KEVIN KING
Kalamazoo,MI
Summary
Library leader with extensive experience in strategic planning and community engagement. Successfully implemented innovative programs that improved services and user experience while strengthening partnerships with local government. Committed to empowering teams and executing initiatives that effectively serve diverse communities.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
East Lansing Public Library
East Lansing, MI
03.2024 - Current
- Developed a three-year strategic plan to advance library services.
- Managed budgets for library operations and programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- Supervised librarians and support staff while enforcing performance standards.
- Collaborated with local government officials to secure funding opportunities.
- Resolved service-related customer complaints and policy violations efficiently.
- Gathered input from staff and community members to shape future initiatives.
- Engaged in professional organizations to remain informed on library trends.
- Implemented effective library policies, procedures, and standards.
Head of Community Engagement
Kalamazoo Public Library
01.2020 - 03.2024
- Managed library branches, community outreach, security, and social services teams to enhance engagement.
- Led strategic alignment of department programs and services to meet community needs.
- Participated in citywide initiatives with Kalamazoo Public Schools and local government for student Wi-Fi access during COVID-19.
- Advocated for trauma-informed improvements in contracted security services, overseeing RFP processes.
- Collaborated with Western Michigan University to facilitate a Master of Social Work internship at the library.
- Coordinated development of innovative programming processes focused on efficiency and collaboration.
- Served on negotiating teams for three union groups, addressing mutual concerns effectively.
Head of Branch, Circulation, and Information Technology Services
Kalamazoo Public Library
10.2007 - 12.2019
- Transformed failing IT department while overseeing branch services and circulation operations.
- Reorganized staffing structures to prioritize leadership roles and enhance community outreach.
- Led development of OneCard program, issuing library cards to all KPL students and staff.
- Managed redesign of staff intranet and library website for improved user experience.
- Initiated intern program to address technology needs of patrons and staff effectively.
- Executed overdue replacement of computers, establishing a regular maintenance schedule.
- Redrafted library rules of conduct with a focus on trauma-informed practices.
- Cultivated a culture promoting autonomy across branches to empower staff.
Branch Manager - Oshtemo Branch and Bookmobile
Kalamazoo Public Library
09.2006 - 10.2007
- Streamlined processes to reduce time between materials return and shelving.
- Redesigned shelving layouts to enhance display space for popular collections.
- Established partnership with Oshtemo Township Parks and Recreation to offer family programs like 'Movies in the Park.'
Lead Librarian - Teen Services
Kalamazoo Public Library
11.1998 - 08.2006
- Transformed underperforming teen service department into a nationally recognized program.
- Established Teen Advisory Board with over 30 members to develop new initiatives.
- Directed community volunteer efforts through the advisory board to enhance engagement.
- Facilitated creation of a newsletter to promote activities and events for teens.
Education
MASTER'S DEGREE - INFORMATION AND LIBRARY SCIENCES
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
DETROIT, MIBACHELOR'S DEGREE - ENGLISH
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
EAST LANSING, MISkills
- Strategic planning
- Community engagement
- Performance management
- Customer service
- Program development
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Innovation management
- Collaboration with government
- Project coordination
Professional
- Chosen to serve on and led various committees within the Michigan Library Association (MLA), American Library Association (ALA), Public Library Association (PLA), CORE: Leadership Infrastructure Futures, and Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT).
- Served as conference chair for the MLA Annual Conference (2014, 2020); served on program planning committee PLA Conference (2014, 2016, 2018), and ALA Conference (2018).
- Wrote regular columns for Public Libraries (2016-20) and Voice of Youth Advocates on innovation and futurism.
- Presented in over 25 states on topics such as organizational health, programming, innovation, and trauma-informed care.
Clifton Strengths
- Strategic
- Activator
- Futuristic
- Ideation
- Woo
Professional Highlights
- Winner of the Michigan Library Association's Lifetime Achievement Award (inaugural winner), Fran Pletz Award, and Walter Kaiser Award.
- Developed the plan to create KPL's first Anti-Racism Transformation Team which ultimately led to extensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work at the library.
- Established one of the first public library digital labs and maker spaces in Michigan.
- Initiated, researched, and created the proposal to become a fine-free library.
- Launched a peer navigator program to connect patrons struggling with being unhoused, substance use disorder, or mental illness with resources. KPL was the fifth public library in the country to have such a program. Consulted many libraries on how to start their own program.
- Instituted an opioid awareness program for staff that included training to administer the lifesaving drug, Naloxone.
- Established the Amanda Green Scholarship which awards a person of color a full scholarship to earn a library and information sciences Master's degree.
- Started Kalamazoo Public Library's first podcast, Five Author Questions, with over 2000 subscribers.
- Launched Mobile Library service after a 13-year absence focused on serving underserved areas of Kalamazoo.
- Developed and managed departmental budgets of over one million dollars.
- Participated in the development of four separate strategic plans since 2007.
Timeline
Director
East Lansing Public Library
03.2024 - Current
Head of Community Engagement
Kalamazoo Public Library
01.2020 - 03.2024
Head of Branch, Circulation, and Information Technology Services
Kalamazoo Public Library
10.2007 - 12.2019
Branch Manager - Oshtemo Branch and Bookmobile
Kalamazoo Public Library
09.2006 - 10.2007
Lead Librarian - Teen Services
Kalamazoo Public Library
11.1998 - 08.2006
MASTER'S DEGREE - INFORMATION AND LIBRARY SCIENCES
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR'S DEGREE - ENGLISH
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
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