Amigos Library Services provided scholarships for five library professionals to attend the Northwest Interlibrary Loan (NWILL) and Resource Sharing Conference. The scholarships expanded access to professional development while giving recipients opportunities to explore new ideas, connect with colleagues, and identify practical improvements for their libraries.
Three scholarship recipients shared how the conference strengthened their knowledge and inspired changes ranging from more accessible signage to enhanced interlibrary loan services and intentional leadership development.
Finding Inspiration and Practical Ideas
For Allison Crutchfield, Collection Services Librarian at Linscheid Library/East Central University, the conference offered both reassurance and inspiration. As a professional at a small regional university with limited resources, Allison valued learning how other libraries are responding to similar challenges.
"It was nice to see that we have adopted trends that other libraries are pursuing, and it was interesting to see how other librarians work with the same resources that we are already using," Allison shared.
The experience also highlighted the dedication of library professionals working to preserve access to information during challenging times. Allison left the conference eager to apply new ideas and continue improving the library’s interlibrary loan services.
Turning Accessibility Knowledge into Action
Public Services Library Technician Katheryn Amaya returned to Lee College Library ready to put conference learning into practice. A session on digital accessibility demonstrated how people with disabilities navigate websites and prompted Katheryn to consider accessibility across both digital and physical library environments.
One of the first improvements made was new shelf signage featuring larger text, contrasting backgrounds and sans-serif fonts. The changes have already made it easier for students to navigate the collection.
"Due to the changes, our shelves have been getting more usage than normal,” Katheryn said. “Thanks to the scholarship, I was able to not only improve my skills but also the experience for everyone who uses the library."
Strengthening Leadership and Mentorship
For Uriel U. Onye, PhD, Academic Engagement Librarian & Head, Interdisciplinary Information Services at Texas Tech University Libraries, the conference stood out for its emphasis on community, mentorship, leadership development and professional growth. Conversations with colleagues from different library settings provided practical insights into navigating leadership challenges while fostering inclusive and supportive environments.
Following the conference, Uriel has become more intentional about "creating opportunities for collaboration, encouraging inclusive participation and considering how academic libraries can strengthen leadership development."
"Beyond the financial support, the scholarship represented encouragement from the library community and affirmed the value of continued learning, networking and service," Uriel shared.
These recipients' experiences demonstrate how Amigos provided scholarships help member libraries grow and expand their professional development budgets to improve their libraries and communities.