Opening Keynote - Flexibility as a Superpower: Reimagining Library Staffing, Partnerships, and Community Impact
Libraries have always adapted to meet their communities' needs, but today's environment demands a new level of flexibility. From evolving staffing models and emerging technologies to shifting community expectations and funding realities, libraries are being asked to do more, differently, and often with fewer resources.
Drawing on examples from Mizzou Libraries, Caltech, and NYU as well as collaborations across Missouri and beyond, Kara Whatley explores how libraries can build adaptable organizations while remaining firmly grounded in their mission and values. Participants will leave with practical ideas for fostering a culture of innovation, empowering staff at all levels, and positioning libraries as essential community partners in a rapidly changing world.
Kara Whatley is Vice Provost for Libraries and University Librarian at the University of Missouri, a position she has held since 2024. She was previously University Librarian at the California Institute of Technology from 2019 to 2024. Prior to joining Caltech, Kara was Head of Science and Engineering for the NYU Division of Libraries. Kara holds a master's degree in biological sciences from Texas Tech University, a master's degree in library and information studies from the University of Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Hendrix College. She is an active member of the American Library Association and the Association of College and Research Libraries. She is currently the ACRL liaison to IFLA's Science & Technology Libraries Section and serves as chair of the section. Her professional and research interests include mentoring opportunities for new library professionals, user behavior in virtual reference environments, and psychological safety in academic libraries.
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Closing Keynote - Developing Flexible Leadership Skills – Preparing for What's Ahead and Around the Corner
In today's world it is no longer enough to look straight ahead. Flexible leaders learn to see around corners – to spot leading indicators or inflection points as they are developing – and initiate plans to maximize the opportunities. Library staff in non-leadership roles can learn to identify these signals as well, positioning themselves to withstand and thrive through changes to the library field. Informed by decades of experience as a leader in Texas libraries, we will focus on how to spot leading indicators and distinguish them from lagging indicators, work together as a team to spot signs of change and bring them to leadership, and use these signals to maximize our library users’ satisfaction.
Gretchen Pruett is currently an Adjunct Professor for the University of Texas at Austin School of Computing. She was the Library Director for the New Braunfels Public Library from 2008 to 2024, and spent over 30 years in public libraries. She holds a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin and received a Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting degree from the University of Toledo. She has been active in the Texas Library Association throughout her career and served on the Executive Board as Treasurer and as President. She also serves on the boards of PLAN, Inc., the Texas Library and Archives Foundation, and Kyle Public Library. She is a Law 4 Librarians trainer through the American Library Association.