ILP is a team effort. For the next two years, Residents, Fellows and the Project Manager will work together to ensure the success of this unique program. Feel free to use the “Contact” page if you would like to connect with any of these individuals!
Fellows
Joyce Cooper has worked for the Los Angeles Public Library system since 2001 where she began her career as a clerk. While working for LAPL full-time, Joyce earned her MLIS from Drexel University, through their distance education program. Joyce has been a librarian since 2008, working in neighborhood branches, and most recently at the Central Library, where she is the Senior Librarian in the International Languages Department. She enjoys providing service to the Spanish-speaking population of Los Angeles and serving as a mentor for new librarians.
Karen Pickard-Four is a graduate of San Jose State’s School of Library and Information Science and a member of ALA, CLA, and PLA. She has worked for LAPL for seven years, and is currently the Senior Librarian at the Studio City Branch. Karen is always looking for ways build civic understanding among diverse patron populations.
Residents
Mary Abler received her MLIS from San Jose State University in 2012, where she focused on public library leadership, young adult services and emerging technologies. Prior to becoming a librarian, she worked for Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, conducting outreach, community organizing and grassroots fundraising for the Neighborhood Library Campaign. She is a member of ALA, CLA and PLA.
Jacqueline Welsh is a graduate of the University of Arizona’s School of Information Resources in Tucson, Arizona, and alum of the Knowledge River program. She is a member of ALA, PLA, as well as REFORMA. Her professional interests include services to diverse communities, and a broad range of literacy programming and outreach.
Project Manager
Jené Brown is a seasoned library manager who has informed, enriched and empowered library staff and the public for the last 16 years. She is forward thinking, success-driven and excited by the new opportunities 21st-century libraries offer. Jené earned her MLIS from UCLA and is a member of: ALA, BCALA, CLBC-Greater Los Angeles, CLA, and PLA.
Innovation Leadership Program 