A Professional Update
On concluding my work in library social work and returning to archives and preservation
It’s been a while since I’ve written here, and during that quiet stretch I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on how my work continues to evolve: what energizes me, what feels complete, and where I feel most drawn next. Stepping back created space for clarity, so here is an update about where I’m heading.
I’m transitioning from my nearly decade-long focus on research, teaching, and podcasting about library social work back into the archival and preservation work that first inspired my career more than fifteen years ago.
Before my deep dive into the library social work, my early professional life was centered on personal papers, photographs, letters, and the materials that carry family and community memory. That work planted in me a lasting appreciation for heritage, storytelling, and the quiet attentiveness required to preserve what matters most. Over the past year, I’ve felt a pull back toward that work; it’s a return that feels both grounding and energizing.
As part of this shift, I am bringing the Library Social Work podcast and this Substack to a close. The existing episodes will remain available for anyone seeking introductions to the experts, practitioners, and voices who have shaped the library social work landscape. The content on this Substack will also stay online as an accessible resource hub, preserving the links, readings, and materials I’ve shared, even though I won’t be adding new posts.
The realm of library social work is thriving. This fall’s conference in Columbia, SC made that abundantly clear: There are more partnerships than ever, more students entering this space, and a growing network of people committed to interdisciplinary collaborations. Being part of that inaugural gathering felt like a meaningful capstone to my work in this realm, and I’m grateful to all who helped bring it into being. In particular, I want to thank Dr. Beth Wahler for her partnership and support.
What’s next for me is a return to archives and preservation—work that feels deeply familiar yet newly aligned. I’m excited to help families and individuals safeguard their personal histories with care, intention, and an eye toward meaning-making. Also, I will be bringing with me the values that shaped my work in library social work: empathy, connection, whole-person thinking, and an understanding that story and identity are inseparable.
Thank you for supporting this work, for following along, for listening to the podcast, for sharing episodes and posts, and for collaborating with me in ways big and small. This community has shaped my thinking and my practice in ways I will carry forward.
I’ll share more in early 2026 about what this next chapter looks like, but for now I simply want to express my gratitude. Thank you for being here, and for walking alongside me through this remarkable chapter.
You’re welcome to stay subscribed for future updates (perhaps a new Substack?), and I completely understand if this feels like a natural moment to unsubscribe.