New Montana State Librarian Named
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2011
Contact: Sara Groves
(406) 444-5357
(HELENA) -- Jennie Stapp, the current Digital Library Director and Chief Information Officer at the Montana State Library, was named the new Montana State Librarian after an extensive national search. Stapp was one of three finalists for the position.
"Jennie is the consummate librarian professional, but her skills go beyond that," said Don Allen, Chairman of the Montana State Library Commission, which conducted interviews for the State Librarian position. "She’s also exceedingly intelligent and visionary – a true leader who will take library services across Montana to a new level in this age of information and digitization."
Prior to serving as the Montana State Library’s Digital Library Director and Chief Information Officer, Stapp held various positions at the Montana State Library, including state publications content specialist, cataloging and metadata specialist, and the Montana Shared Catalog technical assistant. She has also worked in other libraries and served in the Peace Corps. She holds a Master’s of Library Science from the University of Arizona.
"I am honored and humbled to be named the new Montana State Librarian," said Stapp. "Because of our amazing and dedicated staff, the Montana State Library is recognized nationally as a leader in finding innovative solutions to library services. I look forward to expanding my work at the State Library and continuing our longstanding tradition of excellence and innovation."
Stapp replaces Darlene Staffeldt who retired as Montana State Librarian in September. The Montana State Library has a budget of $9.7 million with 46 employees.
The Montana State Library meets the information needs of Montana government agency management and staff; ensures all Montana citizens have access to information created by their government; supports the role of all Montana libraries in delivering quality library content and services to their patrons, works to strengthen local community public libraries; ensures that Montanans who are visually or physically handicapped are provided access to library resources; and measures its successes by its patrons’ and partners’ successes.
For more information, visit http://msl.mt.gov or contact Sara Groves, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, at (406) 444-5357 or via e-mail at: sgroves@mt.gov.
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About the Montana State Library
Through its statewide programs, the Montana State Library empowers Montanans; enhances learning in families and communities; builds 21st Century skills; and provides opportunities for civic participation.
