations. The role includes supporting CARL’s committees, working groups, and communities of practice; representing CARL in national and international forums; strengthening relationships with member institutions and partner organizations; and ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the Association.

Michael joins CARL from Dalhousie University, where he has served as Dean of Libraries since 2022, providing strategic leadership for five libraries, two learning commons, and a broad portfolio of academic and digital services. He brings more than two decades of progressive leadership experience across academic, public, and consortial library environments, with a strong record of advancing collaboration, digital transformation, and research infrastructure.

Prior to his role at Dalhousie, Michael served as Interim Executive Director of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), where he led the consortium’s mission, strategy, and operations, overseeing budgets exceeding $25 million annually and supporting large-scale shared services such as Scholars Portal. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Queen’s University Library, including Interim Vice-Provost & University Librarian, guiding the library through significant organizational change and the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michael is well known within the CARL community. He has served on CARL’s Board of Directors from 2023 to 2025, most recently as Treasurer (2024–2025), and was Chair of CARL’s Advancing Research Committee from 2024 until his current appointment. His deep understanding of research library environments, governance, and national and international collaboration aligns closely with CARL’s mission and strategic priorities.

“Michael brings exceptional leadership experience, a strong commitment to collaboration, and a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing research libraries today. His ability to build trust-based relationships, lead complex organizations, and advance impactful partnerships will be a tremendous asset to CARL and its members.”
— Mary-Jo Romaniuk, CARL President

CARL warmly welcomes Michael to this role and looks forward to working with him as the Association continues to support and advance Canada’s research library community nationally and internationally.

Michael succeeds Susan Haigh, who dedicated eleven years of service as Executive Director, during which she provided steady leadership and made lasting contributions to the Association and its member libraries.

(Via Canadian Association of Research Libraries)