January 20-21, 2000

ITEM 106-1004-R0100 Resolution Concerning the Retirement of Karen A. Hatcher, Professor and Dean of Library Services, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library; The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT: Karen A. Hatcher, Professor and Dean of Library Services, in her 31 years of dedicated service to The University of Montana and to the State of Montana, has merited the commendation of the Board of Regents of the Montana University System, and has earned the title of Professor of Library Services Emeritus.

EXPLANATION: Karen A. Hatcher received her B.S. degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1963. She completed her M.L.S. degree in Library Science in 1964 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Professor Hatcher came to The University of Montana in July 1968, where she served first as an assistant cataloger and eventual Director of Technical Services. In 1991, she became Dean of Library Services where she finished her dedicated service to the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library.

During her years of service at the Mansfield Library, Professor Hatcher has committed herself to developing the library as a strong presence in the campus community and for leading the movement in library automation. She is extremely knowledgeable in both the philosophical and technical aspects of library services and is highly dedicated to providing the campus community with the research tools needed to successfully teach and learn.

In the face of tremendous budget, personnel, space, and equipment needs, Professor Hatcher diligently worked in donor relations to assist in the development of major gifts and endowments for library needs. In addition, she has served the library community in a variety of professional organizations at the local, state and national level and has successfully published in many professional journals. Professor Hatcher has proven herself as an administrator, scholar, and colleague.

For these accomplishments and for her significant contributions to the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana, and the State of Montana, the faculty and staff proudly recommends the commendation of the Board of Regents and the title, Professor of Library Services Emeritus, for Professor and Dean Karen A. Hatcher.