McGuigan named as inaugural Associate Dean of Libraries for Research at UW–Madison

Niamh McGuigan has been named the UW–Madison Associate Dean of Libraries for Research, a role she will be starting Dec. 1, 2025.

McGuigan will be joining the UW–Madison Libraries after three years as the Director of the Center for Library Exploration and Research at Brown University, where she led several research and programmatic initiatives focused on building academic community, and expanding research and data services support across Brown’s campus and into the local community.

In her role as Associate Dean of Libraries for Research at UW–Madison, McGuigan will be responsible for promoting and advancing research support and collaboration across all campus libraries, including comprehensive coordination of library research services and activities. Her position provides leadership in shaping research service aspects of the Libraries’ strategic plans and directions as well as leading in program development and assessment.

“I’m honored to join the UW–Madison Libraries at a moment when libraries and access to information matter more than ever,” says McGuigan, who previously held positions at Loyola University Chicago Libraries as Head of Research and Learning, and Reference Librarian and Subject Specialist. “I look forward to working with students, faculty, and staff across campus to advance the research mission of UW–Madison, affirming the university’s commitment to discover, examine, preserve, and transmit knowledge.”

McGuigan will join the UW–Madison Libraries Dean’s Office executive team as well as sit on various committees within the Libraries and across campus.