Sarah Washburn
Caravan Studios
Director of Community Experience
sarah@caravanstudios.org

Tell us about your experience leading a change in your library and/or in your community.
My experience with libraries goes back to 2000, when I began working at the small and mighty Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. I worked on the project to place computers and the Internet across all public libraries in the U.S., and it is that experience that stoked my belief that libraries are the beating heart of communities. Since then, I have encouraged librarians to use technology, to think differently, to know that they are never alone in the hard changes, or the new ideas. The community of librarians is the greatest resource librarians have, and I’ve worked to make those connections a little tighter. Lately I have worked on projects at libraries, with librarians and community members, to think creatively and differently and design mobile app paper prototypes together that solve local problems (important: no one is a techie!). I’ve also participated in innovation events at libraries, helping ideas crop up and stick around. I find a lot of joy working on all sorts of projects with librarians.

What is your mentoring philosophy & style?
I am a listener. I like to create the space, the trust, and the moments for open discussions. Sometimes just showing up without an agenda is enough to get the thoughts churning, other times a thoughtful list, shared in advance might be the right tactic for a discussion. I am flexible, and I know what I don’t know, and I’m unafraid to say it. I also appreciate a challenge and a good laugh.

What else would you like a leadership mentee to know about you?
While I do not live in a rural area, I grew up in Nebraska as the “city kid” in Omaha whose entire extended family lived in teeny towns across the state. I do not have any direct library experience working inside a library building, but right now I am volunteering at a middle school library, and I love to talk about it, it’s so fun! Also, I have been to many ARSL conferences, and they are my most favorite. Rural and small town librarians make things happen. I’m smiling as I type this.

Areas of expertise