Keynote Speaker: Mandy knapp

Mandy Knapp became Executive Director/State Librarian of Ohio on December 31, 2024. She was the Branch Manager at the Uptown Branch of the Westerville Public Library when she accepted the position as State Librarian of Ohio. Knapp directed library operations and led initiatives at the Westerville Public Library to enhance public services, such as the introduction of a new integrated library system, involvement with the Central Library Consortium, and as administrator for the SearchOhio Consortium. Prior to that, Knapp was the Adult Services Department Manager at the Westerville Public Library, overseeing the successful renovation of the Adult Services Department and the integration of an Innovation Lab, a digitally focused makerspace, into library services.

Knapp has over 20 years of diverse library experience that spans public and academic libraries, the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN). She also worked at the State Library as a Library Consultant from 2012 to 2016 as project manager for the Ohio Digital Library [formerly known as the Ohio Ebook Project], the State Library’s E-Rate contact, and specialist for Ohio libraries assessing their technology needs and in writing technology plans and related policies. At a time when the use and availability of mobile devices was expanding exponentially, Knapp led an initiative to procure the latest technologies and provide hands-on training throughout Ohio for library staff to enable them to assist their patrons.

Knapp is leading the State Library into a new era of innovation and exceptional service while strengthening relationships and collaboration with state government, all types of libraries, and library organizations at the state, regional, and national levels.

Knapp was recognized in 2010 by Library Journal as someone to watch in their annual selection of Movers & Shakers.

Mandy Knapp earned a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management from The Ohio State University, a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Otterbein College.