MSU names library services dean

Missouri State University has selected an out-of-state library veteran as its new dean of library services.

Thomas Peters, assistant dean for strategic technology initiatives at Illinois State University's Milner Library, will take the MSU post Aug. 1. Peters succeeds Neosha Mackey, who has held the position since 2009 and is retiring June 30. Mackey has worked at MSU for 27 years, including roles as associate dean of library services and head of reference, according to a news release.

Peters will earn an annual salary of $112,000, and will be appointed to the rank of professor with tenure.

“(Peters) brings a wealth of library and information science experience to the position of dean, and I am confident he is the right person to lead the continued development of our libraries in these times of rapid change,” MSU Interim Provost Frank Einhellig said in the release. “Tom understands the technological transition in process in library science, and his vision will be important in guiding the choices that will be made.

"I am certain that his collaborative approach to the work of the library will be well received as he joins an experienced and productive library faculty and staff at MSU.”

In his new role, Peters' responsibilities will include faculty development, fostering partnerships with external constituents and publication organizations, and fundraising for the university libraries.

Peters, who joined Illinois State University in 2011, founded TAP Information Services, which provides planning, consulting, research and assessment services for organizations including libraries, government agencies and publishers. He also has served as director of the Center for Library Initiatives at the Committee on Institutional Cooperation and as dean of university libraries at Western Illinois University, the release said.