Benjamin Walker has been named Dean of University Libraries at FIU, effective May 11, 2026.
“I am really proud of the work I have been a part of at UF. It is amazing to look back at the many things I’ve had the privilege of being part of,” Walker said.
Ben is leaving the George A. Smathers Libraries after more than two decades of progressive leadership experience at the University of Florida. As the Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs; Access & Technical Services, he provided strategic oversight for six departments encompassing more than 65 faculty and staff, including library technology services, digital services, resource description, shared collections, conservation and preservation and access and resource sharing. He has led major organizational restructurings, statewide collaborative storage initiatives and the development of systems and services supporting large-scale digital collections, including UF’s participation in the Digital Library of the Caribbean.
“Ben and I both came to the UF around the same time and he’s been an integral part of the Smathers Libraries as his responsibilities increased throughout the years. His leadership has contributed greatly to the success of the Libraries and his expertise is broadly recognized at the state and national levels. The good thing is that he’ll still be in the state, contributing to higher education in Florida and the work of Florida academic libraries!” Pat Reakes, Interim Dean of University Libraries said.
Ben started his career at UF in 2004 as the Associate Chair for Access Services, supervising Stacks Maintenance and Storage. In 2009, while continuing his storage duties, he served as interim head of Interlibrary Loan and Course Reserves. From 2010-2013 he served as the head of the Education Library. He then moved back to storage, first adding Conservation & Preservation, then Digital Services, before being promoted to Assistant Dean in 2014.
An experienced scholar and contributor to the field, Ben has published and presented extensively on shared collections, digital libraries, metadata, faculty affairs, and evolving models of library leadership. His professional development includes participation in the Harvard Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians, the ARL Research Library Leadership Fellows Program, the Institute for Academic Leadership, and multiple statewide library leadership initiatives.
“Honestly, there have been so many experiences that it’s hard to name just a few, and each has been extremely important in shaping who I am as a person and a leader. I have always felt like the work we do at UF matters and being here helped me realize how much value I place on that.” Walker’s favorite accomplishments include:
- First large project of moving collections out of Library West for renovations and creating plans for those collections to come back.
- In 2014, collaborating between library employees, departments, vendors and locations to complete the Marston Science Library first floor renovation on a tight timeline.
- Nationally-recognized work with shared print through the Rosemont Alliance, the Journal Retention and Needs Listing (JRNL) software, and others, representing UF and the state, pushing those agendas forward.
Walker reflected, “It’s going to be difficult to leave because after more than 20 years, I am really attached to the people here. It’s an exciting time to join FIU. The university continues to receive national and state accolades for its impact on students and I’m really enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead the libraries in those continued efforts.”