Lance Werner, Director of Kent District Library
Kent County, MI—Lance Werner, Director of Kent District Library, has been named a “Mover and Shaker” in the library industry by the national publication, Library Journal.
In its March 15, 2016 issue, Library Journal named 54 outstanding professionals committed to providing excellent service and shaping the future of libraries. Werner was selected in the category Change Agents because of his commitment to the profession and push to further the modern conveniences libraries can offer their patrons.
Library Journal honored Werner because of his ability to garner unlikely support for big ideas and his success in bridging the digital divide. Under Werner’s direction, KDL has developed the most robust standalone eBook collection in the states (88,891 eBooks and e Audiobooks) and became the first public library in Michigan to offer eMagazines, eMovies and eComics.
“This year’s class of 54 joins a group of talented professionals who are committed, passionate and invigorated—each alone and all together transforming the library world and the communities it impacts for the better,” said Rebecca T. Miller, Editorial Director of Library Journal and School Library Journal.
Werner has been Director of Kent District Library since May 2011. He previously served as Director of the Capital Area District Library in Lansing, Mich. and as a Library Law Specialist at the Library of Michigan. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, a J.D. from Michigan State University and an M.L.I.S. from Wayne State University.
The 2016 Movers & Shakers were selected by the editors of Library Journal, the profession’s leading trade magazine. Each of the Movers & Shakers will be prominently featured in the March 15 issue of Library Journal and celebrated at a special reception in June during the American Library Association’s annual conference in Orlando, Fla. The print feature’s companion website is sponsored by OCLC and available at www.libraryjournal.com/movers2016.
