Simon Liu, PhD, NLM Director of the Office of Computer and Communications Systems (OCCS), has been appointed Director of the National Agricultural Library, effective February 16, 2010.

“Simon has been a wonderful colleague and an outstanding contributor to NLM’s mission,” commented NLM Director Donald A.B. Lindberg, MD. “We look forward to continued benefit from his expertise and sound judgment as he assumes the new role of ex-officio member of the NLM Board of Regents.”

During his ten-year tenure at NLM, Liu was instrumental in improving the quality and reliability of NLM information systems and in enhancing NLM’s position as a leader in advanced communications and computer security practices. Among his accomplishments, he helped develop many of the NLM’s innovative Web services, engineered the transition of complex UMLS systems from a research to a production environment, and directed key research and development projects for the Bethesda Hospital Emergency Preparedness Partnership (BHEPP).

Ivor D’Souza, Chief, Systems Technology Branch, will serve as acting director until a successor to Liu is identified.