Principal investigators
Mega Subramaniam
Dr. Mega Subramaniam is a Professor at the College of Information (INFO) at the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on strengthening the role of libraries in advancing digital literacies among marginalized populations through community-centered approaches. Her work brings research and practice together to enhance the skills of in-service and pre-service librarians. She has successfully led the design of multiple professional development resources and training for in-service and pre-service librarians including ConnectedLib, Safe Data Safe Families, and IMPACT Libraries, and developed curriculum for state-wide digital literacy initiatives such as Marylanders Online. Her research has resulted in several national recognitions, most recently including the Library Journal’s 2019 Movers and Shakers award, YALSA’s 2020 Outstanding Achievement Award, and the Fulbright Specialist and Fulbright Scholar Awards. To learn more about her work, visit her website.
Nitzan Koren
Nitzan Koren is a doctoral candidate at the College of Information at the University of Maryland. She received her master’s in Science Education (educational technology concentration) from Tel Aviv University in 2019. Nitzan is an instructional designer with experience working in the tech, insurance, and health industries. She is creating learning experiences for and with youth to acquire information and digital literacy in afterschool settings such as libraries and community centers. Currently, she is exploring how to design programs for youth to develop political information literacy for civic engagement.
Consultants
Linda W. Braun
Linda Braun is the Principal of The LEO Group, working with libraries, schools, and nonprofits to design programs and services responsive to local community needs. Recent projects include facilitating strategic visioning with library directors, co-facilitating AI learning series for library staff across the US and Canada, and researching workforce development interests of 14-24 year olds to inform nonprofit services.
Sandra Hughes-Hassell
Dr. Sandra Hughes-Hassell is a Professor and Coordinator of the School Library Media Program at the UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS). Her research focuses on social justice issues in library services, culturally relevant practice in libraries, and diverse youth literature. She has published widely and presented locally and nationally on critical race theory, culturally relevant pedagogy, and the role of librarians in supporting the literacy needs of African American youth.
Graduate students
Katya Castro
Courtney Ray
Katya Castro is an MLIS candidate at the College of Information at the University of Maryland. Through the ReadyNOW project, she intends to learn how to use her library experience and education to best her serve her community.
Courtney is a Human Computer Interaction Masters student in the University of Maryland College of Information. She has been a practicing graphic designer for the past 10 years and is the designer of the “Centering Community: Library Staff Responding to Crisis” Field Guide.
Advisory board
Deborah Dutcher
Library services Consultant, NH State Library
ARSL Representative
Jack Martin
Beth Yoke
Executive Director, Workforce Council
of Southwest Ohio
Dawn LaVille
Director, Division of Library Development,
CT State Library
Partners
