Susan Banks Appointed as Deputy Secretary of Education, Commissioner for Libraries, and State Librarian | Compendium

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News for Pennsyslvania Libraries

Susan Banks Appointed as Deputy Secretary of Education, Commissioner for Libraries, and State Librarian

by | Apr 12, 2022 | Academic Libraries, Governor's Advisory Council (GAC), Library News, Resources of Interest, rural, Rural and Small Libraries, School Libraries

Sue Banks

Message from:  Mary Garm, Chair Governor’s Advisory Council on Library Development:

Sue Banks

Sue Banks, Deputy Secretary of Education and Commissioner for Libraries

 

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Library Development (GAC) is pleased to announce that Susan Banks has been appointed to the position of Deputy Secretary of Education, Commissioner for Libraries, and State Librarian, following an extensive search process. Her appointment was confirmed by Secretary of Education Noe Ortega last week. Susan has served as Acting Deputy Secretary since April 2021, following the retirement of Glenn R. Miller.

Susan has extensive experience in libraries, having served previously as Director of the Bureau of Library Development in the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL), as Deputy Director of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and as Director of the Multnomah County Library in Portland, Oregon. She has also held positions in Kentucky and Ohio libraries and holds a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Kent State University.

During her term as Acting Deputy Secretary, she has gained extensive knowledge about the standing of libraries within the Pennsylvania Department of Education and has developed important relationships with officials there. Her understanding of the Pennsylvania library ecosystem will enable her to begin work immediately on OCL’s goals, while her vision and curiosity will drive her to continue questioning and learning.

The Search Committee commended her with emphasis on her leadership abilities and strategic mindset. She is building a strong team in the Office of Commonwealth Libraries and is committed to developing a culture of equity, diversity, and belonging in hiring practices for OCL and as a model for all Pennsylvania libraries.

The Search Committee was led by David Belanger, GAC Vice Chair. Committee members included Allison Mackley, Marsha Everton, Beth Mellor, Robert Lambert, Barbara Zaborowski, and GAC Chair Mary Garm (ex officio).

The Governor’s Advisory Council offers a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Susan Banks as she begins her tenure as Deputy Secretary and State Librarian.