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School of Library Science

About Us

Leadership & Faculty

Dr. Nate Floyd
Director of the School of Library Science
floyd21@marshall.edu
Anne Marie Casey
ALA Accreditation Officer & Founding Past Director
caseya@marshall.edu
Dr. Monica García Brooks
Dean of University Libraries
304-696-6474
monica.brooks@marshall.edu
Katy Zane, EdD
Assistant Professor
zane@marshall.edu

Adjunct Pool

Eryn Roles
Associate Dean of University Libraries & MSLS Academic Advisor
Drinko Library 307
304-696-2336
roles1@marshall.edu
Julia McGinnis
Repository and Special Projects Librarian / California Archivist, PennWest California

Vision, Mission, Values & Goals

Vision

The Marshall University School of Library Science educates ethical and innovative professional librarians through an accredited, high-quality, affordable, and accessible graduate degree program.

Mission

The Marshall University School of Library Science offers a high-quality, affordable, and accessible graduate degree program designed to prepare students to work as professional librarians who contribute to the quality of life of communities in West Virginia and beyond through service and research.

Values

  • Excellent customer service
  • Lifelong learning
  • Mutual respect and civility
  • Access and responsible stewardship
  • Intellectual and academic freedom

Goals

  1. To establish an accredited MSLS program that is continuously improved through the acquisition and evaluation of assessment data.
  2. To offer a curriculum that supports the ongoing needs of stakeholders at the university and the broader library community.
  3. To recruit and retain faculty who provide high-quality education, and engage in research and service to the university and the greater community.
  4. To recruit, retain, and support a student body that reflects the diversity of the state of West Virginia and the global community.
  5. To exercise administrative and fiscal responsibility as an integral department in the academic division of Marshall University.

Advising Bodies

Executive Planning Council

  • Anne Marie Casey, PhD, AMLS, Accreditation Facilitator, Marshall University
  • Monica Garcia Brooks, EdD,
Dean of University Libraries, Marshall University
  • Stephen B. Tipler, Professor / Web and Digital Services Librarian, Marshall University
  • Eryn Roles, Associate Dean of University Libraries, Marshall UniversityKimberly J. McFall, EdD, School Library Program Director, Marshall University
  • Nate Floyd, Associate Professor and Director, School of Library Science, Marshall University

Leadership Council

Charge: Membership is by invitation and is open to currently employed library leaders, particularly those from public libraries in West Virginia. However, it also extends to individuals who possess knowledge, expertise, and experience that are vital for the growth of the program. The main role of the Council is to provide practical feedback based on the experiences and practices of its members’ libraries and professional environments. This input is crucial to ensure that the Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) program not only meets ALA accreditation standards but also adapts to the evolving needs and realities of today’s library professionals.

  • Jon E. Cawthorne, Ph.D., Librarian (Dean Emeritus), Wayne State University, Librarian IV (tenured), Wayne State University. Former Library Dean at West Virginia University from 2013 to 2017. 
  • Jasmyne R. Lewis, Ed.D., MSLS, Dean of Library Services, Morehead State University 
  • Sara Price, EdD, Director of Library Services, West Virginia State Library 
  • Anne Marie Casey, PhD, AMLS, Accreditation Facilitator, Marshall University 
  • Megan H. Tarbett, MLIS, Director, Putnam County Library 
  • Tyler Walters, Dean, University Libraries, Virginia Tech 
  • Monica Garcia Brooks, EdD, Dean of University Libraries, Marshall University

Stewardship Council

Charge: The Stewardship Council comprises retired librarians, former library staff, and members of the Marshall University community. The primary role of the Council is to provide feedback based on the members’ experiences in library leadership and the education sector. Their insights aim to attract and inspire future students, while also fostering meaningful mentorship opportunities.

  • Cora P. Teel, Retired Archivist, Marshall University. MLIS, University of South Carolina (1995)
  • Sean Smith, High School Assistant Principal, Mesa Public Schools. Retiring from Mesa Public Schools on June 30, 2026.
  • Judy K. Rule, Retired Director of Cabell County Public Library

Accrediting Process

The School of Library Science is not currently accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The School will apply for Precandidacy status with the ALA Committee on Accreditation (COA) in summer 2026, which is the first formal step in seeking ALA accreditation. Programs seeking initial accreditation must proceed through Precandidacy status, Candidacy status, and Initial Accreditation, as defined by ALA policy.

Precandidacy status indicates the institution’s and program’s commitment to achieving ALA accreditation and provides a mechanism for program development and formal communication with the COA. Precandidacy status does not guarantee or imply that a program will be granted Candidacy status or Initial Accreditation.

If Initial Accreditation is granted, ALA policy provides that accreditation may apply retroactively for up to 24 months prior to the date on which Initial Accreditation is awarded.

The School of Library Science cannot guarantee the outcome or timeline of the accreditation process. Pursuit of ALA accreditation is a priority for the program, and updates regarding accreditation status will be made publicly available as appropriate.

Morrow Library in nice afternoon sunlight