Professional Development Resources for Librarians: Home

10:30 a.m.- 11:45 a.m. Transformation Leadership and Strategies for Self-Compassion in the Workplace  

How might the exercise of self-compassion positively impact individuals’ experiences of the library workplace? How can transformational leadership principles promote a positive organizational culture and help set the stage for worker wellbeing? What roles do management practices, institutional structure, and worker engagement play in making this a reality? Join us for an interactive presentation exploring these and other questions. Share your own experiences and discover how you can contribute to an environment that promotes self-compassion as a strategy for wellbeing. Linda Miles (she/her) is the Open Educational Resources Librarian at Michigan State University. Before coming to MSU, Linda worked for seven years serving various roles in the Hostos Community College Library – part of the City University of New York. Her prior experience includes four years as Public Services and User Experience Librarian at Yeshiva University, and she began her career in the library of the Lincoln Center Institute, a non-profit arts education organization. Linda has co-authored the monograph, How to Thrive as a Library Professional: Achieving Success and Satisfaction, for Libraries Unlimited (2020). Among other recent co-authored publications are the chapter, "Combating Burnout: Positive/Transformational Leadership and Organizational Culture" (ACRL Press, 2022), and the article, "Community College Librarians’ Research and Publication Practices" (C&RL, 2023). Linda holds an MLS from St. John’s University and a PhD in theatre history and criticism from the University of Texas at Austin.

Susanne Markgren (she/her) has worked as the Director of Technical Services at Manhattan College, in the Bronx, since 2016. Her prior library experience includes various roles in many different types of libraries, including: an academic medical library, a large university library, two urban public library systems, a seminary library, a government library, and a theater library. She has served on national and local committees of ALA and ACRL. She has published articles, chapters, and essays in a variety of publications and is the co-author of Career Q&A: A Librarian’s Real-Life, Practical Guide to Managing a Successful Career, for Information Today (2013), and How to Thrive as a Library Professional: Achieving Satisfaction and Success, for Libraries Unlimited (2020). More recently, she co-authored the chapter, "Combating Burnout: Positive/Transformational Leadership and Organizational Culture" (ACRL Press, 2022), She holds an MLIS from the University of Texas at Austin and an MFA in creative writing from Manhattanville College.

1:00 p.m. - 2.15 p.m. Thriving at Work: Nurturing Professional Wellness

This presentation will explore the importance of professional wellness in achieving success and fulfillment in your work. We will delve into practical strategies to maintain a health work-life balance, manage stress and prioritize self-care.  By taking pro-active steps to support your well-being, you can enhance your productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction in your professional journey. Join us to learn how to cultivate professional wellness and unlock your full potential in the workplace. Melissa Munn has over 20 years of leading, training, and supporting staff in a variety of environments. With a degree in Criminology and 10+ years working in social services before joining the library industry, I have spent my career focusing on creating healthy and safe work environments for staff.

2.30 p.m. 3:45p.m.  Mentee to Mentor

At the start of her archives and librarian career, Jonna C. Paden had valuable mentor relationships that helped provide insight, advice and support as she started on her new journey as an information professional. A dozen years later, she is a mentor to students in the Bridging Knowledge MLIS program at San Jose State University. In this session, she will talk about being on both sides of the mentee/mentor relationship. Jonna C. Paden is the Archivist & Librarian at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. She holds an MLIS from San Jose State University and a BUS from the University of New Mexico. She is the Vice-President/President elect for the American Indian Library Association and Co-Director of the MLIS Bridging Knowledge Program at San Jose State University. Jonna is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Acoma.