When John Sauceda joined Fisher as the new senior director of Lavery Library, he found many qualities that first sparked his love of higher education.
“I began my higher education journey at a small liberal arts college, and that’s where I fell in love with academia, the liberal arts, and the life of learning,” said Sauceda. “I've heard so much about the close-knit community at Fisher, and that was particularly appealing to me.”
Sauceda joins the University from Sibley Music Library at the Eastman School of Music, where he operated as the associate dean and head of the library for five years. Prior to Eastman, Sauceda was at Rutgers University where he served as the music and performing arts librarian. He has a master’s degree in library science, accompanied by a Ph.D. in musicology from University of North Texas.
His background as a scholar continues to shape his approach to library leadership.
“My background in musicology has given me a firsthand understanding of the scholarly process and what it takes to pursue research,” Sauceda explained. “That experience informs how I approach librarianship, particularly in understanding the needs of faculty and students across different disciplines.”
As he settles into his new role, Sauceda is excited about what the future holds for Lavery Library. When Sauceda first arrived at the University, he was immediately impressed by the library’s recent renovations in design and student-centered atmosphere.
“My first impression was, ‘WOW!’,” Sauceda said. “I love the natural light, the beautiful design, and the thought that has clearly gone into creating a space around the needs of 21st-century students.”
Sauceda hopes the library will continue to evolve as a central location for collaboration, discovery, and new perspectives of learning.
“I want us to continue thinking creatively about how we reach students, understand their changing needs, and provide the resources, services, and spaces that help them succeed,” explained Sauceda. “The library should be a place students turn to throughout their academic journey, not just when they need to find a book or study for an exam.”
Ultimately, Sauceda wants students to know that help and support is always available, both in-person and online.
“There are terrific librarians here who are deeply committed to helping you succeed. Whether you’re working on a research paper, exploring a new subject, or simply trying to figure out where to start, we’re here to help,” Sauceda said.
While Sauceda is still getting settled at the University, he has already found his favorite menu item. During his first visit to Ward-Haffey Dining Hall, he was able to experience his first Taco Tuesday. Sampling everything from guacamole to chicken tacos, one item stood out the most.
“The standout for me was the tempura cauliflower,” Sauceda emphasized.
Fortunately for Sauceda, there will be plenty more opportunities to enjoy the tempura cauliflower along with the rest of Fisher’s dining menu options.
This article was written by Olivia Bennett, a senior marketing major, who is working as an intern in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fisher for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Meet the Library Director: Jonathan Sauceda2026-11-06T18:07:29-05:00When John Sauceda joined Fisher as the new senior director of Lavery Library, he found many qualities that first sparked his love of higher education.“I began my higher education journey at a small liberal arts college, and that’s where I fell in love with academia, the liberal arts, and the life of learning,” said Sauceda. “I've heard so much about the close-knit community at Fisher, and that was particularly appealing to me.”
Sauceda joins the University from Sibley Music Library at the Eastman School of Music, where he operated as the associate dean and head of the library for five years. Prior to Eastman, Sauceda was at Rutgers University where he served as the music and performing arts librarian. He has a master’s degree in library science, accompanied by a Ph.D. in musicology from University of North Texas.
His background as a scholar continues to shape his approach to library leadership.
“My background in musicology has given me a firsthand understanding of the scholarly process and what it takes to pursue research,” Sauceda explained. “That experience informs how I approach librarianship, particularly in understanding the needs of faculty and students across different disciplines.”
As he settles into his new role, Sauceda is excited about what the future holds for Lavery Library. When Sauceda first arrived at the University, he was immediately impressed by the library’s recent renovations in design and student-centered atmosphere.
“My first impression was, ‘WOW!’,” Sauceda said. “I love the natural light, the beautiful design, and the thought that has clearly gone into creating a space around the needs of 21st-century students.”
Sauceda hopes the library will continue to evolve as a central location for collaboration, discovery, and new perspectives of learning.
“I want us to continue thinking creatively about how we reach students, understand their changing needs, and provide the resources, services, and spaces that help them succeed,” explained Sauceda. “The library should be a place students turn to throughout their academic journey, not just when they need to find a book or study for an exam.”
Ultimately, Sauceda wants students to know that help and support is always available, both in-person and online.
“There are terrific librarians here who are deeply committed to helping you succeed. Whether you’re working on a research paper, exploring a new subject, or simply trying to figure out where to start, we’re here to help,” Sauceda said.
While Sauceda is still getting settled at the University, he has already found his favorite menu item. During his first visit to Ward-Haffey Dining Hall, he was able to experience his first Taco Tuesday. Sampling everything from guacamole to chicken tacos, one item stood out the most.
“The standout for me was the tempura cauliflower,” Sauceda emphasized.
Fortunately for Sauceda, there will be plenty more opportunities to enjoy the tempura cauliflower along with the rest of Fisher’s dining menu options.
This article was written by Olivia Bennett, a senior marketing major, who is working as an intern in the at Fisher for the 2026-2027 academic year./media/news-images/fall-2026/Director-of-Lavery-Library-960.jpg
