Expertise

Driven by Experience

When I offer a training or a consultation, I want you to know that what I share is based on my direct experience working in diverse environments and problem solving with my colleagues in real life. My ideas and suggestions are based in reality, not just theory. I won’t ever talk a bigger game than I can play.

If you would like to speak with past clients and colleagues before hiring me, I am happy to provide references.

State Library Agency

Received a Governor’s Commendation for leading state digital equity efforts during the pandemic. Designed and managed multiple statewide projects to increase library capacity and build new, resilient services that effectively addressed the digital divide. Strengthened local digital equity ecosystem with training for empowerment, connections to partners, and professional advocacy. Consulted with librarians on emerging technology, digital literacy services, staff technology competencies, and library performance benchmarks. Lead the development of digital equity resources and standards for libraries and consult on broader digital access and education policy. Represented library interests during state-level digital access and education policy making. Oversaw an Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) consortium project. Managed or assisted with $7 million in emergency response funding for libraries and digital inclusion initiatives.

State Broadband Office

Directed a State Digital Equity Program within a broadband office at the instruction of the Governor’s Office. Created and published a state digital equity plan in accordance with federal requirements, the third state in the nation to do so. Coordinated a network of stakeholders for collaborative research, advocacy, policy making, and professional support. Managed State Digital Equity Planning Grant and Digital Equity Act projects, and assisted with other grants and funding including state funds totaling $15.7 million. Hired, managed, and developed professional staff in two offices to implement program goals. Assisted state broadband leaders across the nation in working with state library agencies and other library partners, and provided training to library colleagues on the needs of state broadband offices to maximize collaboration and alignment of state plans with library goals.

Academic Library

Managed a department of 12 and the library’s primary public service desk. Designed and taught freshman information literacy courses. Managed physical and electronic textbook and course material collection, budget, and major project. Worked with professors on course material selection and pointed faculty towards Open Educational Resources (OERs) to reduce student costs. Managed print on demand service and equipment used by self-publishers and the University Press. Implemented a staff development program to support college student employees’ career goals within their part-time library jobs.

Public Library

Worked as a clerk (first library job!), youth services librarian, and acting branch manager. I loved doing weekly storytimes and youth programming. I also helped create a Teen Advisory Board and develop a new teen summer program encouraging youth to be 21st century creators, not just content consumers.

Later, I worked closely with public library directors and their boards or trustees on state certification standards and staff and board training. I also consulted with public library administrators and staff and offered training on technology and digital inclusion services.

Professional Associations

Member of the American Library Association, ALA Rainbow Round Table, Maryland Library Association, and Utah Library Association. For latter, served in various leadership roles over multi-year terms.

Presented for American Library Association, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, National Governor’s Association, National Skills Coalition, Pew Charitable Trust, state legislatures and subcommittees, and various regional conferences and events.

Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) – University of North Texas

Other Work

Volunteer work – State Board of Elections, City Planning Commission, Farmer’s Market Board, CoOp Digital Navigator, Pride Center Library Storytimes, and various digital inclusion groups, steering committees and boards, and community alliances.

Before libraries captured me, I worked as a bookseller, playwright and theater director, high school instructor and curriculum researcher, and museum assistant.