Free Online Presentation: Living in the Middle: Critical Reflections On Identity, Power, and Practice In Academic Librarianship
Hammons, Jane
Free Online Presentation: Living in the Middle: Critical Reflections On Identity, Power, and Practice In Academic Librarianship
Presenters: Kelee Pacion, Kelly LaVoice, and Megan Benson
Live Session: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT
Register for Living in the Middle
Sponsored by the ACRL ULS Professional Development Committee
Mid-career and middle management librarians occupy one of the most complex and least examined roles in academic libraries. They are expected to lead from the middle and manage both up and down, often in positions where they lack authority. For those that want to lead, what paths do they have to move forward? For those not interested in management but want to advance professionally, what opportunities are available for personal growth? This workshop seeks to define the middle, no matter which side of the equation we are in, we are all leaders and program developers, even when not in positions of formal leadership.
This reflective panel seeks to bring together librarians from multiple stages and organizational contexts to explore power dynamics, politics, and perceptions of the ‘middle’. Drawing on Critical Management Studies and personal experience, panelists will discuss how institutional hierarchies, unclear rhetoric and cultural expectations help to shape their professional identity, feelings of belonging, and motivation. Woven into the panel discussion will be reflective discussion prompts to discuss our experiences with mid-career librarianship, and how we align with different pathways: management of people, resources, or facilities; new frontiers of research and scholarship; launching conferences and community impact programming. The speakers will propose solutions and seek feedback from our peers as we believe we need to collectively build the resources we want to experience.
Presenter Bios:
Kelee Pacion is the Head of Science and Engineering Teaching and Research Services at Princeton University Library, where she leads a cross-functional team supporting STEM research, instruction, and outreach. She joined Princeton in 2019 as the Biology Librarian and previously served as Head of Lewis and Engineering Operations. Her leadership focuses on developing inclusive, assessment-driven academic engagement services that align with institutional learning goals.
Kelee holds a B.S. in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, an M.A. in Information Resources and Library Science, an M.P.A. in Public and Nonprofit Management, and an EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership. Her areas of interest include inclusive instruction, science communication, leadership development in libraries, and program evaluation.
Kelly LaVoice
Kelly LaVoice is the Director of the Walker Management Library at Vanderbilt University. Kelly previously served as the Business Information Librarian for Collections at Vanderbilt University and Research & Instruction Coordinator for the Business & Hospitality Research Team at Cornell University. Kelly also holds positions as the Managing Editor for Ticker, The Academic Business Librarianship Review, and Secretary of BRASS, The Business & Reference Services Section of ALA. Kelly holds an MLIS, B.A. in English, and certificates in Leading Change and Women in Leadership from the Owen Graduate School of Management.
Megan Benson
Megan Benson is the Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning at Binghamton University, where she oversees a team that supports general library instruction and outreach. She joined Binghamton University in 2018 and previously served as a Lead Instruction Librarian. She is passionate about teaching and teaches a credit class on library research skills. She holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in history and an MLIS. Her research interests include alternative assessment pedagogy and collaborating with school librarians.
This free presentation is sponsored by the ACRL University Libraries Section Professional Development Committee. It will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 1pm-2pm CT via Zoom. Register: https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P0iPyMsQTb6E8WyiQ9Nn2g
If you can’t make this session but wish to view a recording later, please register so that you’ll receive an email that includes a link to the video of the presentation.
Please direct questions and concerns to Jane Hammons (hammo...@osu.edu) Co-Chair of the ACRL ULS Professional Development Committee. A full list of the committee’s past programs is available on the ULS website.
Jane Hammons, MSLIS, MS, MA
Associate Professor
Head of Teaching & Learning
University Libraries
221C Thompson Library, 1858 Neil Ave Mall, Columbus, OH 43210
614-688-2911 Office
hammo...@osu.edu / library.osu.edu
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