Maggie Farrell
Maggie Farrell, University of Wyoming libraries dean, is one of two candidates for the 2015-16 presidency of the American Library Association (ALA).
“Serving in this leadership role is a great honor, given the critical work of our association in advancing libraries,” Farrell says. “ALA is instrumental in advocating for the contributions of libraries in our society, and I hope to continue this legacy, in addition to advancing our profession through education and professional development programs. I look forward to meeting with our members and discussing how, together, we define the future of libraries and our profession.”
An ALA member since 1988, Farrell served as the Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL) division councilor (2010-13) and ALA councilor-at-large (2004-07). She currently is a member of the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries Member Council, where she served as chair (2012-13). She also held a seat on the Online Computer Library Center Board of Trustees (2006-13).
Among her activities are serving as chair of the Committee on Legislation, Federal Depository Library Program Task Force (2012-present); member of the International Relations Committee (2009-11); Traditional Cultural Expressions Task Force co-chair (2010-11); and the ACRL Board (2010-13).
Her honors include appointment by Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal and reappointment by Gov. Matt Mead to the Wyoming Commission on Judicial Conduct and Ethics, 2008-14, where she currently serves as chair.
Her publications include “Princely Planning in a Political Environment” in “The Machiavellian Librarian: Winning Allies, Combating Budget Cuts, and Influencing Stakeholders”; “Developing a Faculty Advisory Group,” Journal of Library Administration, 2011; and “Reframing Organizations through Communication and Advocacy” in "World Library and Information Congress," 2009.
Farrell holds a Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University, and a Master of Library Science from the University of Arizona, a B.A. in American Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a Russian linguist certification from the Defense Language Institute.
Sari Feldman, executive director of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, Ohio, is the other candidate for the position.
