Bart Ragon named Interim Director

Bart Ragon, Interim Director

This interview was edited by Kimberley R. Barker.

On October 3, 2020, Bart Ragon, MLIS, Ed.D., Associate Director for Knowledge Integration, Research and Technology, stepped into the role of Interim Director of the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, following the retirement of Gretchen Arnold, MLS. In this interview, we learn more about Bart’s professional life at the HSL and his vision for his time as Interim Director. 
 

MLN: Please tell us about your various roles during your time at the Library. 

BR: I started at UVA in 2000 as the Webmaster for HSL.  In 2003 I took on the role of Assistant Director for Library Technology Services and Development.  In 2011 my role was expanded to become the Associate Director for Knowledge Integration, Research, and Technology.  

MLN: Tell us more about what is involved in your role as the Associate Director for Knowledge Integration, Research, and Technology, and how you’ll manage both that role and the role of Interim Director simultaneously. 

BR: In my current role, I manage our reference services, research & data services, technology & web support, and emerging technologies & digital initiatives.  Additionally, I work directly with our Clinical Librarians (Elaine Attridge and Kate Joshua), Medical Education Librarian (Karen Knight), and Librarian for Digital Life (Kimberley R. Barker).  I have strong support from Andrea Denton, our Research & Data Services Manager and David Moody, the Library Director of Information Technology.  While UVA Health conducts a national search for a new Library Director, I will continue to manage my team and work with Library Administration.  The Library has a talented administrative team in Dan Wilson, Associate Director for Collections & Library Services and liaison to the School of Nursing and Kyle Bowman, Administrative Manager for the library.   

MLN: What will be your main priorities as Interim Director? 
 
BR: The immediate priority will be the continued delivery of high-quality services during the pandemic, while also ensuring the safety of library patrons and staff.  In almost all cases, the Library has been able to pivot its services with virtually no loss in quality to our patrons.  Additionally, we remain keenly focused on supporting the mission, values, and goals of UVA Health.  As a service entity, our mission is to leverage the expertise and dedication of our staff in ways that help the UVA Medical Center, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and University Physicians Group accomplish their goals.   
I am excited to say that the Library is also embarking on a new priority to support Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA).  An IDEA Working Group has begun to align the Library with the diversity goals of UVA Health and the UVA’s Inclusive Excellence framework.  I hope to share more information about this important initiative soon.  
 

MLN: What else would you like for us to know? 
 

BR: I look forward to working with our excellent team members at the Library and at UVA Health until a new Director can be selected for the Library.