UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Jeffrey A. Knapp, associate librarian, has been appointed the Foster Communications Librarian in Penn State’s University Libraries and will begin his new responsibilities in mid-September. Knapp is currently the coordinator of instruction at the Robert E. Eiche Library, Penn State Altoona, where he also has collections responsibilities for communications, business and the social sciences. Prior to joining the Libraries at Penn State, Knapp spent 13 years in private industry, many of those as a marketing consultant. Knapp’s office will be located in the Schreyer Business Library, Floor 3, Paterno Library.
As the Foster Librarian, Knapp will assess the informational needs of the College of Communications, coordinate the acquisition of additional information resources and provide instruction and reference services to students. Barbara I. Dewey, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications noted, “We are thrilled to have Jeff Knapp appointed as the Foster Librarian. He will provide strong leadership and support in building collaboration between the College of Communications and the University Libraries.”
In 1997 with a generous contribution, Penn State graduates Lawrence Foster, Class of 1948, and his wife, Ellen Foster, Class of ’49, created endowed positions in the University Libraries — the Larry and Ellen Foster Communications Librarian — and also in the College of Communications — the Foster Professor of Communications.
Mr. Foster was a Penn State Distinguished Alumnus and served as the first chairman of the Libraries Development Advisory Board. He passed away in October 2013. Mrs. Foster continues to be very strong supporter and friend of the Libraries.
“We're also pleased that Jeff Knapp will be working with our faculty and students in the classroom and on their research projects. The Foster Librarian is a key resource for our students,” explained Dean Marie Hardin, College of Communications. “He will get an enthusiastic reception, and we're excited about the expertise and energy he'll bring to our work.”
For more information, call Public Relations and Marketing at 814-863-4240.