In order to continue developing WLA into a resilient association that truly serves its members, I would combine my deep experience in libraries and robust knowledge of organizational sustainability with my passion for community-centered library work. 

Like many library associations, WLA has worked hard over the past few years to find sustainable footing in a challenging fiscal and political environment. As Vice President / President-Elect, I would bring my skills and experience to continue building that resilience with its members at the center.  

Through nearly two decades in the field, I have built insight into the needs and goals of libraries and library workers. My wide-ranging experience includes public and academic libraries, youth and adult services, bookmobiles and outreach, business reference, community engagement, and management, serving communities ranging from 500 people to well over a million.

I blend this experience with a deep understanding of association and organizational sustainability, built through my doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California, where my research focused on building capacity to center community voice in library planning. While helping to lead the merger of three of ALA’s former divisions into ALA-Core, I gained hands-on experience developing policies, procedures, and structures for sustainable and healthy library associations.

As a WLA member for over a decade, I have been involved with the association in a wide variety of ways. I co-chaired the WLA Advocacy Committee in

2023, when our work included support for legislation on increasing school librarian positions and updating and streamlining communication tools to help libraries seeking advocacy support. I am active in WALT and a member of the Public Library division and multiple sections including IFS, LiFE, SAIL, and SRRT. My active engagement in conferences includes many years as an attendee and a presenter.

I am also active in ALA nationally, where I support and represent issues that matter to Washington libraries. I have served on ALA Council, ALA Policy Corps, LLAMA (now Core) Board of Directors, and chaired the Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) and the Emerging Leaders program.

EDI is central to who I am as a leader. I believe strongly in the importance of centering the diverse voices of our communities, both as libraries and as a membership association. I work to develop and hold inclusive, psychologically safe spaces where all participants feel actively welcome. Just as I work every day to help libraries create these spaces for their users and staff, I would bring the same ethos to my leadership in WLA. When I teach the Justice, Equity and Ethics course at USC, I help future library leaders to see how equity begins internally. I will strive to live out that lesson with WLA. When our own association upholds equitable systems that include and uplift a diverse body of library professionals, we are all more empowered to provide equitable services in our communities.

Board Member, Student Representative

Jenna Steele

As a second-year MLIS student at the University of Washington, I am eager to engage with practitioners in the field throughout Washington. My passion for librarianship and learning will serve me well on the board, as will my ability to listen, ask critical questions, and collaborate well with others. I am organized, a team-player, and a big picture systems thinker. I have experience working in an academic library, public library, as well as mental health rehabilitation community, health and wellness education spaces and nonprofits. I am entering librarianship with a desire to promote spaces of community, connection, and well-being for all current and future library users. My openness to learn, critical thinking and collaborative nature will be assets to the WLA Board.

I have been a student-member with WLA for the last year. I have read the weekly emails, reviewed resources on the website, and am a regular peruser of the Library Job page.

I would love to see a stronger connection to MLIS students, particularly at the University of Washington, as that is what I am familiar with. I can see a lot of benefit for current students to engage with and learn from practitioners in the field, and I would work to help bridge the gap between academia and practice of librarianship. To best support a stronger connection between academia and practice, I would build upon the ongoing collaboration WLA has with students through the mentorship program and offer lunch-and-learn events to bring together students and practitioners. As a second-year MLIS student at UW, I am connected to my peers and would be happy to help facilitate communications between WLA and the MLIS program at UW as well as to other MLIS students throughout the state of Washington.

I am committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within librarianship and library spaces. I am committed to cultivating and contributing to environments that are welcoming, safe, and representative of our library users throughout Washington. As a leader, I speak out against bigotry, sexism, homophobia, and gently call-in my colleagues when I observe words or actions that may be perceived as harmful. As a leader, I aim to open the door behind me to all who are interested in librarianship and am committed to supporting my colleagues - those both currently in practice and those in library school - to be the best versions of themselves to cultivate work and learning environments where all are welcome, respected, and able to thrive.

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Division Candidate Statements

Academic Library Division/Student Representative

Jenna Steele

As a second-year MLIS student at the University of Washington, I am eager to engage with practitioners in the field throughout Washington. My passion for librarianship and learning will serve me well on the board, as will my ability to listen, ask critical questions, and collaborate well with others. I am organized, a team-player, and a big picture systems thinker. I have experience working in an academic library, public library, as well as mental health rehabilitation community, health and wellness education spaces and nonprofits. I am entering librarianship with a desire to promote spaces of community, connection, and well-being for all current and future library users. My openness to learn, critical thinking and collaborative nature will be assets to the WLA Board.

I have been a student-member with WLA for the last year. I have read the weekly emails, reviewed resources on the website, and am a regular peruser of the Library Job page.

I would love to see a stronger connection to MLIS students, particularly at the University of Washington, as that is what I am familiar with. I can see a lot of benefit for current students to engage with and learn from practitioners in the field, and I would work to help bridge the gap between academia and practice of librarianship. To best support a stronger connection between academia and practice, I would build upon the ongoing collaboration WLA has with students through the mentorship program and offer lunch-and-learn events to bring together students and practitioners. As a second-year MLIS student at UW, I am connected to my peers and would be happy to help facilitate communications between WLA and the MLIS program at UW as well as to other MLIS students throughout the state of Washington.

I am committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within librarianship and library spaces. I am committed to cultivating and contributing to environments that are welcoming, safe, and representative of our library users throughout Washington. As a leader, I speak out against bigotry, sexism, homophobia, and gently call-in my colleagues when I observe words or actions that may be perceived as harmful. As a leader, I aim to open the door behind me to all who are interested in librarianship and am committed to supporting my colleagues - those both currently in practice and those in library school - to be the best versions of themselves to cultivate work and learning environments where all are welcome, respected, and able to thrive.

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