Jake Carlson Earns Tenure at UB Libraries, Advances Data Services and Collections Strategy

by DENISE WOLFE

Jake Carlson, associate university librarian for research, collections and outreach, has been awarded tenure at the University at Buffalo Libraries, effective Aug. 7, 2025. The decision recognizes his national leadership in data curation and his strategic contributions to research services.

Carlson, who joined UB in 2023, has long championed the evolving role of academic libraries in supporting researchers in managing, sharing, curating and preserving their research data through ethical and sustainable practices. His work explores how the practices and principles of library and information science can be applied to making data findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable. 

Over his career, Carlson has advanced the field through the development of tools, programs and partnerships that help researchers navigate increasing demands for data sharing and reuse.

Carlson’s many accomplishments include co-founding the Data Curation Network (DCN), a multi-institutional organization of librarians and others that provide support for publishing research data in repositories. The DCN began as a grant funded project by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation with six members in 2016 but has since grown into a self-sustaining membership-based organization of 25 institutions. 

He also co-developed the award-winning Data Curation Profiles Toolkit, which facilitates conversations between researchers and librarians about data practices. His early work helped shape data information literacy programs that are now prevalent in academic libraries nationwide. 

In addition to his scholarship, Carlson is a leader in professional service. He played a key role in the Research Data Access and Preservation Association’s transition to an independent organization, serving as vice president during that pivotal period. He currently contributes to national policy conversations through his work on the Association of Research Libraries’ Scholars and Scholarship Committee.

Since arriving at UB, Carlson has led efforts to modernize and coordinate services across several library units. His leadership spans undergraduate instruction, data services and collection development—areas in which he emphasizes collaboration and responsiveness to user needs. Whether guiding a task force to reexamine collection philosophy or developing structure for instructional support, Carlson brings a long-term, evidence-informed perspective to a rapidly changing academic environment.

“We are proud to recognize Jake Carlson’s well-deserved tenure,” said Evviva Weinraub Lajoie, vice provost for university libraries. “In addition to his expertise in data curation and thoughtful stewardship of collections, Jake has taken on a vital leadership role that helps shape the direction of the UB Libraries and enhance support for research and scholarship across campus.”

With tenure, Carlson continues his efforts to position UB Libraries at the forefront of data services, information policy and academic support. His vision and expertise are expected to shape library strategy for years to come. 

Carlson earned a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Arts in East Asian studies from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and East Asian studies from Clark University.