Summary

Libraries face unprecedented political attacks targeting their very existence. States across the country have introduced legislation directly targeting school and public libraries, librarians, and the materials they provide. While academic libraries may not be the immediate focus, policies impacting education, research, funding, and DEI programs will have a profound impact on their operations and services.

Understanding the political landscape and the implications of policies like Project 2025 is crucial. This initiative threatens to dismantle the First Amendment, reshape the public sphere, and undermine the fundamental principles that support libraries. By targeting libraries, this project aims to limit access to information, suppress diverse perspectives, and erode the foundations of a democratic society.

To safeguard our libraries, we must actively engage in advocacy and support initiatives that protect their independence, diversity, and essential services. By mobilizing our communities and working together, we can ensure that libraries continue to thrive and serve as vital resources for all Americans.

Bring your questions to this timely and informative presentation

Panelists
Kathleen McEvoy is a communications expert who has worked with libraries and content/technology providers for more than 19 years. She has direct experience in crisis communications, media and public relations, and public affairs. Kathleen has created strategies to address legislation in multiple U.S. states meeting directly with state executives and legislators about book banning, criminalization, and data security. She has keynoted on and written about the legislative and policy issues impacting libraries, academia, research, and intellectual freedom and has presented on crisis communications, social media, and media training. Kathleen is a senior policy fellow at The EveryLibrary Institute and a board member at EveryLibrary. She is on the executive board of the American Library Association’s United for Libraries division and a member of the Intellectual Freedom, Public Policy and Advocacy Committee. Kathleen is the editor of the Seeing the Whole Board Column in Against the Grain.

Nancy S. Kirkpatrick, JD, MS, is the Dean of University Libraries at Florida International University (FIU). In this position, she manages a $17 million budget and leads over 100 faculty, staff, and student employees across two campuses. Her goal is to help transform FIU Libraries into a 21st-century, forward-thinking facility that not only serves the university community but also engages with the broader Miami area through partnerships with like-minded organizations.

Before joining FIU in 2023, she served as the Executive Director & CEO of OhioNet, a consortium supporting public, academic, and special libraries. During her time there, she led a major rebranding initiative, launched consulting services, and co-developed the EXPLORE framework to help libraries grow strategically. She worked closely with libraries, publishers, and national organizations, expanding OhioNet’s services and influence. She also runs NSK Consulting, which offers workshops, keynotes, and strategic planning advice based on appreciative inquiry and human-centered design principles.

With a JD from the University of Richmond and an MS in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois, her career has spanned roles in library administration, legal research, and academic instruction. She taught academic library management at Indiana University Indianapolis and played a significant role in leadership initiatives at Marian University, where she built a team that remains highly effective years her departure.

She is proud to contribute to the national and international library communities through speaking engagements, workshops, and publications. She serves on several advisory boards and focuses on creating inclusive, forward-thinking library environments. She is also certified in Appreciative Inquiry, Human-Centered Design, and Wellbeing Facilitation, and believes strongly in promoting employee well-being and resilience in library culture.