New Library–OIT Partnership Will Address Evolving Technologies

September 21, 2026

UT Libraries and the Office of Innovative Technologies (OIT) are establishing a new, co-funded partnership to address the impact of new technologies.

Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital scholarship, data governance, privacy, and other rapidly evolving technologies are reshaping research, teaching and learning, knowledge preservation, and access to information. Meeting these opportunities and challenges requires close coordination across the university.

The new partnership will align digital strategy, technology investments, and expertise across the Libraries and OIT in support of university priorities.

As part of this partnership, Mike Jones, currently Director of Digital Initiatives at UT Libraries, has been appointed Interim Associate Dean for Libraries Digital Strategy and Transformation effective October 1, 2026.

Mike Jones, Interim Associate Dean for Libraries Digital Strategy and Transformation

This role will provide executive-level leadership to connect the Libraries’ digital work with OIT and other campus partners. It will help coordinate digital capabilities and investments, improve interoperability and reduce duplication, address technology-related operational and institutional risks, and support the responsible evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

“The pace and complexity of technological change require us to think more strategically about how we organize and lead this work,” said Dean of Libraries Steve Smith. “Mike brings deep experience, a strong understanding of libraries, and the ability to connect technology to our broader academic mission. I am also excited about the opportunity this position creates to deepen our partnership with OIT and better align our work with technology priorities across the university.”

“University Libraries are essential partners in shaping the university’s digital future,” added Dan Harder, Chief Academic Technology Officer and Deputy CIO at OIT. “This new collaboration creates a stronger bridge between the Libraries and OIT, allowing us to align strategy, make more intentional technology investments, and responsibly advance emerging capabilities such as artificial intelligence.”

A search for the permanent Associate Dean for Libraries Digital Strategy and Transformation is expected to begin within the next year.