Laurier appoints Scott Gillies as university librarian

June 2, 2023
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University has appointed Scott Gillies as university librarian for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2023.  

Gillies has been an academic librarian for more than 22 years and has served as Laurier’s associate university librarian since 2017. At Laurier, Gillies' policy development expertise and collaborative leadership approach have been instrumental to the library’s strategic planning, talent development and operational improvements.

“In his time at Laurier, Scott has earned a well-deserved reputation for his inclusive and collaborative leadership style and his innovative approaches to improving service,” said Heidi Northwood, Laurier’s interim provost and vice-president: academic. “I am thrilled he will continue to contribute his strengths to the Laurier community in this new capacity as university librarian.” 

Gillies played a lead role in the library’s pandemic response, including curbside lending and the expansion of digital resources. As a member of the library’s executive management team, he has contributed to all aspects of library planning, policy development, human resources and financial management.  

“The strength of the library is our people. I am very proud of the library team’s deep commitment to inclusive service excellence to our faculty, students, staff and the broader community,” said Gillies. “The library is moving forward in exciting and innovative ways to support teaching, learning, research and creativity. I am excited and honoured to be a part of the leadership team that will transform the Laurier Library in the coming years.” 

As a member of committees and working groups of the Ontario Council of University Libraries and the Canadian Research Knowledge Network, Gillies has represented Laurier and advanced the academic library sector provincewide. He has helped shape the future of the profession through conference presentations, journal articles and book chapters. Currently, he serves as a peer mentor for the Canadian Association of Research Libraries. He is a longtime member of the Ontario Library Association and the Ontario College and University Library Association.  

Gillies will succeed Gohar Ashoughian, who has served two terms plus a one-year extension as Laurier’s university librarian.  

“From leading the development of the library strategic plan, to establishing vibrant arts and cultural connections with the university community and beyond, Gohar has made lasting contributions to our thriving library,” said Northwood. “On behalf of the university, I thank her for her remarkable service.” 

The Laurier Library provides resources, research and scholarly publishing, instruction and study spaces that inspire users to achieve excellence in their research pursuits. The library is home to the award-winning Robert Langen Art Gallery; leading Canadian scholarly publisher WLU Press; and the Laurier Archives, keeper of the university’s historical record as well as leading collections on the environment, music, and the Lutheran Church.