San José State University’s School of Information has partnered with the American Library Association to launch a dynamic new series titled ALA ThinkTank. The initiative brings together leading voices in the library and information science field to address some of the profession’s most pressing societal challenges, offering practical strategies and forward-thinking dialogue through free, interactive webinars.

Co-led by Dr. Anthony Chow, director of the SJSU School of Information, and longtime library advocate Loida Garcia-Febo, the ALA ThinkTank is designed to serve as an inclusive platform for innovation, professional collaboration, and real-world impact.

Garcia-Febo, a former ALA president, said the series highlights “the broader goal of societal progress and community empowerment through collaboration and innovation.” She explained that the ThinkTank unites the library and LIS community to solve problems actively and collectively, with a focus on addressing societal needs and trends.

“We identify trendsetters—individuals who are providing out-of-the-box solutions—to share their examples and strategies,” Garcia-Febo said. “The event features interactive sessions where attendees can discuss their best practices, models, and recommendations, ensuring that participants leave with actionable items they can implement in their own libraries.”

Chow noted that the ALA ThinkTank complements the university’s role as a proud sponsor of the long-standing Library 2.0 series. “We envisioned ThinkTank as a complementary experience—more dynamic, more participatory, and laser-focused on direct benefit for those attending,” he said.

In contrast to traditional conferences, the ThinkTank series takes an “unconference” approach, encouraging active engagement and immediate, real-life application. Chow emphasized that the series brings the LIS field together “for meaningful conversations around the highest-priority challenges facing libraries and LIS professionals today.”

The ThinkTank collaboration is grounded in mutual respect and shared values. “From working with Dr. Anthony Chow on many projects, I can say he is highly attuned to societal trends and brings the big-picture analysis needed to introduce innovative concepts,” said Garcia-Febo. “This aligns closely with my own approach—considering broader perspectives and identifying solutions that address both current challenges and future needs.”

Garcia-Febo emphasized that she and Chow share a strong commitment to advancing educational programs that are both forward-thinking and practical in providing actionable insight that participants can apply in their professional lives. “Our combined expertise and networks enable a dynamic, results-driven collaboration that drives the success of every project we undertake.”

Chow shared a similar sentiment. “One of the keys to both success and joy in this work is partnering with people who energize, inspire, and uplift you—and that’s exactly what it’s like working with Loida Garcia-Febo,” he said. “People know we’re serious about delivering impactful, authentic experiences and that we follow through with excellence and purpose.”

Together, the co-leads bring expansive professional networks, allowing them to integrate cross-industry insights that shape every session. “These networks enable us to engage with high-level professionals who bring unique perspectives, ensuring our initiatives are informed by the latest developments and best practices,” Garcia-Febo said.

So far, the series has hosted two sessions, each offering deep engagement and takeaways on timely themes. The first, titled “Building Bridges: Democracy, Peace, and Conflict Resolution in the Modern World,” was held on October 30, 2024, and centered on the pivotal role of libraries as democratic hubs.

“We knew that libraries would serve a significant role in supporting democracy, peace, and conflict resolution,” Chow said.

Speakers from the United States, Ireland, and the Philippines discussed shared values, including equity, inclusion, and access. “Initiatives like Books Unbanned and Project Civ showcased how libraries can support young people in navigating complex social issues, advocating for intellectual freedom, and participating meaningfully in democratic processes,” Chow added.

Garcia-Febo developed a Conflict Resolution Kit, which was shared with registrants after the event. It included an eight-step guide:

1. Understand the context
2. Identify the conflict
3. Facilitate open dialogue
4. Collaborative problem-solving
5. Develop actionable strategies
6. Promote education and awareness
7. Evaluate and adapt
8. Celebrate successes

“There were conversations, debates, and great interest in conflict resolution, peaceful coexistence, and what it means to live in a democracy,” Garcia-Febo said.

Key action items for libraries included promoting civic literacy, fostering youth engagement, creating brave spaces for dialogue, and building diverse community partnerships.

The second session, “Wellness Strategies: Dealing with Anxiety and Incivility During a Time of Uncertainty,” held on March 6, 2025, addressed the increasing stress faced by the profession. “We were hearing how people felt extremely stressed and anxious about their future,” Garcia-Febo said. “They were seeking answers to the question of how to live in harmony with others who hold different viewpoints.”

The event showcased best practices from a wide range of library leaders. Garcia-Febo compiled a set of wellness recommendations based on the session:

• Create a supportive work environment
• Incorporate mental health resources and training
• Lead by example
• Promote inclusivity and psychological safety
• Encourage self-care and boundaries
• Build resilience through team support
• Provide targeted support for vulnerable communities

Chow reinforced the significance of wellness in leadership. “Supporting the emotional well-being of library staff is essential to sustaining strong, responsive libraries,” he said. He encouraged strategies, such as hosting regular staff check-ins, integrating mental health into daily operations, and modeling emotional openness as leaders.

Dan Freeman, the series facilitator and producer, praised the partnership between SJSU and ALA. “The ThinkTank project has been a wonderful way of bringing broad perspectives from the library world to a large audience,” Freeman said. “ALA and SJSU both have access to a wide array of experts on just about every area of library services, and it’s a wonderful accomplishment to collaborate and get that expertise to the biggest audience that we can.”

Freeman also pointed to the future of the series. “We look forward to continuing to address the emerging issues unique to the library field during a time when both funding and intellectual freedom are under attack.”

Looking ahead, the co-leads plan to explore topics, such as the role of libraries in protecting democracy, the defense of intellectual freedom, and the evolving impact of technology. “We are living through a time of significant societal transition,” Chow said. “As a profession, we must come together to have honest conversations about what we can do, both individually and collectively, to support one another and to raise our voices in defense of our values.”

The ThinkTank series is designed for library professionals across all sectors, including public, academic, school, and special libraries. Students, educators, and advocates are also encouraged to attend. Participants can expect to develop leadership skills and community-driven solutions, build collaborative networks, and gain insight into best practices and emerging trends shaping the library and information science field.

“The ThinkTanks seek to foster a vision of progress, hope, and positivism,” Garcia-Febo said. “They serve as a platform for those committed to creating a better world, advancing transformative change, and improving the outlook and quality of life for others through the power of libraries and information access.”

As Garcia-Febo noted, “While these needs may vary, at the core, we all share fundamental human experiences. I believe the ALA ThinkTank aims to address these universal needs, fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose across the library community.”

Recordings and resources from the events are available on the ALA eLearning platform. Direct links to past sessions include:

• Building Bridges: Democracy, Peace, and Conflict Resolution in the Modern World, held Oct. 30, 2024: Website | Recording | Summary | ThinkTank Action Brief
• Wellness Strategies: Dealing with Anxiety and Incivility During a Time of Uncertainty, held March 6, 2025: Website | Recording | Summary | ThinkTank 2 Action Brief