AMHERST, N.Y. – Melissa Peterson has been appointed director of Daemen College’s Research and Information Commons (RIC) and Library Services.

In her new role, she will oversee all operations and functions of the college library, including maintenance and evaluation of services to meet the needs of the campus community, planning and development of library services, supervise library staff, and manage the library budget.

 “Melissa’s extensive experience in an academic library setting, leadership skills and wealth of knowledge will be vital as we move forward in advancing our Research and Information Commons and the range of library services that are provided,” said Dr. Michael Brogan, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. “We are delighted to welcome Melissa as our new library director.”

Peterson comes to Daemen from Erie Community College, where she served as chair of the South Campus Library and as college librarian. Prior to this, she held reference librarian positions at Bryant and Stratton College and Genesee Community College.

“I am honored to join the Daemen community, and I look forward to working with the library team to build on the RIC’s strengths and explore new opportunities to best serve the college’s students, faculty and staff,” said Peterson.

She is a member of the Western New York Library Resources Council, American Library Association, and Association of College and Research Libraries.

Peterson holds a master of library science, and master’s degrees in women’s studies and sociology, all from the University at Buffalo, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Binghamton University.

She resides in Buffalo.