June 26, 2024
Laurel Littrell selected as associate dean of K-State Libraries
Laurel Littrell has been appointed associate dean of research and education of K-State Libraries.
"I am thrilled to have Dr. Laurel Littrell fully step into this role as we move forward with our strategic planning," said Joe Mocnik, dean of Libraries. "Her work as the interim solidified her ingenuity as a leader within our organization, and I look forward to working alongside Dr. Littrell to expand Libraries' services even further and advance the university's strategic goals."
As associate dean, Littrell will continue to collaborate with the Libraries and university leadership to implement strategic priorities. Littrell will also oversee the Richard L. D. and Marjorie J. Morse Department of Archives and Special Collections, the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab, and the academic services department, including the Center for Scholarly Publishing, formerly the Center for the Advancement of Digital Scholarship.
The Richard L. D. and Marjorie J. Morse Department of Archives and Special Collections houses K-State's institutional records and serves as a vital epicenter for research pertaining to the consumer movement, cookery, Kansas culture and K-State history. The Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab, which is open to both the K-State community and members of the public, allows visitors to access and use the latest technologies for free. Faculty and staff within the academic services department work with students and faculty members to assist with research and teaching needs, and the Center for Scholarly Publishing supports K-State Research Exchange, New Prairie Press, the Open/Alternative Textbooks Initiative and copyright services. Academic services librarians have also spearheaded AI literacy efforts across campus.
Littrell previously served as the interim associate dean of research and education, and prior to the role, she was the planning and assessment librarian. In her time at the Libraries, Littrell has also served as the head of general information services and as the interim assistant dean for user services.
Littrell earned both her bachelor's in music and her master's in composition from K-State. She later earned her doctorate in composition from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a master's in library science from Emporia State University. In addition to previously serving on the K-State music faculty, Littrell is a past president of K-State Faculty Senate.