Dunnigan Named Head of U-M Library

Brian Leigh Dunnigan of Mackinac Island and Grass Lake has been appointed interim director of the William L. Clements Library at University of Michigan, effective July 1. He will step into the role held by John C. Dann, who will retire June 30 after 30 years.

Under Dr. Dann's supervision, the library has been internationally acknowledged as one of the greatest collections of American History primary source material in the world, according to U-M.

Mr. Dunnigan earned a his master's in history from the University of Michigan in 1973 and a master's in history museum training from the Cooperstown Graduate Programs of the State University of New York at Oneonta in 1979. He has been employed as the Head of Research and Publications and Curator of Maps at the library since November 1996.

In his previous position at the Old Fort Niagara Association, Mr. Dunnigan managed 12 full-time staff and was responsible for all aspects of the management, operation, and development of a large 17th to 20th century military historic site.

"Mr. Dunnigan has an outstanding reputation as a knowledgeable researcher and a respected leader in the special collections field," said Teresa Sullivan, the university's provost and executive vice-president for Academic Affairs, in an announcement letter. "He is highly respected by the current director, curators and staff of the Clements Library, members of the Clements Committee of Management, and others in the field."

A international search for a new director will begin in June.