Don Essex Is the New Dean of Lyman Beecher Brooks Library at Norfolk State University

Don Essex was appointed dean of the Lyman Beecher Brooks Library at Norfolk State University in Virginia. He stated that the purpose of an academic library is to “Inform, Inspire and Impart.” And he says is it should provide access to the information that students, faculty, and staff need. It should inspire them to read, learn, research, and grow. And it should afford them the tools and training to become lifelong learners and researchers.

Before coming to Norfolk State, Dean Essex was an associate professor and director of the Theofield G. Weis Library at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland, for nearly seven years. Prior to working at Washington Adventist University, Dean Essex was a legislative information specialist for the Washington office of the American Library Association for 13 years.

Dean Essex is originally from Washington, D.C., and was raised in California and Maryland. He earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in American history and culture from Pacific Union College in Angwin, California. He holds a master’s degree in library science from the University of Maryland College Park.