Libraries are built by people, and built for people. Learning from people is essential while we develop our understanding in the library and information science. Through reading their stories, we could sketch a persona of a typical librarian, and therefore create our own image as a librarian for our future career.

Librarians in the Past

What is a librarian? Who is a librarian? What a librarian can be?

These might be the questions in your mind before applying the MLIS program. Indeed, being a librarian might be a starting point of your life journey. People who were librarians in history extended their libraries into a country or led people to enter their brand-new fictional world. Here are eight figures I selected from the website. I divided them into two groups, the librarians who changed history, and the librarian who won Nobel Prize.

Librarians Who Changed History ^[1]

Librarians changed our history. They are lawmakers, political leaders, reformists, and game changers. Before they start their career, they have worked as librarians for years.

Here are four famous political figures who were librarian, which were selected from the website of Union Institute & University Library.

Librarians Who Won Nobel Prize ^[2]

Librarians work in the library, the place where inspire and nurture people. From here, there are several librarians who won their Nobel Prize and built a new world through their imagination.

Here are four Nobel Prize winners who were librarians, which are selected from the website of 今日头条.

Librarians Who Defined Library ^[3]

Librarians are always seeking ways to make things better. In their career, they were not satisfied to stay at the same place. They were actively finding new problems and solving them.

Here are 9 figures redefined how a library should operate, which were selected from the website of Baidu.

Librarians in Our Times

People usually think librarians are the person who assists in finding books and charging late fees, neglecting their role in developing the community. From 1988, Library Journal held an annual award, Librarian of the Year Award, honoring professional librarians for their excellent achievements. In their stories, we can see the library trend flows from providing services to older generations, reforming information as user-centered, and promoting DEI, to high level community engagement and unban book activities.

Here are the award winners from 1988 to 2023, which were selected mainly from the website of Library Journal. Each year, Library Journal interviewed the award winners and summarized their interviews into a website article. Following are the award winners with their quotations I selected from their articles. Apart from that, there is one paragraph summary developed from the Library Journal website articles.

For more information, feel free to visit their website!

Librarian of the Year Award ^[4]

• 1988: Peggy Goodwin, Adult Services Librarian, Walnut Creek Branch Library of the Nicholson Memorial Library System, Garland, TX ^[5]
  • 
  • “I’d like to see libraries offering a greater variety of services that keep in mind the older generation…especially since I’m one of them now.” ^[6]
  • Peggy Goodwin, the first Librarian of the Year at LJ, retired from the Walnut Creek Branch Library in Garland, TX, in 1993. After caring for her ill mother, she moved to Lindale, where she actively participates in a readers discussion group and enjoys playing mah-jongg with fellow residents. Goodwin values her time at Walnut Creek, where she found fulfillment in assisting single women with home-related inquiries and helping people navigate challenges in their lives. Despite being without a computer, Goodwin stays aware of the vast information landscape. She laments the increasing reliance on machines in libraries, emphasizing the importance of preserving personal contact. As a proud patron of the Lindale Library, she continues her love for books and recently acquired a title at a library sale, intending to donate it to the community home’s collection.
• 1989: Brenda Vogel, Library Coordinator of the Maryland Correctional Educational Libraries ^[7]
  • 
  • “Many predigital librarians are wary that the deluge of infinite, socially engaged, user-centered information may defeat the storehouse of authoritative, verified, factual, scientifically concluded data…there must be room for zeitgeist reconciliation.” ^[8]
  • Brenda Vogel, the 1989 Librarian of the Year and former coordinator of the Maryland Correctional Educational Libraries until her 2000 retirement, has remained active in advocating for prisoners’ access to literature. She authored “Down for the Count: A Prison Library Handbook” and contributed to LJ, focusing on issues like prison library funding. Vogel also taught a course on library services for the disadvantaged. Postretirement, she continues her commitment to prisoner literacy as a board member of the Lifetime Literacy Foundation, distributing books to prison libraries. Additionally, Vogel has written a screenplay addressing the political influence on justice in the death penalty application, seeking to expose the “tyranny of politics.” She expresses concern over the diminishing emphasis on graduate degrees in libraries and worries that retiring librarians may be replaced by nonprofessionals, leaving library school graduates without professional prospects. Vogel urges research, data presentation, and a campaign to address these issues. She also emphasizes the importance of recognizing prison and jail libraries within professional associations advocating for various causes.
• 1990: Amy Owen, Utah State Librarian, Salt Lake City, UT ^[9]
  • 
  • “Our largest-scale problem is reinventing the tools and techniques of librarianship in a world transformed by technology. Only ongoing experimentation and the willingness to try new techniques will lead to workable solutions.” ^[10]
  • Amy Owen, the former director of the Utah State Library in Salt Lake City, retired in 2003 after a distinguished 16-year tenure. She was twice honored as Librarian of the Year, first by LJ in 1990 and later by the Utah Library Association in 1992. Under her leadership, the Utah State Library Division received various accolades, including the Governor’s/Chief Information Officer’s Award in 2003 for outstanding achievements in improving access to government information, RSS development, support, and implementation, as well as LiveChat support for the state website. Owen is enthusiastic about the evolving capabilities of libraries and related professions in managing digital collections. She predicts that the maturation of these capacities will significantly transform how librarians handle collections and create new avenues of service. Owen also anticipates librarians engaging with users and providing data and services to future devices like iPods and SmartPhones.
• 1991: Daniel J. Bradbury, Director, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO ^[11]
  • 
  • “”I don’t think we quite yet fully reflect our users. We are getting better, but we’re not there.” ^[12]
  • Dan Bradbury, former director of the Kansas City Public Library (KCPL), utilized a missed flight’s five-hour delay at Chicago’s O’Hare airport to communicate via laptop and wireless Internet. Since retiring in 2002, Bradbury, along with his wife and business partner, has co-managed Gossage Sager Associates, an executive search firm specializing in the library market. As a trustee on the ALA endowment fund, he recently attended an all-day meeting at ALA headquarters in Chicago. Bradbury anticipates a leadership void due to the retirement of baby boomers and sees it as an opportunity for later-generation boomers and rebounders to assume leadership roles in libraries. He advocates for continued leadership development programs, increased scholarships, and work-study arrangements, especially in urban libraries, to address this gap. Grateful for his 19 years at KCPL, Bradbury hopes his contributions have enriched lives and improved the community. He expresses a sense of luck and fulfillment in making a positive difference, particularly if it involves libraries or librarians.
• 1992: John W. Ferguson, Director, Mid-Continent Public Library, Independence, MO ^[13]
  • 
  • “Only a small percentage of potential library users are even aware of library services; I want to be an ambassador for the library.” ^[14]
  • John W. Ferguson, the former director of the Mid-Continent Public Library in Independence, MO, embarked on early retirement in 1998 following a successful battle with cancer. In 1999, he and his wife established an interdenominational senior adult ministry, eventually becoming ordained ministers in the following year. This new vocation has influenced Ferguson’s perspective on his previous role. Currently, he works with homebound senior adults and advocates for libraries to implement programs like Books on Wheels in collaboration with existing services such as Meals on Wheels. Ferguson, now a devoted library patron, emphasizes the importance of libraries in community outreach. He applauds a local library for outsourcing clerical tasks to a shelter’s workshop, believing it sets an example for other libraries. According to Ferguson, this approach provides quality work at a reasonable rate, freeing up library staff for other tasks and offering individuals from the shelter’s workshop an opportunity to contribute to the library’s needs.
• 1993: Susan C. Curzon, Vice Provost, Information and Technology Resources Division and Dean of the University Library System, California State University, Northridge ^[15]
  • 
  • “There is a misperception that libraries will vanish as the world of cyberspace advances; libraries fully present in virtual reality will contradict that assumption. We are taking baby steps now, but the possibilities are enormous.” ^[16]
  • Susan C. Curzon, the vice provost of the Information and Technology Resources Division at California State University, Northridge, and dean of the university library since 1992, has been a trailblazer in library leadership, overseeing the implementation of the nation’s first automated storage and retrieval system. Despite facing significant setbacks from a 1994 earthquake that damaged the library, Curzon’s resilience and positive outlook, shaped by her early career as a special librarian for a deep-sea mining company, have led her to become an advocate for disaster restoration. She now shares her experiences with other librarians and eagerly anticipates the contributions of the next generation, challenging them to define what they will bring to libraries. In a forward-thinking move, Curzon has invested in the future of librarianship by launching a new master’s degree in Library and Information Management in 2008, showcasing her commitment to nurturing innovation in the field.
• 1994: Deborah Jacobs, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, OR ^[17]
  • 
  • “I bless the day I decided to become a librarian—it is still the most amazing and fulfilling profession I can imagine.” ^[18]
  • Deborah L. Jacobs, former director of the Corvallis—Benton County Public Library in Oregon and the current city librarian for the Seattle Public Library, emphasizes that despite numerous initiatives by the American Library Association, the persistent challenge facing libraries today is inadequate funding—a concern she has witnessed throughout her 31-year career in librarianship. Jacobs proposes a three-pronged solution involving increased efforts to educate city managers, county commissioners, and governors about the importance of library funding, identifying strong and charismatic potential librarians in graduate programs, and incorporating advocacy skills into information school curricula. As part of this effort, she teaches a class on public library politics and advocacy at the University of Washington Information School. While acknowledging libraries’ success in connecting with and staying relevant to teens, Jacobs advocates for enhanced interlibrary collaboration and draws inspiration from the success of online social networking, encouraging libraries to consider alternatives to individualized websites for greater efficiency and innovation.
• 1995: Carla D. Hayden, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD ^[19]
  • 
  • “Thinking about how to weavethe old in with the new, make the connections—I don’t see enough of that.” ^[20]
  • Carla D. Hayden, the executive director of Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library since 1993, has navigated a tumultuous journey, including the challenging decision to close five branches in 2001. Despite the difficulties, this period sparked increased community awareness and support for the library, resulting in a 17 percent rise in grants, including two million-dollar donations. Hayden, a natural leader who served as the 2003–2004 ALA president and was honored as one of Ms. Magazine’s 2003 Women of the Year, reflects positively on the initiative shown by the newest generation of librarians, appreciating their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. However, she emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with an understanding of past practices, advocating for an evolutionary approach. Hayden remains committed to overseeing this evolution and aims to institutionalize growth and change, ensuring the library continues to adapt and thrive.
• 1996: Dorothy M. Schirtzinger, Lee County Library System, Fort Myers, FL ^[21]
  • 
  • “We have to convince funding sources that technology does not replace the need for service but only makes it more important.” ^[22]
  • Dorothy M. Schirtzinger, the former director of the Lee County Library System in Florida for 18 years, led the system through remarkable growth, expanding from eight libraries with a staff of 23 and a $500,000 budget to 11 libraries with a staff of 170 and an annual budget of $11 million. Her achievements were acknowledged with the Librarian of the Year Award and the Florida Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Award. Even a decade into retirement, Schirtzinger remains engaged, showing interest in the Lifelong Access Libraries initiative, which aims to transform library services for older adults. She identifies the challenge of integrating technology into services for older adults, noting the diverse comfort levels with computers in this age group. Throughout her career, Schirtzinger has thrived on overcoming challenges, and her impactful track record reflects her resilience and commitment to library development.
• 1997: Bobby Roberts, Central Arkansas Library System, Little Rock, AR ^[23]
  • 
  • “We must never forget that…library directors are ultimately responsible to the public paying the bills. We ignore that reality at our peril.” ^[24]
  • Bobby Roberts, Librarian of the Year and Director of the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS), has overseen the construction of award-winning libraries in Little Rock. Under his leadership, CALS is currently engaged in a $20 million joint project with the University of Arkansas to create a facility merging historical manuscripts for cooperative services and programs on Arkansas history. Roberts expresses surprise at the rapid deployment of technology in libraries, emphasizing the need for the United States to catch up with other nations, particularly in terms of broadband services in rural areas. Drawing on lessons learned during his 1982 stint as a Clinton campaign aide, Roberts values small successes and sees his duty as leaving patrons with an improved system. He expresses confidence in the capabilities of the incoming generation of librarians, considering them better trained, more flexible in their thinking, and better equipped to handle public engagement than his own generation.
• 1998: Susan Fuller, Director, Santa Clara County Library, San Jose, CA ^[25]
  • 
  • “I want every library I visit to be: current, connected, comprehensive, challenging, careful, and comfortable.” ^[26]
  • Susan Fuller, retired director of the Santa Clara County Library in Los Gatos, California, reflects on her transition from a career in library administration to a librarian-turned-patron. Having traded the demands of night meetings, political positioning, and careful philosophical presentations for a different lifestyle, Fuller now holds high standards as a library patron. She desires a personal and knowledgeable library experience, emphasizing the importance of staff familiarity with ideas and collections in various formats. Fuller values the public library as a defender of her fundamental rights as an American, seeking information and ideas to forge her own path without hindrance from the government. She happily reports that her local library meets all these expectations, and though no longer in the role of a library administrator, she anticipates continued engagement with the public library as it remains an integral part of her future pursuits.
• 1999: Jerry Thrasher, Cumberland County Public Library, NC ^[27]
  • 
  • “Individuals need to realize the hazards inherent in social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook: they’re sharing detailed personal information about themselves.” ^[28]
  • Jerry Thrasher, who recently retired as the director of the Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center in Fayetteville, NC, after 27 years of service, reflects on the evolving landscape of librarianship. While he acknowledges the value of young, tech-savvy librarians, Thrasher emphasizes the crucial role played by second-career librarians in bridging the technological gap and providing relevant and exciting programming to communities. He expresses excitement about the progress of integrated library system freeware, such as Evergreen, enabling local libraries to develop their own systems independently of private software companies. Thrasher anticipates further developments in this direction, with larger libraries handling their software development and others relying on private companies for enhancements. Proud of fostering a greater appreciation for public libraries and their significance in democracy during his tenure, Thrasher is confident that, with effective leadership, libraries will not only endure but thrive despite ongoing challenges.
• 2000: SEE 2001. Library Journal changed the year of the award to the year in which it is presented. ^[29]
• 2001: Louise Blalock, Hartford Public Library, CT ^[30]
  • 
  • “I am provoked by the ‘dumbing down’ of libraries. We want the amenities of a café and popular books, but we must understand that they are just that—amenities—and should therefore not drive our services or derail our mission.” ^[31]
  • Louise Blalock, the chief librarian of the Hartford Public Library in Connecticut, garnered attention in 2001 for her dedication to improving urban libraries. With over 30 years of experience, she recognizes that enhancing the urban library landscape goes beyond directed library legislation. Blalock believes urban libraries should actively engage as stakeholders in various community areas, including health, jobs, literacy, housing, and immigration, while advocating for collaborative policy efforts among library leaders. In light of reduced federal funding, she emphasizes the need for a new funding structure that ensures fair and equitable distribution of resources to provide essential services. Blalock envisions a system with politically engaged and entrepreneurial leaders capable of understanding opportunities to support libraries. She also underscores the importance of librarians demonstrating the crucial role they play in addressing public needs and interests, acknowledging the need for public perception to align with the significant contributions of libraries.
• 2002: Susan Kent, Los Angeles Public Library, CA ^[32]
  • 
  • “Helping to articulate the value of libraries as thriving, visionary, exciting institutions—I want to be part of moving that agenda along.” ^[33]
  • Susan Kent, former city librarian and director of the Los Angeles Public Library, achieved significant recognition, winning LJ’s Librarian of the Year Award and the American Library Association’s Lippincott Award. Following her tenure as director and chief executive of the Branch Libraries of the New York Public Library, Kent now channels over 35 years of public library experience into an independent consulting business. Specializing in strategic and capital facilities planning, as well as financial development and management, she assists libraries in navigating these crucial aspects. Kent, a frequent speaker at international library symposia and conferences, emphasizes the importance of programs and staff exchanges, both domestically and internationally, to nurture future generations of library leaders. Recognizing the global nature of the profession, she highlights the urgency of keeping pace with technological advancements, emphasizing that the job is now truly global.
• 2003: Raymond Santiago, Director, Miami-Dade Public Library System, FL ^[34]
  • 
  • “Back in 1972, at my first library job, I would have never imagined the proliferation of all manner of handheld devices; let’s see them now become more a part of our everyday library life.” ^[35]
  • Raymond Santiago, director of the Miami-Dade Public Library System in Florida for ten years, has significantly contributed to the system’s growth, expanding the annual budget from $29 million to $108 million and implementing an eight-year capital expansion program resulting in 18 new facilities. Recognized for these achievements, he received the Charlie Robinson Award from the Public Library Association in 2005. Santiago expresses concern about the long-term financial stability of public libraries, noting that many operate in short-term cycles. He advocates for a renewed dedication to public service to address this challenge and observes this quality in the younger generation of librarians, predicting they will exceed expectations. Critically reflecting on leadership roles, Santiago suggests reducing micromanagement, providing more opportunities for advancement and exposure, and encouraging new faces to emerge in leadership positions to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the forefront.
• 2004: Toni Garvey, City Librarian, Phoenix Public Library ^[36]
  • 
  • “Being a librarian today means everything it did 30 years ago, with the added element of competition; it is imperative we find our niche in today’s information world.” ^[37]
  • Toni Garvey, the city librarian at Phoenix Public Library (PPL), has been far from idle since winning Librarian of the Year four years ago. In addition to earning the 2006 Arizona Library Association’s Rosenzweig Distinguished Service Award, she has garnered accolades for the opening of several new PPL branches. Garvey’s current focus is on how libraries adapt to the changing methods and manners of learning among today’s youth. Advocating for collaboration with experts to understand this issue, she draws inspiration from innovative practices at the Louisville Free Public Library in Kentucky, where the library card serves multiple functions, including doubling as a school ID, providing transit fare discounts, and waiving fees for GED testing. Garvey sees this approach as a tangible manifestation of the library card being truly valuable in the community.
• 2005: Susan K. Nutter, Vice Provost & Director of Libraries, North Carolina State University, Raleigh ^[38]
  • 
  • “There is some real talent in the pipeline, but we’re going to need more diversity in that pipeline, and I mean diversity of all sorts, in terms of interests, skills, disciplines, ages, geographical backgrounds, ways of seeing the world….” ^[39]
  • Susan K. Nutter, the director of the science and engineering library at North Carolina State University (NCSU) in Raleigh for 21 years and vice provost for 13, has played a pivotal role in maintaining the library’s cutting-edge status. Currently overseeing a $114 million design and construction project for another library on the NCSU campus, Nutter envisions the new facility inspiring changed behavior in the community and becoming a dynamic and engaging learning environment. She anticipates a future where collaboration takes various forms, and technology seamlessly integrates into the workspace. Nutter envisions a flexible environment where everything, from furniture to people and spaces, is movable, and the focus is on collaboration, creativity, and discovery. With palpable energy and intensity, Nutter envisions the library continuing to attract passersby, becoming an incubator for the newest information technologies. Excited about the present and the future, she eagerly anticipates the next five years.
• 2006: Rivkah Sass, Omaha Public Library ^[40]
  • 
  • “How awesome would it be to see a group of librarians on the cover of Business 2.0 or Fast Company?” ^[41]
  • Rivkah Sass, director of the Omaha Public Library, expresses a critical perspective on succession planning and diversity in the library field, noting a tendency to hire and promote individuals similar to current staff rather than identifying and nurturing diverse talents. Recently returning from a visit to Google’s headquarters, where she explored technologies like Google Scholar, Book Search, and YouTube’s collaborations with universities, Sass questions why libraries are not leveraging technologies such as the iPod and PayPal. Enthusiastic about her own transformative experience with an iPod Touch, she highlights the need for libraries to adapt to modern technologies. Sass identifies a gap in ease between PayPal payments and library fine payments, emphasizing the challenges libraries face in implementing e-commerce solutions. While expressing faith in today’s library school graduates for their willingness to embrace change, she, like others, calls for an expanded curriculum covering community development, marketing, branding, and effective advocacy for service and funding.
• 2007: Mary Baykan, Washington County Free Library, MD ^[42]
  • 
  • “We must not think of technology for technology’s sake: Does it enrich patrons’ library experience, give them more resources, or does it become a frustrating and impersonal labyrinth?” ^[43]
  • Mary Baykan, who served as the director of the Washington County Free Library System and executive director of the Western Maryland Public Libraries for 12 years, recognizes the formidable challenges facing libraries in the coming years. These challenges include meeting the demands of new immigrants, addressing the needs of an aging population, remaining competitive in a global economy, and bridging the growing disconnect between citizens and their communities. Baykan emphasizes the crucial role of libraries in meeting these challenges, asserting that libraries must demonstrate their positive contribution to community sustainability to remain relevant. She observes a shift in librarians becoming more proactive and politically aware, advocating for their libraries and forming strategic partnerships. While acknowledging the intelligence and technical know-how of today’s library school graduates, Baykan expresses a desire for them to be better prepared for the multifaceted realities of librarianship, which include dealing with boards, politicians, legislatures, budgets, and issues related to homelessness. In her view, librarians need a combination of qualities, including the compassion of Mother Teresa, the business acumen of a Fortune 500 CEO, the intellect of a nuclear physicist, and the political skills of an eight-term senator.
• 2008: Norma Blake, New Jersey State Librarian ^[44]
  • 
  • “I see libraries as community centers, but I think we must also show what librarians can do out in the social networking environment.” ^[45]
  • Norma Blake, LJ’s 2008 Librarian of the Year, has made remarkable contributions to library service in New Jersey as the State Librarian. Known for her innovative leadership and creativity, Blake has spearheaded initiatives that take libraries out of their comfort zone and into collaborative partnerships with educational, corporate, and economic development entities. One of her notable achievements is the New Jersey Knowledge Initiative (NJKI), creating an information infrastructure for small businesses. Blake’s commitment to serving diverse communities is evident in programs like QandANJ, a virtual 24/7 information system, and initiatives promoting diversity recruitment and leadership development. She has successfully advocated for library funding, facilitated marketing campaigns, and embraced technology to enhance library services, envisioning a future where libraries become dynamic community centers. Blake’s impactful contributions and forward-thinking approach have positioned her as a transformative figure in the library field.
• 2009: Team Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids Public Library, IA ^[46]
  • 
  • The Cedar Rapids Public Library (CRPL), IA, faced a devastating flood resulting in the loss of 160,000 items, including significant portions of its adult and youth collections, magazines, newspapers, reference materials, CDs, and DVDs. The Central Library, spanning 84,000 square feet, was contaminated and has remained closed since the three-day flood in June. Despite the challenges, the CRPL management team’s response to restore services and lead the recovery has been nothing short of inspirational. Even amid the flood, the team, headed by Interim Director Tamara Glise, demonstrated unwavering commitment, ensuring every staff member retained their jobs and providing support to other city agencies and the Metro Library Partnership Consortium. Some staff even assisted with the 311 telephone lines, showcasing librarians’ effectiveness in public service. The article highlights the resilience, courage, and dedicated commitment of the CRPL management team, rightfully named the 2009 LJ Librarian of the Year, led by Tamara Glise and including key members such as Karen Johnson, Carol Hoke, Christina Riedel, Rebecca Bartlett, Marie DeVries, Barb Gay, Roger Rayborn, Leon Green, Pat Schabo, and Jeff Krohn.
• 2010: Craig Buthod, Louisville Free Public Library, KY ^[47]
  • 
  • “This library is truly representative of what its neighbors asked and hoped for. They talked, we listened, and our architect was able to weave together threads of need, use, and value, making this library part of the community fabric right from the start.” ^[48]
  • Craig Buthod, the seasoned director of the Louisville Free Public Library, is set to retire at the end of the year, concluding a remarkable tenure since 1998. Under Buthod’s stewardship, the library system has thrived, witnessing the addition of new facilities, embracing eBooks, and introducing innovative programs such as the How-To Festival. Mayor Greg Fischer lauds Buthod’s commitment to lifelong learning, evident in his daily efforts on behalf of the city’s 760,000 citizens. The library’s accomplishments during Buthod’s leadership include a substantial increase in the circulation of materials, development of the Master Facilities Plan, and the integration of new technologies like the Treehouse online coding course. As Buthod steps into retirement, the search for a new library director is underway, with co-chairs Tad Thomas and Debra Murphy leading the search committee, supported by Sadiqa Reynolds and State Commissioner of Libraries Wayne Onkst.
• 2011: Nancy Pearl, University of Washington ^[49]
  • 
  • “When people ask, ‘What should I read next?’ we should always try to give them three books. One should be pretty close to the one they loved. The second should be a little bit different, a bit of a stretch. The third book is the real stretch book, the reach book. The book they never would have found because it is nonfiction and they only look at Westerns,” ^[50]
  • Nancy Pearl, the iconic advocate for libraries, books, and reading, has left an indelible mark on the American literary landscape. Renowned for her fervent advocacy, Pearl’s influence extends nationally, resonating with individual readers and library professionals alike. Her impactful contributions include spreading “book lust” through national broadcasts, workshops, and performances, as well as teaching collection development, readers’ advisory, and booktalking to LIS students at the University of Washington Information School. Recognized as LJ’s 2011 Librarian of the Year, Pearl’s legacy encompasses the initiation of the One City, One Book program, a transformative endeavor replicated nationwide. Even in retirement, her dedication to libraries endures, with extensive involvement in staff training and the promotion of literacy. As she navigates the evolving landscape of reading formats, from physical books to e-books, Pearl remains a passionate advocate for the profound impact of reading on personal growth and understanding.
• 2012: Luis Herrera, San Francisco Public Library ^[51]
  • 
  • “We put together a team, got a new deputy and branch head, and put a system in place to build a better relationship with the folks at the Department of Public Works (DPW) who were getting the program started.” ^[52]
  • Luis Herrera, the visionary city librarian directing the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL), emerges as the 2012 LJ Librarian of the Year, earning widespread acclaim from various quarters. Assuming the helm in 2005, Herrera faced the challenge of reviving the stalled Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP), the largest capital initiative in SFPL’s history. His leadership proved transformative, securing overwhelming voter support to extend a property tax set aside, enabling the completion of 22 out of 24 branch projects. Herrera’s fiscal acumen, commitment to teamwork, and adept management skills garnered accolades, fostering innovative programs such as GenPL, an internal leadership development initiative. His inclusive approach, collaborative partnerships, and dedication to community engagement exemplify his profound impact on SFPL’s renaissance, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
• 2013: Jo Budler, Kansas State Library ^[53]
  • 
  • “The secret of negotiation is to look for a gain-gain for everybody, to not being so rigid, and to not beating up anybody. The vendors are really doing a service for us.” ^[54]
  • Jo Budler, the Kansas State Librarian, earned the title of LJ’s Librarian of the Year in 2013 due to her groundbreaking efforts in reshaping the ebook access model for American libraries. Faced with a 700 percent increase in administrative costs for the renewal of the Kansas State Library’s contract with OverDrive, Budler rejected multiple proposals, navigating the risk of disrupting ebook access for Kansas libraries. Eventually, she secured the right to transfer titles to a new platform, sparking a national conversation on library service agreements. Budler’s leadership extended beyond Kansas, as she chaired the Ebook Task Force of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA). Her commitment to fostering collaboration, seeking gain-gain solutions, and advocating for library rights made her a pivotal figure in addressing ebook licensing challenges, earning her the well-deserved recognition as LJ’s Librarian of the Year.
• 2014: Corinne Hill, Chattanooga Public Library ^[55]
  • 
  • “I think the chemistry we have is absolutely essential to the change that we’ve brought to this place, If the chemistry was wrong, it wouldn’t work this way.” ^[56]
  • Corinne Hill, named LJ’s Librarian of the Year in 2014 after earning recognition as a Mover & Shaker in 2004, has been a driving force in the revitalization of the Chattanooga Public Library (CPL). Since taking on the role of executive director in 2012, Hill has successfully addressed the challenges highlighted in a consultant report, transforming CPL from an ugly, irrelevant, and mismanaged institution into a thriving cultural center. At the heart of this rejuvenation is the Gig Library Project, which positions CPL as a pioneer, offering free gig access and fostering technological innovation. Under Hill’s guidance, CPL has become a hub for library programming and service experimentation, contributing insights to the broader librarianship community. Hill’s management approach, characterized by autonomy and freedom for her team, has played a crucial role in CPL’s rapid transformation, establishing it as a dynamic and respected institution in Chattanooga.
• 2015: Siobhan A. Reardon, Free Library of Philadelphia ^[57]
  • 
  • “I look for people with that real understanding that our work is in the community and is not that kind of passive work we’ve been doing for so long. I want people who are agile at the human interaction. It is about knowing when somebody needs help and how you identify assistance.” ^[58]
  • Siobhan A. Reardon, the first woman to serve as president and director of the Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP), emerged as a transformative leader during a challenging period for the library. Shortly after taking the helm, FLP faced significant budget cuts and reduced branch hours. Undeterred, Reardon spearheaded the development of a five-year strategic plan with a focus on advancing literacy and serving specific target populations. Her strategic vision included a cluster model to enhance neighborhood library services, streamline resources, and collaborate with community leaders. Under her leadership, FLP embarked on the Building Inspiration: 21st Century Libraries Initiative, securing substantial funding from public-private partnerships and philanthropic sources. Reardon’s innovative approach included the creation of hot spots, a roving techmobile, and a Culinary Literacy Center to address diverse community needs. A seasoned library professional, Reardon’s dedication to community engagement, flexibility, and risk-taking has positioned FLP as a dynamic and forward-thinking institution in Philadelphia.
• 2016: Nicolle Ingui Davies, Arapahoe Library District, CO ^[59]
  • 
  • “I think all of us are aware of the kind of antiquated perception of libraries that we have to battle. Over the past five to seven years this has become ever more challenging. As e-content became so pervasive, we had to carve out our niche, our relevance…. It was also about reworking the way that we tell our story to turn the perception of libraries people have on its head.” ^[60]
  • Nicolle Ingui Davies, honored as the 2016 LJ Librarian of the Year, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in transforming the Arapahoe Library District (ALD) into a dynamic and essential community resource. Under Davies’s guidance, ALD successfully passed a tax referendum, increasing its budget to $30 million annually. Emphasizing patron-centric experiences, Davies implemented a strategic plan centered on delivering memorable and impactful interactions. Her efforts in rebranding ALD from “nice to essential” underscored the library’s relevance in the face of evolving perceptions shaped by e-content proliferation. Adept at fostering innovation, Davies led the introduction of cutting-edge technology, including 3-D printers and virtual reality headsets, positioning ALD as a local technology leader. Committed to customer service excellence, Davies’s leadership has not only elevated ALD’s standing but has also made it a model for library innovation, responsible stewardship, and community engagement.
• 2017: Jill Bourne, San José Public Library, CA ^[61]
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  • “The first task is not about doing a bunch of new stuff. It is about coordinating and leveraging all the work we already do. The big work we’re doing this first year is around making sure we have the right data to assess the impact.” ^[62]
  • Jill Bourne, named the 2017 LJ Librarian of the Year, assumed the role of director at California’s San José Public Library (SJPL) in 2013, navigating significant challenges arising from budget shortfalls and service cuts. Through her Library Access Strategy, Bourne revitalized the library system, securing a 25-year extension of the Library Parcel Tax, which garnered 81% approval from voters. This influx of revenue stabilized the library’s finances and facilitated a 39% increase in library hours. Bourne’s innovative approach extended beyond traditional library services, forging partnerships with Silicon Valley tech companies to enhance access to technology and foster STEAM education. Recognizing barriers to access, she successfully lobbied for a revision of SJPL’s fine and fee structure, removing obstacles for thousands of residents. Bourne’s remarkable achievements, including the launch of the Maker[Space]Ship and the citywide Education and Digital Literacy Initiative, earned her accolades for transforming SJPL into a dynamic and community-centric institution. Her leadership extends beyond library walls, with her role expanding to spearhead a citywide initiative focused on education and digital literacy.