The Massachusetts Library System is pleased to announce that we have contracted with ALA to provide our members with access to their live webinars.  These webinars are free to MLS members who register through our calendar.  Please do not register directly with ALA. Members who register directly with ALA are responsible for paying their registration fee. 

Please help us keep MLS sponsored training free for all members. If you are unable to attend the live webinar, please cancel your registration. A cancellation link can be found in your confirmation email, or you may contact Sarah Donnelly at sdonnelly@masslibsystem.org to cancel. 

Description

Ready for the next phase of your career but worried you missed the moment to transition? Scared to make a change? Struggling to retain your staff? Unsure how to create opportunities for career advancement in your organization?

It's never too late!

Join seasoned Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) mid and late-career non-librarian staff as they discuss their experiences pursuing MLIS degrees and new career opportunities through BPL’s Pathways to Leadership Scholarship Program (PTL). These staff, who have been working in clerical and administrative functions at the library for multiple decades, will share how they decided to turn their long-time passion for and experience in libraries into a fresh chapter. They will also discuss the challenges they have encountered transitioning into new roles throughout their careers and the support they had – and wished they had – along the way. PTL administrators will share their lessons learned managing an internal workforce development program and ways all organizations can support staff, regardless of size, type, and budget.

Learning Outcomes

Attendees will leave this session with a strong understanding of the challenges individuals encounter transitioning into and within the LIS field and how existing library staff can become exceptional leaders with thoughtful, formal support in place. We aim to underscore the significant impact such support can have on the career advancement of individuals as well as larger organizational goals around retention, resilience, and representation.

At the end of the webinar, attendees will be able to:

• Discuss the benefits and importance of investing in non-librarian staff who have invested themselves in the field;
• Identify challenges experienced by individuals transitioning into new careers, namely librarianship, and the methods that can be adopted to help them successfully navigate these challenges; and
• Facilitate discussions on skill building and innovative approaches to foster a supportive learning environment and garner the best individual and organizational outcomes.

Who Should Attend

Individuals interested in advancing their careers or leaders seeking to provide colleagues with thoughtful, formal support to help them progress and achieve organizational goals, including retention, resilience, and representation. 

Presenters

Caroline Kravitz (she/her) is a dedicated educator and effective collaborator who leads transformative youth and workforce development programs. Driven by a deep commitment to equity, sustainability, and inclusion, she empowers individuals and institutions to thrive by providing the tools, strategies, and supportive communities they need to grow with confidence. She specializes in designing and delivering innovative training and curricula, fostering meaningful partnerships, and supporting learners of all ages and backgrounds. She is currently a Senior Specialist in Continuing Education and Employee Development at Brooklyn Public Library.

Kay Jordan-Wilkie is a library leader with over 20 years of experience at the Brooklyn Public Library, currently serving in a regional administrative capacity. She holds a Master of Information and Library Science from SUNY Buffalo and has led efforts to develop responsive services, support staff, and strengthen community-centered public library operations. Her work reflects a strong commitment to equity, access, and public service. 

Jenica Holder is an emerging librarian and long time employee of Brooklyn Public Library. She has presented with colleagues at ALA and NYLA conferences and finds joy in sharing knowledge with others.

Sophie McGrath is an international learning and development expert with extensive experience in not-for-profit, government, and higher education sectors. She specializes in people management, solution design, and organizational learning. The Pathways to Leadership scholarship program reports to her, overseeing the strategic direction and ensuring alignment with larger organizational goals and initiatives.

Accessibility Information

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.