Dean’s Lecture Series
David Plotz, 9/28/23 Speaker (Photo Credit: Steve McFarland)
The University of Maryland College of Information (INFO) Dean’s Lecture Series brings together leaders in information and technology with community members to foster dialogue about critical issues at the intersection of people, information, and technology.
This series is an integral part of the college’s mission to promote learning, stimulate curiosity, spark innovative research, and create connections that increase our ability to improve lives and opportunities for people through information.
These free events are open to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members interested in information science.
Upcoming Events
4/10/2025: A Conversation with David S. Ferriero, 10th Archivist of the United States: Digital Transformation In Times of Controversy
David S. Ferriero
On April 10th, the University of Maryland is honored to be hosting a very special guest, former Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. Mr. Ferriero was nominated to the position by President Obama, and after U.S. Senate confirmation served as the 10th Archivist of the United States from 2009 to 2022. During his time in office, Mr. Ferriero took a leading role in overseeing the federal government’s transition to electronic recordkeeping, as well as the opening of three presidential libraries. He founded the Citizen Archivist program, involving people from around the world transcribing and tagging records—an initiative that became a model for other institutions to follow. He also led the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing an unprecedented move to remote work.
Mr. Ferriero will offer his unique perspective on preserving America’s national memory, from the creation of our republic through the present day, and will share his thoughts on navigating the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in a sometimes turbulent political climate. This candid talk represents a special opportunity for faculty and students in departments across the College Park campus to hear how government works at the highest levels, including during presidential transitions. Mr. Ferriero will be joined in conversation with Jason R. Baron, Professor of the Practice at the College of Information, and former director of litigation at NARA.