NORMAN, OKLA. – Sean Harrington had some big shoes to fill when he stepped into the role of Director of Technology Innovation at the Donald E. Pray library. Harrington takes over the position formerly held by Kenton Brice, who takes over as Director of the Law Library.
“This unique position empowers me to integrate cutting-edge technology into the law school, setting a global benchmark for academic excellence,” Harrington said. “Our distinction as one of only two Apple Distinguished law schools is a testament to our commitment to innovation.”
Harrington holds a Juris Doctor degree, a Masters in Library and Information Science, and a Master of Science in Data Analytics. He has worked in the private sector, as well as holding positions at two other law schools. He know brings that breadth of experience and dedication to innovation to OU.
“This role gives me the ability to chase the most interesting parts of my former jobs and push myself to explore new ideas. It then gives me the funding and freedom to implement those ideas in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.”
“My goal as I settle into my new role is to build on the shoulders of giants. Former Association Dean Darin Fox had the keen foresight to craft the Digital Initiative; Law Library Director Kenton Brice refined it and paved new territory with his Digital Initiative 2.0. I hope to continue this tradition to push Digital Initiative 3.0 to equally innovative heights.”
Harrington said libraries now fill multiple roles in the legal landscape. In addition to the traditional role as storehouse of unique, rare, or historically significant collections and documents, libraries have broadened their missions and become community collaboration centers, providing both digital and physical spaces to facilitate human connection and inspire creativity. He said law libraries are especially important in light of advances in AI because they exist at the nexus of law and information science.
“Information literacy, data retrieval, interdisciplinary research, and collaboration are now more important than ever and I foresee a future where law libraries are at the center of this process on law school campuses - the connective tissue that holds the disparate disciplines together.”