BY DANIELLE LEGARE

These students are part of the Brooklyn Public Library’s Pathways to Leadership program. This scholarship program was designed for BPL staff members working in non-librarian roles who aspire to become librarians and leaders in the field.

The program provides funding for scholars to pursue their degrees, along with mentorship, shadowing opportunities, leadership development workshops and individualized support. For many scholars, that support has helped make graduate school possible while they continue working full-time and serving their library communities in Brooklyn.

Pathways to Leadership began in 2021 after internal conversations at BPL about equity, career advancement and the need for more sustainable pathways into librarianship. Since then, 31 scholars have participated in the program, including nine who have chosen UB for graduate study.

“Their presence has enriched our MS in information and library science program, as they bring thoughtful perspectives and meaningful experiences into their academic work,” said Dan Albertson, professor and chair of the Department of Information Science.

“Each time a scholar selects UB for their graduate studies, it brings me a tremendous amount of joy and pride,” he added.

Caroline Kravitz, senior specialist in continuing education and employee development at BPL, and Sophie McGrath, director of learning and development at BPL, oversee the program together. They said Pathways to Leadership is designed to address barriers that can prevent library staff from pursuing graduate education, including tuition costs, scheduling challenges, lack of confidence and the difficulty of balancing school with full-time work, family and caregiving responsibilities.

“The goal of the program is to remove barriers so people can progress academically and professionally,” Kravitz said.

Because Pathways to Leadership is embedded within BPL, McGrath said the program can help provide the structural flexibility scholars need to balance graduate school with work and other responsibilities. “If you can only complete your degree at night, or you have other obligations, or you don’t get approval to take time off to attend certain things in person, it limits your ability to confidently engage with the entire degree,” McGrath said.

Pathways scholars have come from across BPL, including roles in human resources, adult learning, volunteer resources, custodial services and public safety. That range speaks to one of the program’s central messages: “It’s never too late” to pursue a new path.

As commencement approaches, Kravitz and McGrath feel grateful for the chance to recognize the scholars’ persistence, growth and continued service to their communities. “We love celebrating them,” Kravitz said. “It’s really nice when other people do too.”

Below, three Pathways to Leadership scholars reflect on their GSE experience, the support they received and what comes next.

Circulation Manager, Stone Avenue Branch, Brooklyn Public Library

Is there a class, professor or memory that will stay with you?

One experience that will stay with me is the support and mentorship I received from my professors. In particular, the support of Dr. Anne Perrault will stay with me forever. Her warmth, encouragement and belief in my growth meant a great deal, especially as I balanced my studies with full-time work at BPL.

Looking back at the program, the support I received throughout its entirety helped me grow as both a learner and an information professional and reinforced my understanding that library work is not only about access to resources, but also about advocacy and dignity.

What does it mean to you to participate in UB’s commencement?

Participating in UB’s commencement is very meaningful to me, as it represents the realization of a dream that began when I immigrated to the U.S. two decades ago. It is also a special opportunity to connect in person with the professors I respect so much. I am truly honored to have graduated from UB.

Technology Resource Specialist, Pacific Branch, Brooklyn Public Library

Is there a class, professor or memory that will stay with you?

I’ve been really fortunate to have great professors throughout my time at UB, all of whom supported my growth in meaningful ways. Dr. Brenda Battleson White stands out in particular; her classes were always well organized, and her approachable teaching style made the learning environment both engaging and supportive.

A couple of courses had a lasting impact on me. In LIS 560: Emerging Technology, I developed a chatbot focused on inclusivity, accessibility and language access, which really shaped how I think about user-centered technology. In LIS 557: Information Visualization, taught by Dr. Samuel Dodson—who also served as my advisor—I strengthened my ability to turn data into meaningful insights for the field.

My classes with Dr. Saguna Shankar were also very impactful. Her thoughtful feedback and encouragement made a real difference. Overall, UB’s supportive faculty played a big role in my development as an information professional.

What do you hope to do next in your work at Brooklyn Public Library or in the field?

I am motivated to continue expanding the tech-based programming I lead, with a strong focus on digital literacy for adults, seniors and immigrant communities. In addition to providing weekly one-on-one computer help in both English and Spanish, I’ve supported community members through programs like the Ask-a-Tech initiative, which I facilitate in collaboration with the Community Resource and Reentry Program through the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, helping participants build essential technology skills.

Moving forward, I’m especially interested in creating more opportunities that help people develop practical skills for everyday life and the workplace. I also plan to strengthen community partnerships to broaden access to these resources and reach more people who can benefit from them.

Young Adult Librarian, Gerritsen Beach Branch, Brooklyn Public Library

What are you most excited about as you graduate?

As I graduate, I feel incredibly grateful for the support the Pathways program has provided to both my colleagues and me. I’m excited to pursue new opportunities for growth and to apply what I’ve learned in my work. I’m especially passionate about manga [Japanese comic books and graphic novels], manhwa [South Korean comics] and graphic novels, and I look forward to building collections that prioritize inclusion and representation. These types of books played a significant role in shaping my own love of reading, and I’m eager to help inspire that same passion in others, especially young adults.

What do you hope to do next in your work at Brooklyn Public Library or in the library and information science field?

I hope to make a meaningful impact in my community. As a new young adult librarian, my goal is to create a welcoming environment where teens feel safe, seen and free to express themselves. I want library users to feel that their identities and interests are valued. I also hope to contribute to building collections that reflect the diversity of our communities, so that all readers can see themselves represented on our shelves.