Richard Saunders

Dr. Richard Saunders serves as Dean of Library Services at Southern Utah University, combining academic leadership with expertise in library science and historical studies. He holds a PhD in modern U.S. history and has over thirty years of experience in academic libraries across Utah, Montana, and Tennessee.

Education:

• Bachelor's and Master's in History from Utah State University
• Master's of Library and Information Sciences from Brigham Young University
• PhD in Modern U.S. History from the University of Memphis

Research & Expertise: Saunders specializes in library management, information literacy, historical analysis of the American West and Civil Rights era, and national parks preservation. He is a leading advocate for Open Educational Resources (OER) in higher education, spearheading SUU's four-year OER adoption initiative.

Awards:

• 2019 Librarian of the Year

Professional Background: Previously served as Yellowstone librarian in Montana, worked as an archivist for the Utah State Historical Society, and managed academic book production in a pre-press firm. Teaches Information Literacy and occasionally U.S. History courses.

Labs/Initiatives: Directs SUU's library services, promotes open pedagogy, and advocates for public lands conservation through library resources.