With the approval of IUP President Michael Driscoll, Ed Zimmerman, assistant dean of Libraries, will assist the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education's Chancellor's Office as a loaned employee to serve as the interim coordinator of the Keystone Library Network.
KLN operates under the umbrella of the State System to manage library-related services, including software systems, consortium purchase of information content, and communications between member institutions' faculty and staff. Oversight is provided by a governing council elected from KLN member libraries at the at the 14 State System universities, five additional colleges and universities, and the State Library of Pennsylvania.
The arrangement calls for 40 percent of Zimmerman's time to be spent in this role starting November 22, 2019, through the end of February 2020. Zimmerman will continue his duties at IUP while working two days (Thursday and Friday) at the State System office in Harrisburg. During his time, the Chancellor's Office will complete a search for a permanent hire.
Zimmerman, who has a master's degree in organizational leadership as well as library science, was selected for this role because of his proven track record at IUP and his deep understanding of the tasks to be completed at hand, according to State System officials.