Shannon D. Jones

Shannon D. Jones serves as Professor and Director of Libraries at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston. She also holds the position of Director for Region 2 of the Network of the National Library of Medicine. Previously, she served as the Associate Director for Research and Education at Virginia Commonwealth University's Health Sciences Library in Richmond. Her leadership extends to professional organizations, having served as the 2022-2023 President of the Medical Library Association.

Dr. Jones' educational background includes:

• EdD in Educational Leadership from Charleston Southern University (2022)
• M.Ed. in Adult Learning from Virginia Commonwealth University (2012)
• MIS in Information Science from North Carolina Central University (2004)
• MLS in Library Science from North Carolina Central University (2002)
• BA in English from North Carolina State University (1998)

Dr. Jones focuses her research on critical issues in library science, particularly staff recruitment and retention, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in libraries, wellness and wellbeing for information professionals, and leadership in academic health sciences libraries. Her work addresses the human dimensions of library operations, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive and inclusive work environments that foster professional growth and personal wellbeing. Through initiatives like the Be Well MLA, she has championed the integration of wellness practices into professional library associations.

Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in library settings, with particular attention to practical strategies for implementation. A significant portion of her work examines the experiences of underrepresented groups in library professions and develops frameworks for creating more inclusive library environments. Her research also explores leadership development, particularly for minority librarians, and the intersection of wellness practices with professional library work.

Among her notable recognitions:

• Fellowship, Medical Library Association (2022)
• Library Journal Mover & Shaker - Change Agent (2021)
• Marguerite Abel Service Recognition Award recipient, Mid-Atlantic Chapter/MLA (2005)

Dr. Jones has secured significant grant funding for library initiatives, including the Region 2 Regional Medical Library grant from the National Library of Medicine (2021-2026). She has served as Principal Investigator for multiple projects focused on diversity training, implicit bias education, and professional development for librarians. Her leadership in these areas has helped shape national conversations about equity in health sciences libraries.

As Director of the MUSC Libraries, Dr. Jones oversees all aspects of library operations including strategic planning, budgeting, technology integration, facility management, and personnel administration. She has established innovative programs such as the MLA Reads Virtual Book Discussion Club (2018) and the Be Well MLA initiative, creating spaces for critical conversations about diversity, equity, and wellbeing in the library profession.