Lynne Brindley, pro-vice-chancellor and librarian at the University of Leeds, was appointed chief executive of the British Library effective July 1. She is both the first professional librarian and the first woman to hold that post since the library separated from the British Museum in 1972. She will replace outgoing chief executive Brian Lang.
A February 8 British Library press release quoted Brindley, 49, as saying she looked forward to “developing programs to enhance traditional library activities, to reach out to new publics, and to put digital library developments on center stage.” British Culture Secretary Chris Smith said, “The British Library is at the beginning of a new era following its successful move into St. Pancras and I am sure that Lynne will make a most distinguished contribution to its development.”
As pro-vice-chancellor at Leeds, Brindley oversees projects in communications and information technology. She was formerly librarian and director of information services at the London School of Economics, and has worked in the private sector as a management consultant.
Posted February 14, 2000.