The Massachusetts Library System is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Simmons University to present a series of Leadership & Management Conversations. From October through December, we will have a Simmons University professor present a current topic important to libraries. Similar to our Community Chats, there will be time to discuss with the presenter and other attendees the successes, challenges, and questions around the topic. While of specific interest to those in leadership and manager positions, this series is open to all MLS libraries staff. A recording of each session will be made available after the live meeting.

Challenges to library materials and services, along with public policies that enable those challenges, are increasing across the country. In this session, we will discuss the library field's historical support of intellectual freedom and the freedom to read and current ethical and legal implications of that support. We will also talk about how librarians can prepare for challenges and take a leadership role in defending those freedoms.

Presenter Bio - Laura Saunders

Laura Saunders teaches and conducts research in the areas of reference, instruction, information literacy, and intellectual freedom. She has a strong interest in the connections between information literacy and social justice issues, as well as in the impact of mis- and disinformation.

Her most recent books include Reference and Information Services: An Introduction, 6th edition, co-edited with Melissa Wong and the open access textbook Instruction in Libraries and Information Centers: An Introduction, co-authored with Melissa Wong. Her articles have appeared in a variety of journals including College & Research Libraries, The Journal of Academic Librarianship, and Communications in Information Literacy. Laura has a PhD and a Master of Library and Information Science, both from Simmons College, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Boston University. She serves as a Trustee for the Somerville Public Library in Somerville, MA. She is the 2019 recipient of Simmons University’s Provost Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching.