John D. Shank

John D. Shank is the Digital Learning Engagement Coordinator at Penn State University Libraries and a nationally recognized leader in blended librarianship, Open Educational Resources (OER), instructional design, and online learning. For more than two decades, his work has focused on transforming how academic libraries support teaching and learning in digital and hybrid environments.

In 2001, Shank broke new ground as one of the first Instructional Design Librarians in U.S. higher education. He later co‑founded the Blended Librarian Online Community, an online professional development initiative that served over 5,000 librarians and instructional professionals worldwide and helped shape the future of academic librarianship. His contributions earned him recognition as a 2005 Library Journal “Mover and Shaker.”

At Penn State Berks, Shank founded and directed the Center for Learning & Teaching and led the development of an educational technology grant program that impacted more than 100 courses and 3,500 students. He also directed the Boscov‑Lakin Information Commons & Thun Library, helping transform the academic library into a learner‑centered collaboration and media‑rich environment. In 2017, he was honored with the prestigious University Libraries Award at Penn State, recognizing his outstanding contributions to library operations, achievement in librarianship, and demonstration of leadership and innovation.

Shank’s publications and presentations focus on learning management system integration, Open Educational Resources (OER), and the evolving role of instructional design within academic librarianship.