Joseph Salem Jr. has been recommended to serve as director of Michigan State University Libraries and university librarian.
If approved by the MSU Board of Trustees, his appointment will be effective no later than Aug. 1. The board meets on June 22.
Salem is currently the associate dean for learning, undergraduate services and commonwealth campus libraries at Penn State, a role he assumed in 2015.
In that role, he has led Penn State’s open and affordable course content program, built the libraries’ assessment effort, developed a programmatic approach to teaching and learning, developed the Diversity Librarian Residency program, created undergraduate internships and graduate assistantships within the libraries and led strategic and space planning.
“We are fortunate to have Joseph Salem join our team at MSU,” said MSU Interim President John Engler. “Not only does he have a strong background in campus library systems, but he is well rounded with experience in student-life programming, instructional efforts and strategic planning. Our library is a focal point for student engagement and achievement and it’s essential to have a strong leader at the helm.”
Salem earned a doctorate in education evaluation and measurement from Kent State University. He holds a master’s in literature and writing and a master’s of library and information science from Kent State University, along with a bachelor of arts degree in English from Cleveland State University.
Salem was a member of the 2016-17 Association of Research Libraries Leadership Fellows program and a 2014 Leading Change Institute fellow.
He previously served as head of research and learning services and interim head of access services at the University of Akron Libraries. Prior to that, he was assistant professor in libraries and media services and head of reference at Kent State University.
“Dr. Salem has a unique understanding and appreciation of the role academic libraries play in support of advancing research and promoting student success,” said MSU Provost June Pierce Youatt. “We are excited to welcome him to our community of scholars.”
Salem has published and presented widely on a variety of topics, including open educational resources, library assessment, teaching and learning and student success.
“I am thrilled to be joining MSU Libraries as university librarian,” Salem said. “Throughout my career, I have enjoyed building and sustaining partnerships to support student success and enhancing the teaching and learning, research and service missions of the university. I am very excited by the great partnership opportunities at Michigan State and the opportunity to provide leadership within the libraries, on campus and within the Big Ten.”
Salem will succeed Cliff Haka, who is retiring after 21 years of service as director of libraries from 1997 to 2018.