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Higher ed IT isn’t just about technology—it’s about leadership, strategy, and navigating the unique challenges of institutional culture. And we’ve seen it all. Two retired Canadian Higher Ed CIOs—and CUCCIO CIO of the Year winners—Bo Wandschneider and Dana Sanderson—bring decades of experience tackling technology, governance, and innovation in Canadian universities. In Bytes of Experience: CIOs Unplugged, they cut through the noise to discuss real challenges, real solutions, and the realities of IT leadership. Expect deep insights, candid discussions, and plenty of humor—because IT isn’t always glamorous, but it’s always interesting. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the field, join them for an unfiltered look at the digital evolution of higher ed IT.
Episodes
Monday Feb 16, 2026
Monday Feb 16, 2026
In this episode we explore the University of Guelph’s bold experiment in unifying library and IT leadership under one role — a model far more common internationally than in Canada. Mike Ridley, Chief Librarian Emeritus and former CIO, reflects on the decade he spent navigating this hybrid portfolio and the strategic intent behind it: elevating information as a core institutional asset, strengthening collaboration, and giving IT a meaningful voice at the senior table.
Ridley shares candid insights into the cultural dynamics between libraries and IT, the importance of not fully merging the organizations, and the critical role of strong delegated leadership in making the model work. He also discusses the national context, including how library‑sector collaboration helped inspire the formation of CUCCIO.
The conversation offers practical lessons for institutions considering similar models: focus on information rather than technology or collections, invest in leadership capacity at all levels, and recognize the deep cultural identities within both libraries and IT.
Book References:
Moby Dick, by H. Melville
The Idea of a University - by JH Newman
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