91ÊÓƵ

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Hanna Schmillen to the position of Assistant Dean for Research & Education Services, effective February 1, 2025.

In this role, Schmillen will provide leadership and oversight for the University Libraries’ Research & Education Services division, which includes the Libraries’ frontline, in-person, and online service points, as well as teaching, learning, and research services delivered across all campuses. As a member of the Libraries’ Leadership Team, Schmillen will collaborate on the development and execution of the Libraries’ strategic goals and related resource planning. She will also build and steward collaborative partnerships on behalf of the Libraries across the university and within the broader academic research library profession.

Schmillen currently serves as the Head of the Libraries' Research Services Department and the Health Sciences Librarian.  In her role as department head, she has developed a strategic vision and direction for the newly established department, fostering collaboration within her team.  The Research Services Department supports 91ÊÓƵ’s research enterprise as a trusted partner, with a focus on research services related to data, open science, scholarly impact, and student research and creative activity.  In addition, Schmillen advocated for, implemented, and leads the Research Data Management Working Group—a university-wide team that supports research data management efforts and guidelines for all researchers.  She has also been a key collaborator and innovator in the Libraries’ exploration and support of generative AI for the 91ÊÓƵ community.

Previously, Schmillen served as the Head of Subject Liaison Services, where she was responsible for defining the role of subject liaison work.  She led a six-month data-gathering study on subject liaison services, which included facilitated librarian discussions and feedback.  This effort ultimately informed the Libraries’ division reorganization. 

Throughout her career at 91ÊÓƵ, one constant has been Schmillen’s role as the Health Sciences Librarian, a position she has held since 2015.  Over the years, she has cultivated strong relationships and deep collaborations with the College of Health Sciences and Professions, supporting hundreds of classes, students, and faculty in their courses and research endeavors. 

Schmillen earned a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Biological Sciences from Illinois State University.