Jennie Knies

Jennie Knies serves as Associate Dean for Penn State Commonwealth Campus Libraries and Head Librarian at Penn State Scranton and Penn State Wilkes-Barre. She oversees library administration, collection development, and instructional services across both campuses while collaborating with faculty to enhance student success through innovative outreach programs.

Education:

• Master of Library Science (1996), University of Maryland, College Park
• Bachelor of Arts in Russian Area Studies (1994), University of Maryland, College Park (including studies at Moscow State Pedagogical University)

Research Interests: Knies focuses on digital preservation policies, library leadership, and the evolution of undergraduate libraries. She also explores community documentation via social media and interdisciplinary approaches to archival practice.

Publications & Leadership: She has authored over a dozen peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on topics ranging from 3D printing in academic libraries to digital preservation strategies. She chaired the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference (2020-2021) and serves on the Scranton Jewish Community Center board.

Awards:

• Hayfield Award for Excellence in Service (2016)
• Hayfield Award for Research Excellence (2016)
• Outstanding Librarian of the Year (2011)

Grants & Initiatives: Knies led digital preservation policy development at the University of Maryland Libraries and co-founded projects like the “Anthracite Coal Region Documentation” initiative using social media for community history preservation.