Simmons College

Dr. Joan Giesecke is Dean of Libraries at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). She joined UNL in 1987 and was appointed dean in 1996. Prior to becoming dean, she was the Associate Dean for Collections and Services. She has held positions at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, Prince George's County Memorial Library System in Maryland, and the American Health Care Association. She received a doctorate in public administration from George Mason University, an M.L.S. from the University of Maryland, a master's degree in management from Central Michigan University, and a B.A. in economics from SUNY at Buffalo.

Giesecke's research interests include leadership, organizational decision-making and management skills. She is the author of numerous articles on leadership and management issues and has published in several journals, including Library Administration and Management, Journal of Library Administration, College and Research Libraries, and SIGOIS Bulletin. She served as the editor of Library Administration and Management journal from 1994-1996. Her books include Practical Help for New Supervisors (Chicago: American Library Association, 3rd edition, 1997), Scenario Planning for Libraries (Chicago: American Library Association, 1998), Practical Strategies for Library Managers (Chicago: American Library Association, 2001) and Fundamentals of Library Supervision (Chicago: American Library Association, 2005).

Giesecke is a member of the Graduate Faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has a courtesy appointment in the Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication department in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She has taught courses in management and in leadership and gender issues. Giesecke has taught several courses for the Emporia State University School of Library and Information Management, Nebraska and Colorado programs, including Information Transfer and Knowledge Diffusion, Research Methods, and Management.

Giesecke is an active member of the Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA) and served as President of LAMA, 2001-2002. She currently serves as President of the Homestead Girl Scout Council in Lincoln, Nebraska.