Dr. Amanda Whitmire has assumed the role of Head of Miller Library at the Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford’s research outpost on the coast at Pacific Grove, California. Amanda replaces Dr. Joseph Wible (Joe) who retired after over three decades of service with Stanford Libraries.

Amanda grew up on the beaches of southern California, fostering a lifelong fascination with the ocean. Her earliest memories all involve the beach in one way or another – the texture of sand in her mouth, the taste of saltwater, droves of Pachygrapsus darting between rocks. She attended UC Santa Barbara to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Biology and worked in the bioluminescence laboratory of Dr. James Case. That experience sparked her interest in marine bio-optics and underwater sensing, and set the trajectory for her graduate and post-doctoral work at Oregon State University. Amanda’s studies in oceanography took her all over the world, and provided opportunities to experience the ocean in a way that few people can.
 
After her post-doc, Amanda joined the OSU Libraries as an Assistant Professor and Data Management Specialist in 2012. Amanda writes, “When an opportunity arose to combine my previous studies in the marine sciences with my new career in library services, I seized it! There couldn’t be a more ideal way to apply my skills and knowledge within a community of researchers than being Head Librarian at the Hopkins Marine Station. I am also excited about the prospect of bringing the history and work of Hopkins’ researchers to the local community in my capacity as Assistant to the Director of the Station.”
 
We are extremely fortunate to have had Alan Baldridge and Joe Wible as past heads of the Miller Library. Both brought deep expertise to the job and were deeply engaged with the Station and marine biology communities. With Amanda we continue that focus on scholarship and research and open a new chapter for the Library with a strengthened emphasis on data preservation and access. I hope you will join me in welcoming Amanda to the Stanford Community.

Bob Schwarzwalder
Associate University Librarian for the Science & Engineering Libraries
Stanford University Libraries