Many public librarians seek to make career changes by transitioning into academic libraries. This panel will feature four academic librarians that have all also worked for public libraries. During this panel discussion, presenters will discuss their career paths and how their skillsets developed in the public library. This presentation aims to demystify the process, share valuable insights, and offer practical advice based on our journeys from public to academic librarianship. The presentation will outline skills needed for success in both community college and university libraries. We will also address the application and interview process that can be expected for both types of academic library.
Kayla Kuni is the Associate Director of Libraries at the Pasco-Hernando State College Spring Hill campus. She has been with PHSC since 2018. Prior to working with PHSC, she worked at the New Port Richey Public Library for just over 5 years. She has an MLIS (USF), MBA (USF), and EdD (FSU). In addition to working in the library, Kayla also serves as the subject matter expert for the first year success course at PHSC and is an adjunct for the course as well.
Contact Information: kunik@phsc.edu; 352-340-4829
Andrew Beman-Cavallaro is a faculty research and instruction librarian for the social sciences at the University of South Florida. Andrew earned his bachelor’s degree in human geography from Florida State University, his first master’s degree in library and information science from University of South Florida, and his second master’s degree from University of Nebraska in United States history. Andrew was a public librarian before becoming a college library director for a decade. He teaches periodically in USF’s library and information science graduate program and is an affiliate faculty member at USF’s School of Information. Andrew’s research and publications include efforts regarding community college librarianship and AI/information literacy. Andrew’s further work includes research for the U.S. Department of Defense. Andrew regularly acts as a mentor in Florida’s library leadership institute and serves on committees in ALA and ACRL.
Contact Information: abemanca@usf.edu
Cassandra Baker is a Librarian at the Pasco-Hernando State College Spring Hill campus. She joined PHSC in 2023 after receiving her MLIS (USF) in 2022. Her past experience includes working as a paraprofessional in the USF Libraries ILL department for 3 years and various roles at the Hernando County Public Library System for 4 years.
Contact Information: bakerc@phsc.edu // 352-340-4830
Mary Beth Isaacson has been the Assistant Director of Libraries at the Pasco-Hernando State College West Campus since 2023. She was previously a Regional Branch Manager for Pasco County Libraries and a Librarian for the Highlands County Library System, with a total of 10 years experience in public libraries. She has an MLIS from the University of South Florida and is a graduate of the Sunshine State Library Leadership Program and the Next Level Library Leadership Program. Mary Beth was the 2023-24 President of the Tampa Bay Library Consortium and is the current Vice Chair of FLA’s Professional Development Committee.
Contact Information: isaacsm@phsc.edu 727-816-3411
