About

Why Sharon the Librarian?

As a child, I was not a very focused student. My home life didn’t include reading or library use. And then, when I was in third grade, a school librarian stepped in front of me and handed me my first chapter book. That librarian’s thoughtful act and that wonderful book set me on a course to love learning and choose librarianship. At our core, librarians inspire others to investigate, learn, reach a bit higher, and expand potential. My mission is to foster library leadership and learning to increase the potential of all.

Library Professional Development

Leadership Institute Design & Instruction (Residential & Multi-Month Institutes)

  • Arkansas State Library (with Kieran Hixon) – 2018 & 2019
  • Association of Rural & Small Libraries (with Kieran Hixon) 2021-22
  • California Library Association Catalyst Program (With CALL) 2023 & 2025
  • Colorado Association of Libraries Design Team 2007-08 + Instructor 2008 – 2024
  • Oklahoma Library Association (with Peter Bromberg) 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022
  • Mountain & Plains Library Association (with Jamie LaRue) 2025
  • Texas Rural Libraries (PLAN) (with Kieran Hixon) 2022
Research Institute for Public Libraries – 2015 – Present

  • Thought partner with lead developer, Dr. Linda Hofschire 
  • Instructor & course content for national institute and regional boot camps
  • Lead instructional designer
Select Keynotes, Workshops, Courses

  • InfoPeople Online Courses in Communications, Teamwork, & Leadership 2022 – 2025
  • LibraryWorks Webinars 2024 – 2025
  • Stepping Confidently into Leadership Development  – Amigos Library Services Conference 2025 
  • Cultivating a Playful Culture Keynote – Northwest Interlibrary Loan Conference 2024
  • Leading, Managing, Coaching (with Kieran Hixon) northeastern Mississippi public library directors and managers, 2025
  • The Art of Conflict – Pueblo City-County Library Management Team 2025, Eagle Valley Library District Management Team 2024, Garfield County Public Library District Management Team, 2022
  • Art of a Meeting: Meeting Facilitation Workshop – Pueblo City-County Library, 2024, Poudre River Library District, 2024, Colorado Association of Libraries new interest group
  • Creating a Culture of Yes, And at your Library Keynote, Rendez-vous des bibliothèques publiques du Québec, 2023

Library Experience

Public Library Leadership Development Consultant, 2022 – 2024
Director of Library Development and Innovation, 2008 – 2020
Technology and Digital Initiatives Consultant, 2006 – 2008
Statewide Virtual Reference Coordinator, 2003 – 2006
Institutions Acquisitions Librarian, 2001 – 2003

Library Software Project Manager 1999 – 2001

Collection Development Librarian, 1998 – 1999
Youth Services, 1990 – 1998
Television Production Services, 1989 – 1990

Colorado Mountain College
Instructional Designer,  2021 – 2022
Emporia State University
Adjunct Faculty, 2020
Assistant to the Dean, 2001 – 2003
University of Denver
Adjunct Faculty, 2012 – 2019
LIS Advisory Board, 2018 – 2025

Doctorate Degree, Managerial Leadership in Libraries, Simmons College. Morris, S. (2015). Reflecting on the Core Values and Defining Moments of Public Library Directors. Doctoral Dissertation. Fellowship awardee. Dissertation selected as an American Library Association Notable Dissertation, 2015.
Master of Science Degree in Library and Information Management, Emporia State University. Beta Phi Mu.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, Colorado State University.

Award-Winning Early Literacy Initiatives

  • Denver Public Library Read Aloud Program,
  • Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy,
  • Supporting Parents with Early Literacy and Language,
  • One Book 4 Colorado,
  • Growing Readers Together

Award-Winning Colorado Library Initiatives

  • AskColorado Virtual Reference,
  • Plinkit – Small library website development,
  • Check Out Colorado State Parks,
  • Bridging the Digital Divide Computer Centers.

Professional Associations

Founding member

  • Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy,
  • Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) Leadership Committee,
  • CAL Futurist Interest Group

Leadership

  • President of the ALA Learning Round Table 2010-11;
  • Secretary of Colorado Association of Libraries Board 2006 – 2008.

Membership

  • American Library Association,
  • Colorado Association of Libraries,
  • Mountain and Plains Library Association,
  • Public Library Association,
  • United for Libraries