Dr. Kawanna Bright is Assistant Professor of Library Science at East Carolina University. Dr. Bright earned her Ph.D. in Research Methods and Statistics from the University of Denver in 2018.  Prior to earning her doctorate, Dr. Bright worked as an academic librarian for twelve years, with a focus on reference, instructional services, and information literacy.  She earned her MLIS from the University of Washington iSchool in 2003.  Dr. Bright’s current research focuses on assessment in libraries, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in libraries, the application of research methodology to the study of library and information science, and the importance of the liaison librarianship role in academic libraries. Her work with Dr. Amy VanScoy (University at Buffalo) to investigate the reference and information services experience of librarians of color received a 2014 ALA Diversity Research Grant and was awarded the 2017 Beta Phi Mu-Library Research Round Table Research Paper Award.  Among other projects, Dr. Bright is diligently continuing her efforts to develop a standardized DEI assessment tool for academic libraries in the hopes of moving the assessment of DEI away from simply counting “diverse” employees.  More information on Dr. Bright can be found at http://www.kawannabright.info

Dr. Nicole A. Cooke is the Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and an Associate Professor at the School of Library and Information Science, at the University of South Carolina. Her research and teaching interests include human information behavior, fake news consumption and resistance, critical cultural information studies, and diversity and social justice in librarianship.

Dr. Cooke was named a Mover & Shaker by Library Journal in 2007, she was awarded the 2016 ALA Equality Award, and she was presented with the 2017 ALA Achievement in Library Diversity Research Award, presented by the Office for Diversity and Literacy Outreach Services. She has also been honored as the Illinois Library Association’s 2019 Intellectual Freedom Award winner in recognition of her work in combating online hate and bullying in LIS, and she was selected as the Association for Library and Information Science Education’s 2019 Excellence in Teaching award winner.

Cooke has published numerous articles and book chapters. Her latest books are “Information Services to Diverse Populations” (Libraries Unlimited, 2016) and “Fake News and Alternative Facts: Information Literacy in a Post-truth Era” (ALA Editions. 2018).

Hope Decker is an ardent small and rural library enthusiast. Her experience as a small, rural library director, a library system consultant, and a researcher fosters her conviction that libraries matter deeply to their communities. Hope’s mission is to celebrate the work libraries do and support the humans who work in them, so they and their communities flourish.

Former ARSL President, long-standing ARSL Board Member, and Rural Library Expert, Kieran Hixon will lead this initiative. Kieran serves nationally on committees as a rural library expert and brings broad experience having worked in rural public libraries as well as consulting for them as Technology and Digital Initiatives Consultant for the Colorado State Library. Kieran has over 10 years experience offering professional development, both in-person and online, for rural libraries throughout the United States. Kieran Hixon is passionate about rural libraries, and is known for his high energy, humorous stories, and insightful examples when providing instruction.

Lynn Hoffman has worn a wide variety of hats throughout her public library career, but has found her niche in administration, with over a decade of experience in organizational development, project management, and implementing big ideas through hands-on service. Lynn is currently Director of Operations at the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey, and she presents frequently on leadership development and organizational culture topics for regional, state, and national learning events.

Chance Hunt has enjoyed working in public libraries and city government for over 25 years.  He has served as a children’s librarian, youth services manager and director of public programming for both the King County Library System and The Seattle Public Library.  He has also managed the City of Seattle’s Broadband and Community Technology division.  In his teaching, and at both local and state levels, he has focused on innovative programs and services that activate public space and enhance access to library services and digital technologies.  He was recognized as a Library Journal Mover and Shaker for his work on “What If All Kids Read the Same Book?” in 2004.  An avid supporter of community collaboration, he is currently the president of the board for Team Read, a Seattle-based nonprofit serving young readers and teens.

Amanda Johnson started her journey in libraries 10 years ago and has since worked in academic, public, and state government environments. Starting out she spent many years on public service desks, leading programs and helping community members find and use information. These daily interactions led Amanda to pursue her interest in building skills and strategies to help libraries uncover community needs, develop effective services, and demonstrate value to all levels of stakeholders.

James LaRue is the CEO of LaRue and Associates. Author of “The New Inquisition: Understanding and Managing Intellectual Freedom Challenges,” LaRue was a public library director for many years, as well as a weekly newspaper columnist and cable TV host. From January of 2016 to November of 2018, he was director of the Freedom to Read Foundation, and ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. He has written, spoken, and consulted extensively on intellectual freedom issues, leadership and organizational development, community engagement, and the future of libraries.

Sharon Morris has a Master’s in Library and Information Science and a Ph.D. in Managerial Leadership in Libraries. As an ARSL member, Dr. Morris will serve as Mr. Hixon’s co-leader on designing the overall curriculum, identifying the instructors, and overseeing the external evaluation process. Dr. Morris has co-designed state-level library leadership institutes, and served as an instructor, in Colorado, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. She also serves on the Leadership Team and is a core instructor for the Research Institute for Public Libraries. Dr. Morris is Adjunct Faculty at the University of Denver, Library and Information Science program, teaching a course on Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness. She also provides workshops on leadership topics at national conferences, library staff days, and other library venues.

Claudine has been a part of Colorado libraries since 1998, and director of the Estes Valley Library since 2005.  Before Estes, she was a public library branch manager, a college reference librarian, and a rural high school media specialist.  She grew up in Miami, Florida, earned her MA in Library Science, and then longing for life on a woodsy dirt road, headed ‘out west’.  

Under her leadership the Estes Valley Library partners actively with many local groups to bring timely and responsive services to the community.  These partnerships have garnered regional recognition, including Downtown Excellence, Intellectual Freedom, Partnership of the Year, and Service Project of the Year awards.  

Claudine says, “There’s nothing more fun than solving problems or creating something new with your library neighbors and friends.” She looks forward to that spirit of collaborative discovery on the road ahead.

Gail Santy, Director, Central Kansas Library System.
Gail Santy is the director of the Central Kansas Library System and the Great Bend Public Library. Before moving into the director’s chair, Gail was a consultant to small and rural libraries for 10 years. Gail lives in a world of possibilities and excels at coming up with doable, affordable, practical ways to make ideas turn into reality. Gail’s coworkers say she has so much joy for her work, exhibits compassionate but decisive leadership, is brutally honest, a fearless leader, a great listener and supporter, and has an admirable strength of conviction.

Maribeth Shafer, Assistant Director & CE Consultant, Central Kansas Library System.
Maribeth started her career working for the rural library she grew up in. At CKLS, She has worked with small and rural libraries in central Kansas for over 11 years, from IT to Library Law to Online Catalogs to Trustee Training and more. Maribeth Shafer is a public library consultant providing training on librarianship, Kansas library law, responsibilities and roles of a trustee, continuing education, best practices, and library skills. As a library consultant, she understands the dedication and energy it takes to make a library great.

Patty Collins, Youth Services Consultant, Central Kansas Library System.
Patty Collins has served Kansas Libraries for more than 28 years in various capacities from story lady to school librarian to assistant director. As a Consultant for the Central Kansas Library System, she assists small libraries with all aspects of library service including policy, collection, and programming.   Patty often describes her job as the care and feeding of small library staff. She likes to show others that there is a place for play, joy, and compassion in their library work. Patty cares deeply for those she serves and the work they do. She vehemently represents the interests of youth and supports equal access to library materials and services for users of all ages.

Patrick Sweeney is a tireless and innovative advocate for libraries. A 2007 graduate of the San Jose School of Library and Information Sciences, Mr. Sweeney is the former Administrative Librarian of the Sunnyvale (CA) Public Library and was Executive Director of EveryLibrary California, a statewide initiative to support library propositions. He was awarded Library Journal’s “Movers and Shakers” award in 2015 for his library advocacy work. He is co-author of “Winning Elections and Influencing Politicians for Library Funding” as well as “Before the Ballot; Building Support for Library Funding.” He was recently recognized with a “40 Under 40” award by the American Association of Political Consultants for his work fighting for libraries at EveryLibrary. He is a lecturer at the San Jose Information School where he teaches courses on politics and libraries. He is active across social media as PC Sweeney.