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Panel on professional development, workplace support, mentorship, and funding boost learning and retention in the library field.
Lisa Cruces from Library Juice Academy shared new survey insights from Texas library workers, spotlighting key professional development priorities and common barriers like cost, workload, and access. She also connected these findings with actionable resources for library staff and organizations.
Jennifer Gibson and Brenda M. Linares shared lessons from Missouri’s You Belong Scholar Program, a statewide effort to retain diverse library workers through mentorship and support. They offered practical insights on breaking down barriers to growth and building a stronger, more inclusive workforce.
Presenter Info
Lisa Cruces
Lisa Cruces is a consultant, educator, and organizational development professional focused on professional learning, inclusive workplaces, and workforce development in libraries and cultural heritage organizations. As an instructor and consultant with Library Juice Academy, she develops professional-development programs and examines barriers to continuing education and workplace learning. She holds an MS in Information Studies from The University of Texas at Austin.
Jennifer Gibson
Jennifer Gibson (she/her) is Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives at St. Louis County Library, where her work includes strategic planning, DEI initiatives, and grant development. She founded the You Belong Scholar Program, a statewide Missouri Library Association retention initiative supported by an IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant. She is a 2022 Library Journal Mover & Shaker and an ALA Spectrum Scholar.
Brenda M. Linares
Brenda M. Linares (she/ella) is Associate Dean of Library Services at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Libraries and brings more than 18 years of experience in health sciences librarianship. Her work includes mentoring, instruction, outreach, health literacy, DEI, and leadership. An ALA Spectrum Scholar, she served as President of the Medical Library Association from 2024–2025.