Sammie Johnson
Xenia
Summary
Community and student centered library and public service leader with over a decade of experience building inclusive, resource-rich environments that empower individuals to grow, connect, and thrive. Skilled in library administration, academic support, cultural programming, and strategic partnerships. Proven ability to lead diverse teams, manage complex operations, and foster community engagement through accessible, innovative library services.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Library Services
Wilberforce University
08.2023 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all library operations.
- Manage budgets, oversee collection development, and integrate emerging technologies.
- Strengthen information literacy instruction and build academic partnerships across disciplines.
- Promote innovation and position the library as a central hub for student and faculty success.
Academic Advisor
Eastern Gateway Community College
06.2021 - 09.2023
- Provided personalized advising for a diverse online student population.
- Supported course planning, monitored academic progress, and referred students to resources.
- Contributed to retention and engagement initiatives in collaboration with faculty and staff.
Chief Librarian, Moorland-Spingarn Research Center
Howard University
06.2022 - 08.2023
- Directed one of the world’s premier collections of African American history and culture.
- Managed digitization, preservation, and research services for rare manuscripts and archives.
- Led a team of librarians and archivists to expand access and community outreach.
Department Head, Clarkston Campus Library
Georgia State University
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Oversaw branch operations, including budgeting, personnel, and public services.
- Launched digitization initiatives and enhanced cataloging workflows.
- Led student and faculty engagement strategies aligned with campus goals.
Librarian IV / Facility Manager
Cobb County Public Library
12.2020 - 05.2021
- Oversaw daily operations of a library and cultural center hybrid facility.
- Supervised the Branch Manager and directed service delivery and programming.
- Fostered partnerships to expand arts and community engagement.
Head of Public Services
Texas A&M University–Central Texas
01.2020 - 08.2021
- Supervised public-facing operations including circulation, ILL, and reference.
- Managed a $500K departmental budget and led information literacy instruction.
- Conducted service assessments to improve user experience and academic outcomes.
Assistant Director of Research
Alabama A&M University
05.2017 - 10.2019
- Provided strategic leadership and oversight for all Information Services departments, including Access Services, Reference, Digital Studio, and Makerspace.
- Served as lead instructor for the university’s Information Literacy program, aligning instruction with institutional academic goals.
- Managed departmental budgets, including payroll, technology, and marketing expenditures, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization.
- Directed staff and student worker performance evaluations, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and professional development.
- Compiled and submitted detailed monthly and annual reports to senior university leadership to inform data-driven decision-making and service improvements.
Information Literacy Coordinator
Alabama A&M University
03.2016 - 02.2017
- Led the development and coordination of the university’s Information Literacy program, supervising a team of four librarians and ensuring instructional integration across academic departments.
- Assessed program effectiveness using LibQUAL, campus surveys, and other tools; prepared data-driven reports to support strategic improvements.
- Managed scheduling for reference services and provided supervision, training, and mentorship to graduate student assistants.
- Served as liaison to the Social Sciences, fostering cross-disciplinary partnerships to advance research support and STEM-related initiatives.
- Utilized platforms such as EBSCOhost, Horizon, and Springshare to enhance student learning, engagement, and research capabilities.
Interim Curator
Prairie View A&M University
08.2013 - 02.2016
- Oversaw daily operations of the University Art Galleries, delivering reference and circulation support and curating exhibitions, lectures, and student-focused programming.
- Collaborated with campus and community stakeholders to promote cultural engagement and broaden public access to the arts.
- Managed and cataloged the university’s art collection, maintaining accurate acquisition records and inventory.
- Secured grant funding for gallery initiatives and administered a $15,000 annual budget, including forecasting and financial reporting.
- Submitted monthly performance and operations reports to the Director of Library Services to support strategic planning and resource allocation.
- Supervised and trained staff and student workers, fostering effective gallery operations and supporting their professional development.
Education
Ph.D. - Educational Leadership
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX12.2025
M.S. - Library Science
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, TX01.2016
M.S. - Human Science
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX01.2014
M.A. - Counseling
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX01.2013
B.S.W. - Bachelor of Social Work
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL01.2005
Skills
- Organizational skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Team collaboration
- Problem-solving skills
- Data collection
- Works well independently
- Program planning
- Library instruction
- Technical support
- Literacy development
- Collection development
- Basic accounting
- Interlibrary loan processes
- Reference research
- Scheduling
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft office suite
- Event planning
- Skilled researcher
- Program management
- Electronic resources
- Budget administration
- Social media
- Multitasking
- Library management systems
- Staff supervision
- Presentation development
Affiliations
- Continuing Education Committee, Network of Alabama Academic Libraries | Member, 2017–Present
- Web Accessibility Committee, Alabama A&M | Ongoing Member
- One Stop Shop Initiative, Alabama A&M President’s Office | Committee Member, 2018
- Information Literacy Conference | Steering Committee Member
- Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
- Leadership Recruitment & Nomination Committee | 2020–2022
- Information Literacy Frameworks Committee | 2020–2022
- Chair’s Choice Committee | 2018–2020
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. | Member
Presentations
- “The Impact Between Student Retention and the Level of Service at HBCUs” – RAM Professors, 2016
- “Information Literacy in a Digital World” – Alabama A&M, 2018
- “Robert K. Greenleaf: The Servant as Leader” – Staff Development, 2018
- “AI in the Classroom: Using AI Ethically” – Wilberforce University, 2025
Timeline
Director of Library Services
Wilberforce University
08.2023 - Current
Chief Librarian, Moorland-Spingarn Research Center
Howard University
06.2022 - 08.2023
Department Head, Clarkston Campus Library
Georgia State University
09.2021 - 05.2022
Academic Advisor
Eastern Gateway Community College
06.2021 - 09.2023
Librarian IV / Facility Manager
Cobb County Public Library
12.2020 - 05.2021
Head of Public Services
Texas A&M University–Central Texas
01.2020 - 08.2021
Assistant Director of Research
Alabama A&M University
05.2017 - 10.2019
Information Literacy Coordinator
Alabama A&M University
03.2016 - 02.2017
Interim Curator
Prairie View A&M University
08.2013 - 02.2016
M.S. - Library Science
Texas Woman’s University
M.S. - Human Science
Prairie View A&M University
M.A. - Counseling
Prairie View A&M University
B.S.W. - Bachelor of Social Work
Tuskegee University
Ph.D. - Educational Leadership
Prairie View A&M University
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