Alumnus Jacob Speer (MLS’03) was recently appointed as the 34th State Librarian of Indiana. Below is the press release (reprinted with permission) from the Indiana State Library.
Indiana State Library
Wednesday Word – July 30, 2014
ILHB Appoints Jacob Speer as Indiana’s 34th State Librarian
Former State Library executive staffer brings state, local library leadership experience.
The Indiana Library & Historical Board (ILHB) has named Jacob Speer as the Indiana State Library’s Director and State Librarian. Returning to the State Library is a homecoming for Speer who served as Director of the Library Development Office from 2005-2010. Most recently he acted as Executive Director of the Waukee (IA) Public Library. He was also Executive Director of the Hussey-Mayfield Public Library in Zionsville from 2010-2013.
"Jake has proven himself a leader at both the state and local public library level, which made him an ideal fit as Indiana’s next State Librarian,” said Robert Barcus, ILHB President. "Given his familiarity with State Library staff, policies and services, the ILHB is confident in his ability to hit the ground running.”
Speer is the 34th State Librarian since the agency was established in 1825. The State Librarian is responsible for overseeing the daily affairs of the State Library, which include: developing and providing library services to Indiana citizens and state government employees; encouraging and supporting the development of the library profession; strengthening the services of publicly and privately supported libraries statewide; and maintaining and preserving the State Library’s extensive collections.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the ILHB for this opportunity to return to Indiana and lead one of the nation’s finest state libraries,” said Speer. “I look forward to building upon the progress made by Associate Director Connie Bruder and former State Librarian Roberta Brooker through the continued development and provision of high-quality library services to Indiana libraries and increasing Hoosiers’ accessibility to the State Library’s collections.”
Speer received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Iowa and his Master’s Degree in Library Science from Indiana University – Bloomington.
Connie Bruder, who served as the Library’s interim director since December 2013, will continue in her role as Associate Director for Public Services.
“The ILHB greatly appreciates Associate Director Bruder’s thoughtful and steadfast leadership,” said Barcus. “We are fortunate to have had someone with her expertise and ability to lead us during this transition and remain a vital part of the State Library’s leadership team.”
Posted August 11, 2014