Faculty and administration

Jerald Cavanagh, PhD.

Director of Library and Educational Applications, Assistant Professor of Library Research

Jerald has over 30 years of experience leading academic, medical, and military libraries in Ireland and internationally, with a focus on strategic planning, collection development, digital transformation, and resource management that directly support teaching, learning, and research. He holds a Ph.D. in Library & Information Studies (City, University of London), an MA in Educational Planning & Management, and an MSc in Learning Technologies. An active contributor to the global library community, he has engaged with IFLA, CILIP, and other professional bodies and has served on research, academic, and teaching advisory boards and councils.

He has directed a portfolio of major Erasmus+ higher-education initiatives spanning the Western Balkans through Central Asia to South and East Asia, strengthening digital skills, research capacity, and university libraries across diverse systems. His work has earned national and international recognition, including awards for innovative library service development and impactful research collaborations, as well as a major European distinction for his contributions to higher education development.

Committed to a collaborative, student-centered approach, Jerald emphasizes evidence-based decision-making, cost-effective procurement, and strong vendor partnerships. His research passion is measuring impact, demonstrating the value of resources and services for learners and faculty. At UMHS, he focuses on expanding access to high-quality digital collections, strengthening information, media, and AI literacy, and fostering a supportive library culture for students, faculty, and staff.