The UCR Library is thrilled to announce Zhiwu Xie as our new Assistant University Librarian for Research and Technology beginning Monday, June 26, 2023.

Zhiwu brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, as well as a deep commitment to advancing research and technology in academia. 

Currently the Chief Strategy Officer at Virginia Tech’s University Libraries, Zhiwu’s motivation to apply for this leadership position at UCR lies in the exciting prospect of shaping the library's role in supporting research and technology, ensuring its relevance for years to come. 

"The unique portfolio of this position integrates the library's strategic roles in advancing campus research and technology development.” Zhiwu explained. “It provides me with an extraordinary opportunity to leverage my expertise and experience to help build a future-proof academic library." 

Zhiwu's accomplishments at Virginia Tech demonstrate his dedication to innovation and growth, like taking advantage of the faculty status that librarians have at Virginia Tech.   

“I am the first librarian in my current institution to have reached $1 million in external grant funding as PI and co-PI, and over the years, I have kept up with research and publications,” Zhiwu explained. His commitment to research not only elevated his own profile but also encouraged and empowered his peers to actively engage in research and technology development. 

Zhiwu stumbled into librarianship by accident. With a background in mechanical engineering and a postdoc in computer science under his belt, Zhiwu found himself at a crossroads in 2005 when the NASA-funded program he was working on — launching a superfluidity experimental rig to the Earth's orbit — faced an unexpected cancellation. It was a library that offered him an assistantship position that provided him an opportunity to remain in academia. He found the field fascinating and decided to stay.  

With his diverse background, including an M.B.A., an M.S. in Electrical Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Turbomachinery, Zhiwu possesses a unique set of skills that bridge the gap between research, technology, and library services. 

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Zhiwu Xie as the Assistant University Librarian for Research and Technology at the UCR Library. With his vast experience, innovative mindset, and passion for advancing the academic library, we are excited to see the positive impact he will bring to the UCR community.