Britz Named Dean Of School Of Information Studies

MILWAUKEE – The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) has appointed Johannes Britz as dean of the School of Information Studies (SOIS) effective July 1. Britz, who came to UWM from South Africa as a visiting professor in 2001, has been serving as acting associate dean of the school.

”I am very excited about the challenges of the new position, and the opportunity to build on the internal strengths of the school to achieve our vision,” says Britz.

Some of the School’s key assets are its strong distance education program and its international faculty, says Britz.

UWM’s online MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top online programs of its type in the country. With his own international background, Britz says he would like to take advantage of distance education and new information technologies to help UWM reach out internationally.

Britz says he is particularly interested in the role information technology and sharing can play in helping developing areas of the world develop sustainable economies and preserve their own cultures. “I would like to really maximize our use of technology and expand our connections with developing areas of the world.”

In support of that work, he also would like to see the School of Information Studies continue to build connections with other disciplines such as economics, anthropology and education, both on campus and internationally.

The School already has been developing contacts and exchange agreements in other areas of the world, Britz notes. A group of SOIS students in the school studied in Africa last summer, and the School is planning a similar session this June in Mongolia.

Continuing to develop a strong research program is a critical underpinning to those efforts, says Britz. As a result, one of his first priorities as dean will be to work on the approval of a doctoral program in information studies—a process that already has started.

Britz, who received a combined doctorate in information science and theology from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, has researched and written extensively about the moral and ethical issues involved in the new era of global information sharing. A native of South Africa, he also has focused on information studies on the African continent, particularly the disparities between “information poor” and “information rich” nations.

Britz received a two-year post-graduate degree in Library and Information Science and bachelor’s degrees in library and information science, theology and anthropology, and Biblical studies from the University of Pretoria. He became a member of the faculty at the University of Pretoria, and served as acting head of the department. In addition to his visiting professorship at UWM, he has been a visiting professor in the Netherlands and Denmark.

“Dr. Britz's vision, reputation, experience, and enthusiasm combine to make him the perfect choice for the School of Information Studies and for the university,” said Rita Cheng, UWM interim provost and vice chancellor, in announcing the appointment.

UWM’s School of Information Studies prepares students for careers in libraries, school centers, information systems and related areas. The school, which has approximately 500 students, offers a bachelor’s degree in information resources (BSIR), an American Library Association-accredited master’s degree in library and information science, an undergraduate certificate in library and information science, and a certificate of advanced studies. In collaboration with the School of Education’s urban education doctoral program, SOIS offers an area of concentration in educational media technology. The master’s degree in library and information science is offered completely on-line as well as on campus, attracting students from around the country.

Prior to Britz’s appointment, Thomas A. Walker, associate professor, served as interim dean of the School of Information Studies.

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