Introducing the ThriveLib Advisory Board

This is our very first advisory board, and each member brings valuable experience in librarianship, workplace well-being, inclusion, and organizational leadership. Their insight and guidance are shaping ThriveLib’s first year and helping build a strong foundation for future events.

I’m deeply grateful for their time, generosity, and thoughtful contributions. They are not only helping make ThriveLib 2025 a success, and guiding us toward a meaningful and sustainable future for the conference.

Stay tuned as we share more about our speakers, sessions, and how you can attend this August’s virtual event focused on well-being in library work.

JJ Pionke is an Instructor of Information at Syracuse University and an award-winning researcher focused on disability and accessibility in libraries for both employees and patrons. Named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2020, JJ is a fierce advocate for improving accessibility, inclusion, and equitable treatment of library workers with disabilities.

Dustin Fife is the College Librarian at Colorado College with leadership experience in both public and academic libraries. He has worked extensively with state and national associations and serves as the series editor for “Academic Library Workers in Conversation” in College & Research Libraries News. Dustin joined this advisory board because he believes that we need more spaces to have meaningful conversations.

Todd Groten has worked in libraries since 1992 and is currently with the Ruth Lilly Medical Library, where he is active on the library’s wellness committee and statewide mental health initiatives. He is also pursuing a master’s degree in social work with a focus on macro social work, aiming to address systemic inequality through policy and community organizing.

Dr. Cynthia M. Landrum is a futurist, scholar, and equity-focused national library leader with over two decades of experience at federal, state, and local levels. Formerly Acting Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Dr. Landrum has championed initiatives that advance equity, access, and innovation in library services.

Carolyn Martin has been an information professional for over 30 years, with experience in hospital, public, and consumer health libraries. She has dedicated her career to providing access to quality information and advancing health literacy. Her thoughtful dedication to accessibility and inclusion is evident in every aspect of her work.

 Sonnet Ireland is the Library Director of the Washington Parish Library and a long-time advocate for intellectual freedom, emotional wellness, and self-care for library staff. A Past President of the Louisiana Library Association and ALA Councilor At-Large, Sonnet brings a passion for creating supportive environments where library workers can thrive while serving their communities.

Fobazi Ettarh is a researcher, writer, and speaker known for critical work on labor, identity, and equity in librarianship. She coined the concept of “vocational awe,” examining how idealized views of libraries can contribute to burnout and poor working conditions. Fobazi’s scholarship and advocacy challenge institutions to embrace change and center collective care, helping shape ThriveLib’s vision for meaningful cultural transformation.

Please take a moment to meet the ThriveLib Advisory Board and learn more about them.