Associate Dean Named Interim Leader at SILS

Solomon holds a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, a master’s in business administration from the University of Washington, and a master’s and a doctorate in information and library science from the University of Maryland.

His research focuses on the role of information in people’s lives toward understanding how they discover information in context. He teaches SILS courses on topics including research methods, international and cross cultural perspectives, user perspectives, management and organization of information.

“Paul’s extensive knowledge of the school will enable us to continue our work on important initiatives such as the new building and ensure a smooth transition,” said Dean Joanne Gard Marshall, who is returning to the faculty as an Alumni Distinguished Professor. “SILS could not be in better hands.”

Marshall joined SILS as dean and professor in January 1999. During 2004-05, she also will serve as president of the Medical Library Association.

In 1999, the most recent year in which U.S. News & World Report assessed schools of information and library science across the country as part of its graduate school rankings, UNC’s school was the lone first-place finisher among area schools, tying for No. 1 with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When previously ranked in 1996, the school tied for second place. Five of the school’s specialty programs also ranked among the nation’s top 10.