John D. Shank

About John D. Shank

Exploring the intersection of technology, instructional & learning design, open education/OER & librarianship to create transformative educational experiences for all.Bio:John D. Shank is the Digital Learning Engagement Coordinator at Penn State University Libraries. He has dedicated over two decades to transforming how libraries support teaching and learning in the digital age. Currently, he leads strategic initiatives that bridge traditional library services with online learning environments, focused on enhancing educational experiences across Penn State\'s World Campus & online learning. In 2001, Shank broke new ground as one of the first Instructional Design Librarians in U.S. higher education. He was tenured and later promoted to Full faculty rank in 2013. Shank and Steven Bell co-founded the Blended Librarian Online Community in 2004, pioneering an online professional development platform that for over a decade served more than professionals and helped shape the future of academic librarianship. Shank\'s blended librarianship work earned him recognition as a 2005 Library Journal \"Mover and Shaker\" establishing him as a leading voice in the transformation and integration of library teaching and learning services.At Penn State Berks, Shank founded and directed the Center for Learning & Teaching, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing learner-centered instruction. His leadership in developing the Berks Educational Technology Grant Curriculum Program impacted over one hundred courses and more than 3,500 students from 2003-7. Shank later directed the Boscov-Lakin Information Commons & Thun Library for nearly a decade, leading the effort to transform the library into a learner centric hub on campus featuring the additions of the Collaboration Commons, Media Commons, Study Zones, and Discovery Lab. Shank has authored books, book chapters, and articles focusing on library integration into learning management systems, Open Educational Resources (OERs), and the development of instructional design librarian positions. Shank has given hundreds of presentations at conferences, webinars, & workshops. His research has been instrumental in shaping the concept of Blended Librarianship advocating for librarians to incorporate instructional design principles and educational technology skills into their traditional roles. In 2017, he was honored with the prestigious University Libraries Award at Penn State, recognizing his outstanding contributions to library operations, achievement in librarianship, and demonstration of leadership and innovation.

Experience

1. Digital Learning Engagement Coordinator

   Penn State University Libraries

   Jan 2024 — Present

   This position is responsible for-Developing/aligning digital learning engagement initiatives within the broader goals & mission of the library/university-Coordinating, developing, and delivering online IL instruction & CPD sessions and courses-Coordinating library online reference & research services for the World Campus-Providing outreach services to students & faculty, promoting library resources-Leadership in outreach, adoption, and integration of Open Education Resources-Exploring emerging Edtech and AI to enhance digital learning experiences for online students.

Education

• Earlham College

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science and Government

  1991 — 1995

• Drexel University

  M.L.S., Library and Information Science

  1998 — 2000

• Harvard Graduate School of Education

  Harvard Institutes for Higher Education, Library Leadership in a Digital Age

  2014

Skills

• E-Learning
• Library Science
• Digital Libraries
• Thought Leadership
• Higher Education Leadership
• Open Educational Resources
• Public Speaking
• Technology Trends
• Horizon Scanning
• Library Instruction
• Strategic Planning
• Faculty Development
• Leadership Development
• Educational Technology
• Change Management
• Consensus Building
• Learning Analytics
• Library Services
• Web 2.0
• Future of Libraries
• Technology Alignment
• Technology Integration
• University Teaching
• Social Networking
• Learning Objects
• Online Research
• Social Media
• Innovation
• Instructional Technology
• Emerging Technologies
• Educational Leadership
• Learning Management Systems
• Consulting
• Higher Education
• Research
• Disruptive Technologies
• Academic Libraries
• Technology Research
• Staff Development
• Information Literacy