Matthew Shaw, dean of University Libraries at Ball State since 2016, will serve in the same position at the University of Dayton starting July 1, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Darlene Weaver announced Feb. 15.

"Matthew brings significant leadership experience, consonant with UD's mission and culture," said Weaver. "He has a future-oriented vision, which will enhance the consistently outstanding work of our libraries. It was clear to the search committee that Matthew keenly understands the vital role of libraries in supporting teaching and scholarship, as well as the University's work as an anchor institution."

As dean of University Libraries, Shaw will ensure continued use of emerging technological advances to enhance library services and resources, including the transition to a new integrated, cloud-based library system. He will oversee collection development and management, including special collections, with a focus on diversification, expansion and community impact. Integration of the library into academic, campus life and community life will also be the focus of his tenure.

Shaw will lead a team of more than 40 faculty and staff and 50 student employees, with seven direct reports and a budget of $6 million. Shaw will also serve on the president's, provost's and dean's councils.

"I am very excited to join the University of Dayton community and look forward to serving with the committed faculty and staff of the Libraries to advance academic success, faculty excellence and community engagement," Shaw said. "I am humbled to be chosen for this role and will build on the strong foundation of Dean (Kathy) Webb's legacy of service to continue expanding the mission and meaning of Libraries for all who learn, teach and serve."  

At Ball State, Shaw oversees the library system that includes a main facility, and architecture, science and health libraries plus the education, music and media collection that supports Ball State's nationally-ranked Teachers College. 

Other collections Shaw oversees at Ball State include the extensive GIS research and map collection and Archives and Special Collections, which include signature collections related to David Letterman and John Steinbeck as well as the distinguished Middletown Collection. The Seager Archives for the Built Environment, a large archive of architecture and design documents and drawings, is also part of the library system.

He also leads Ball State's offices for copyright and scholarly communications and digital scholarship; which offer consultative, instructional, and technology services and tools to support teaching, research and publishing. 

A strategic fundraiser, Shaw initiated a relationship with the Ball State University Foundation; worked with Ball State's provost to establish the renovation of Bracken Library as a top priority of the university's capital campaign, and repositioned the 2,500-member Friends of the Alexander M. Bracken Library as a primary fundraising entity. He helped secure nearly $2.3 million in library gifts and grants.

Immediately prior to his current role at Ball State, Shaw was the director of the Krannert Memorial Library at the University of Indianapolis. 

Before that, he held several roles at Ball State, including head of access services, collections development librarian and electronic resources librarian. 

Shaw's experience also extends to the classroom, as he has taught undergraduate English composition, writing and research courses at Ball State as well as undergrad and adult learning courses at the University of Indianapolis.

He is a two-time graduate of Ball State, earning a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in executive development and public service. He also earned a masters of library and information sciences from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.