BOONE, N.C. — After a national search, Sue Polanka has been named dean of Appalachian State University’s University Libraries, effective Sep. 13.

Polanka is currently university librarian for Wright State’s University Libraries, a position she has held since 2018.

With more than three decades of experience as a librarian at public, state and academic libraries, Polanka has published and presented internationally, including seven edited books and special journal issues, and created the “No Shelf Required” blog and book series. In 2017, she was a recipient of the Academic Library Association of Ohio Jay Ladd Distinguished Service Award for her significant contributions to academic libraries in Ohio.

“In addition to her strong record of publications, presentations and public service, Sue has extensive experience with student-centered academic libraries,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Heather Hulburt Norris. “Our University Libraries’ leaders have a history of building collaboration and prioritizing the needs of the libraries’ many constituents. Sue brings the skills and experience that will continue this history of strong leadership.”

At App State, Polanka will lead a team of nearly 40 faculty and 50 staff, as well as approximately 100 student employees. App State’s University Libraries consists of the Belk Library and Information Commons and the Nicholas Erneston Music Library. The libraries feature physical and e-resource collections, including nearly 1 million volumes, a large Instructional Materials Center and special collections that include the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection, Stock Car Racing Collection, Rare Books and Manuscripts Collections, and University Archives and Records.

Polanka earned her Bachelor of Arts in communication/marketing from the University of Dayton and her Master of Library Science at Kent State University. In 2013, she was named the Library and Information Science Alumnus of the Year by Kent State.

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University Libraries

University Libraries at Appalachian State University contributes to the campus mission of learning, teaching, advancing knowledge, engagement and effectiveness. Belk Library and Information Commons along with the Nicholas Erneston Music Library provide academic resources for all students and faculty. Within the library, students and faculty find group and quiet study spaces, the Digital Media Studio, the inspire lab, the Idea Factory, digital devices to check out, and special collections such as the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection and Instructional Materials Center.

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Nicholas Erneston Music Library

The Appalachian State University Music Library, located on the second floor of the Broyhill Music Center, supports the curriculum of the Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music and the University, and contains books, scores and recordings.

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About University Libraries

University Libraries at Appalachian State University serves the students, faculty and staff of App State’s Boone and Hickory campuses, contributing to the university’s mission of learning, teaching, advancing knowledge, engagement and effectiveness. Belk Library and Information Commons, the Erneston Music Library and the Hickory Library and Information Commons provide academic resources for all App State students and faculty. Within Belk Library, students and faculty find group and quiet study spaces, digital devices to check out, the Digital Media Studio, the Makerspace, the Virtual Realty Studio, the Special Collections Research Center and more. Learn more at https://library.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.