David Richards to Step Down as Dean of Criss Library

David Richards, Dean of Library Services at the Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library, will step down from his role this summer, University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Phil He, Ph.D., announced today.

Richards has accepted a new appointment as Dean of the Library at Missouri State University, where he previously served as head of special collections and archives. The move also brings him closer to family in the Springfield area, making this a meaningful and unique opportunity both professionally and personally.

Richards has served as dean since 2016 and has been a dedicated leader and advocate for library services that support UNO students, faculty, and the broader community. Under his leadership, the library has continued to grow as a vibrant, student-centered space that fosters innovation, research, and community.

“Dean Richard’s tenure has been marked by a strong commitment to access, collaboration, and service,” said He. “From strategic planning to the expansion of critical resources like the Creative Production Lab, David has led with vision and purpose. His impact on the library and campus community will be felt for years to come.”

Under Richards’ leadership, the Creative Production Lab (CPL) saw sustained growth and high demand for its maker-space, podcasting, and greenscreen services—an achievement that stands out as other academic maker-spaces across the country have seen declines. In response, the library expanded the CPL in summer 2024 to better support the creative and academic pursuits of UNO students and faculty.

Criss Library has also been a key partner in the university’s Open Educational Resources (OER) initiative, working closely with Digital Learning, General Education, and campus leadership to help lower the cost of learning materials for students. These efforts have led to substantial savings and greater access to high-quality academic resources.

Richards has also advocated for the growth of Archives & Special Collections. In 2024, the library secured its first federal grant—a $150,000 award from the National Historical Publications & Records Commission. Additionally, the library received its largest in-kind donation in 2020: the Kripke-Veret Collection from the Jewish Federation of Omaha, along with funding to support cataloging and accessibility of the materials.

In keeping with Richards’ belief that the library should be a welcoming space for all, Criss Library has played an important role in campus well-being by hosting events such as De-Stress Fest, where students can unwind with baby goats and therapy dogs during finals week. Richards also played a key role in partnering with Starbucks to bring a café into the library. This addition has become a popular amenity for students, faculty, and visitors, further reinforcing the library’s role as a central hub on campus.

Information regarding leadership transition and search plans will be forthcoming.