Rae Thudium Named Head of Penn Veterinary Libraries

By: Caitlin Ware Date: Nov 25, 2024

Rae Thudium has been selected to serve as head of veterinary libraries at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet), effective January 8, 2025. In this role, Thudium will oversee the operations and staff at the Steven W. Atwood Veterinary Medicine Library on campus and the Jean Austin du Pont Veterinary Medicine Library at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa.

Prior to her appointment at Penn Vet, Thudium served as the head of the Zalk Veterinary Medical Library at the University of Missouri-Columbia. During her tenure, Thudium spearheaded initiatives to support veterinary students, including establishing writing support programs for developing CVs and letters of intent, and securing renovations to enhance facility study spaces.

Thudium also served as interim executive assistant to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Missouri-Columbia and as a Public Services Library Associate at the Daniel Boone Regional Library in Columbia, Mo.

"Rae impressed us with her thoughtful approach and deep commitment to enhancing library services for veterinary students and faculty," said Assistant Director of Science Libraries and Engineering Librarian Douglas G. McGee. "We are excited to welcome her leadership and vision to the Penn Libraries team."

Thudium holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Philosophy from Columbia College.

About Penn Vet

Ranked among the top ten veterinary schools worldwide, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is a global leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the first veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.

Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling more than 34,600 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles more than 6,200 patient visits a year, while our Field Services have gone out on more than 5,500 farm service calls, treating some 18,700 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.