Mandy Knapp Appointed Executive Director/State Librarian of Ohio
by Marsha McDevitt-Stredney 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Mandy Knapp (no relation to former State Librarian Wendy Knapp) currently serves as Branch Manager of the Westerville Public Library's Uptown Branch. In this capacity, she oversees the security and safety of the library, safeguarding both staff and patrons. She manages and mentors public service department managers with seventy employees and fosters a culture of coaching and team building. Her leadership role comprises initiatives aimed at enhancing public services, such as the implementation of a new integrated library system and participation in the Central Library Consortium. Additionally, Mandy is an active member of the library’s leadership team, addressing employee suggestions and effectively steering library operations. She tracks program and public service progress by establishing plans and budgets and measuring outcomes, and she advises on SearchOhio policies, currently serving as the administrator for the SearchOhio consortium.
The State Library Board was impressed by Knapp's extensive experience in advocating for and securing federal and state library funding. Her solid understanding of library revenue sources and funding challenges, combined with her expertise in program, project, and grant management, along with her technology skills, truly stood out.
“I am honored to be joining the State Library as State Librarian of Ohio,” expressed Mandy. “It is a privilege to be chosen to lead this outstanding organization as we progress with solutions that address current needs while also shaping the future of libraries.”
Prior to her current role, Mandy held the position of Adult Services Department Manager at the Westerville Public Library, overseeing the successful renovation of the Adult Services Department and the integration of an Innovation Lab, a digitally focused makerspace, into library services.
"Ms. Knapp's extensive and varied background in libraries and public library administration positions her as an outstanding candidate to head the State Library,” remarked State Library Board President Janet Carleton. "She is uniquely suited to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
As Library Consultant at the State Library of Ohio, Mandy managed the Ohio eBook Project (now known as Ohio Digital Library) and was instrumental in the groundbreaking development and management of the Guiding Ohio Online* AmeriCorps program that placed AmeriCorps volunteers serving as technology trainers in rural libraries.
Her experience in statewide programs and initiatives also includes work as the digital resources manager at OPLIN focusing on E-Rate and Libraries Connect Ohio (LCO), and serving as liaison to the Ohio Digital Network, Ohio’s service hub for the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA).
Mandy has been recognized for her advocacy and leadership through Leadership Westerville and Library Leadership Ohio, and honored as an American Library Association (ALA) Emerging Leader and Library Journal Mover and Shaker.
Her formative library experience was as a student working at Otterbein College (now Otterbein University) Courtright Memorial Library, Carnegie Mellon University Hunt Library, and the Allegheny County Library Association [Pittsburg, PA].
Mandy holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management from The Ohio State University, a Master of Library and Information Science from University of Pittsburgh, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Otterbein College.
Mandy Knapp's extensive experience and dedication to library services make her an outstanding choice for the role of State Librarian. The State Library of Ohio looks forward to her leadership and vision in advancing library services at the State Library and throughout the state.
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*Guiding Ohio Online is now a State Library administered competitive LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) grant that allows public libraries in rural Ohio to hire a dedicated technology trainer.
Photo courtesy of Westerville Public Library