Project MUSE, the leading platform for humanities and social science research, has announced a series of strategic organizational changes that will enhance its capacity, reach, and commitment to equity and inclusion as it enters its third decade of operation.
With the evolving landscape of scholarly communications in mind, Project MUSE has established a new department called Library & Publisher Partnerships. Recognizing the increasing overlap between publishers and libraries, this department aims to foster stronger connections between these essential stakeholders. Kelley Squazzo, previously the Director of Publisher Relations and Content Acquisitions, has been appointed as the Director of Library & Publisher Partnerships. In her new role, Squazzo will oversee both the existing publisher relations and library sales teams. To further bolster the department's impact, Project MUSE will also be recruiting a Senior Sales Manager under Squazzo's leadership.
Squazzo brings a wealth of experience to her new position, having held senior editorial and acquisitions roles at the Johns Hopkins University Press and Wolters Kluwer. Her unique background in acquisitions and sales will help cultivate a collaborative community between publishers and libraries. Squazzo has also served as an adjunct instructor at Towson University and Anne Arundel Community College.
In response to the increasingly complex information landscape, Project MUSE has established a new department dedicated to providing timely updates and expanding the global reach of scholarship on its platform. Melanie Schaffner, who joined Project MUSE in 1996 as the first marketing and sales manager, will lead this department as the Director of Communication, Marketing, and Engagement. Schaffner will oversee the organization's internal and external marketing resources.
Having served as Director of Sales and Marketing since 2012, Schaffner played an instrumental role in transforming Project MUSE into a self-sustaining operation with a $30 million annual business. With her extensive experience and expertise, Schaffner will ensure effective engagement with diverse audiences in the era of open access content and evolving discovery channels. Her background includes various marketing communication and public relations positions in the music and electronic entertainment industries.
Additionally, Lance Tieperman has joined Project MUSE as the Business Operations Manager, bringing valuable expertise in business operations and intelligence. Tieperman previously worked with MUSE in an inside sales and library support role and has experience in procurement with Johns Hopkins University and as a buyer/analyst with T. Rowe Price.
These strategic organizational changes position Project MUSE for continued growth and success as it approaches its 30th anniversary. They support ongoing priorities such as the upcoming Subscribe to Open program for flagship journal collections and the expansion of scholarly publications hosted on the platform.
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