John D. Shank
Head of the Boscov-Lakin Information Commons & Thun Library, Penn State University
John D. Shank is the Head Librarian at Penn State Berks. Prior to his appointment in July 2001, he held positions at Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Montgomery County Community College. He was selected by Library Journal in 2005 as a “Mover and Shaker.”
Shank’s responsibilities include teaching, administration, research, and service. He teaches CAS 283 Communication and Information Technology. He has directed numerous grants and projects that have been awarded to over 60 faculty, directly impacting more than 85 courses and 2500 students. These initiatives focus on enhancing the student-centered teaching and learning campus environment. His research interests include the role, use, and impact of instructional technologies in higher education and academic libraries.
He has given hundreds of presentations at conferences, meetings, and workshops. Additionally, he has authored and coauthored a book, book chapters, and articles that focus on library and CMS/LMS integration, Learning Objects (Digital Learning Materials), and the development of instructional design librarian positions. Currently, he serves on the editorial review board for Internet Reference Services Quarterly and is the co-founder and Advisory Board Co-Chair of the Blended Librarian On-line Community.