IMLS Announces New Deputy Director of Library Services
Cynthia Landrum to Bring Diverse Experience, Forward-Focused Leadership to Federal Agency
Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services has appointed Cynthia Landrum as the agency's new Deputy Director of the Office of Library Services. Landrum, a leader in the field with two decades of experience in public libraries, comes to IMLS from Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, where she served as CEO-Director.
“Cyndee’s broad experience and passion for librarianship will be an asset in her new leadership role at IMLS,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “IMLS works with libraries that meet the needs of communities of all types and sizes across the country, and Cyndee's background is reflective of the rich and evidence-based approaches of the library field in serving the public and professionals.”
As Deputy Director, Landrum will oversee the agency's largest program, Grants to States, which is the primary source of federal funding for library services in the United States. Each year, more than $150 million is distributed to State Library Administrative Agencies, located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and the Freely Associated States, using a population-based formula.
Landrum's oversight will also include the agency's discretionary grant programs, including National Leadership Grants for Libraries, the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program, Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services, and the newest library grant initiative, Accelerating Promising Practices for Small Libraries.
“What excites me about working with IMLS is the opportunity to advance the future of the profession," said Landrum. “I see my role as working with librarians, libraries, and educational, cultural, and professional spaces that catalyze communities, supporting libraries of all types as they undertake such important work across the nation.”
Prior to her role at Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library in Indiana, Landrum served as assistant director for public services at Oak Park Library in Illinois, assistant director of Mt. Lebanon Public Library in Pittsburgh, president of the Arizona Library Association, and spent 12 years in a variety of roles at Glendale Public Library in Arizona.
“Cyndee is at the nexus of understanding the future role of public libraries and how we use research and outcomes to impact our communities,” said Felton Thomas, Jr., the Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library. “Public libraries are working to find a way to integrate research and do better, moving from transactional to transformational. Cyndee can be an advocate for communities of practice across the US and helping the field to hone in on measures of our impact.”
Landrum earned her masters of library and information science from the University of Southern Mississippi, and is currently a PhD candidate in managerial leadership for the information professions at Simmons College.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.