Upcoming Session

The Power of One: Navigating a Single-Person or Small Technical Services Department

Wednesday, March 18, 2026
2pm Eastern (11am Pacific | 12pm Mountain | 1pm Central)
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_q9rOnP_XR8qtFlJRPgXf7g

Description:

Managing technical services in an academic library can feel overwhelming when you’re a team of one or part of a very small department. This presentation brings together two librarians with unique perspectives: a Collection Management Librarian and an Electronic Resources & Serials Librarian turned Outreach Librarian. Together, we share practical strategies and lessons learned from working in lean technical services environments, where adaptability and resourcefulness are key to success.

Our conversation focuses on being kind to yourself while balancing big responsibilities. We explore letting go of imposter syndrome and perfectionism, embracing vendor tools and consortia support even when they aren’t flawless, and advocating for your needs through clear communication and boundaries. Building relationships—both within your institution and with vendor partners—is another cornerstone of thriving in these roles. Whether you’re navigating usage reports, automating workflows, or finding your professional community through virtual connections, this session offers insights to help you stay grounded and effective in a challenging but rewarding space.

About the Presenters:

Katie Thonen gained her technical services experience as the Director of Libraries Resources at Hallmark University, a virtual library, and then as the Electronic Resources Librarian for St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. She has since transitioned to a more public-facing position as St. Mary’s Outreach Librarian. She earned her MLIS from Emporia State University in 2017 and a Master’s in English from Southern New Hampshire University in 2023. Her experience spans public, K–12, and special libraries before finding her passion in academic librarianship. She and her family relocated from Kansas City, Missouri, to San Antonio to be closer to family in 2018 after the birth of her first child. Katie enjoys traveling, reading, great food, and sharing laughter. As a dedicated extrovert, Katie loves connecting people with literature and the resources that libraries offer.

Bonnie Hauser is the Collection Management Librarian at St. Edward’s University, in Austin, Texas. Her library career began in 2003 when, after six years as a high school English Teacher, she became the librarian at a large urban high school. Bonnie’s library experiences and skills include various aspects of librarianship from instruction and reader’s advisory to cataloging and e-resource management. Learning on-the-job has been a key feature in all her library positions since she has yet to take on a role in which her predecessors left any type of documentation. As a result, documenting workflows and succession planning has become a minor passion. Bonnie earned her BS in English Education from Florida State University and her MS in Information Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certified Librarian. When not travelling, she and her husband share their empty nest with a sweet Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix named Otis who happens to be a great reading buddy.

1. Go to registration page: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_q9rOnP_XR8qtFlJRPgXf7g
2. Complete and submit the form.
3. A URL for the event will be emailed to you immediately after registration.