Administrative history
Preparations for a Library began when the main campus of Fanshawe College was established at the former Ontario Vocational Centre in 1967. Although modest in size, the Library; which was located in “B” Building on the first floor of the East wing, was restocked with a new collection in June of 1968 after participating in the Ontario Technical College Library Project.

Hired in 1968, Ruth Hoyle was Fanshawe’s first Librarian. The earliest structure of the Library saw Hoyle reporting directly to the Head of Faculty & Student Services. The Library underwent physical growth during this time period as well. After having outgrown its small space, the Library moved to the 2nd Floor of “A” Building on the east side of the center corridor in 1970. In 1972, the direct report of the Library changed. Hoyle now reported to the Head of Learning Resources Department, which was now a department under the Office of the Vice President: Student & Faculty Services Division.

Annette Frost was hired as the new Head of Library Services in 1974. The Library’s organizational structure expanded during this time period as well. In 1974, the divisions of Public Services & Technical Services were added and in 1977, the Campus Libraries in St. Thomas, Victoria Hospital and Woodstock joined the team. By 1978, a Collections Librarian was added, along with the James N. Allan Campus Library joining in 1980.

While plans for a purpose built Learning Resources Centre were approved in 1972, funding cuts delayed the project. It soon became apparent that the Library’s current location would become insufficient to house the ever expanding collection. Therefore, in 1975 the Library underwent a small expansion as the west side of the center corridor was added to the Library.

Between 1975 and 1977, there were discussions surrounding the foundation of an official Archive at Fanshawe College. A formal position was not created at this time and archival holdings were informally collected by the Library for the next 30 years.

By 1980 funding had become available and construction started on a purpose built Library on Fanshawe campus. By late 1981 construction had finished and in 1982 the Library in “F” building officially opened. By 1983, Instructional Materials Production was added as a division under Library Services, the Collections Librarian position transitioned into the Collections Development Division and the Victoria Campus was removed from Library Services.

In 1984, the College’s reporting structure once again underwent a significant change. Frost now reported to the Head of the Student Learning Resources Department under the Vice President: General Services. This year also saw all AV & Media services transferred to the Library under the Non-Print Collections division. By 1985, the Collections Development Division became the Print Materials Division and the St. Thomas and Woodstock campuses were removed. The G-Block Learning Centre joined the Library in 1987.

1992 saw all Library Services fall into one of three divisions: Public Services, Technical Services and Non-Print Collections. By 1995, Library Services was renamed Library & Media Services and Frost now reported to the Director of Student & Staff Services.

In 2000, Annette Frost retired. In the interim, Cathie Auger who was the Vice President, Student & Staff Services oversaw the Library & Media Services until Martie Grof-Iannelli was hired in 2001.

By 2001, Technical Services became Systems & Technical Services and Non-Print Collections were now referred to as Media Services. In 2004, the responsibilities of Public Services & Media Services were altered and two positions were created. Media, access & assessment were now the responsibility of Public Services. While information literacy, research & data services and faculty outreach were now the responsibility of the Liaison & Instruction Division.

In 2008, a permanent Archives position was created. However by 2010, the position was vacant and was not refilled until 2013.

In 2012, Public Services became the Data, Access and Media Division, while Copyright Services joined the Library. By 2013, the Data, Access and Media Division changed again to become the Assessment, Access & Media Division.

Martie Grof-Iannelli retired in August 2014. Dave Smith who was the Senior Manager, Retail Services served as Acting Senior Manager after her retirement.

Karla Van Kessel was hired in September 2014 as the new Senior Manager, Library & Media Services.

Department titles and dates of existence:
Library (1967-1974)
Library Services (1974-1995)
Library & Media Services (1995-2021)
Library Learning Commons (2021 - Present)
Officers:
Ruth Hoyle, Librarian (1968-1974)
Annette K. Frost, Head, Library Services (1974-1984)
Annette K. Frost, Manager, Library Services (1985-1995)
Annette K. Frost, Manager, Library & Media Services (1995-2000)
Cathie Auger, Vice President, Student & Staff Services (2000-2001)
Martie Grof-Iannelli, Manager, Library & Media Services (2001-2010)
Marilyn Turner, Acting Manager, Library & Media Services (2010-2011)
Suzanne O’Neill, Acting Manager, Library & Media Services (2011-2012)
Martie Grof-Iannelli, Senior Manager, Library & Media Services (2012-2014)
Dave Smith, Acting Senior Manager, Library & Media Services (2014)
Karla Van Kessel, Senior Manager, Library & Media Services (October 14, 2014-2020)
Jessica Bugorski, Director, Library Learning Commons (2020 - Present)