Libraries and librarians are faced with a technological and societal wave of change that is ever increasing as we move farther into the 21st century. Preparing new graduates to deal with constant change, use current and emerging technology tools to further the mission of their institutions, and meet the needs of communities of library users while never losing sight of our foundational values and principles is of utmost importance to me as an LIS educator.
Dr. Michael Stephens is Professor in the School of Information at San Jose State University, where he teaches courses on information communities, evolving library service, and reflective practice. His pedagogical approach emphasizes radical trust, human-centered design, and learning by doing, earning recognition for his innovation and engagement in online education.
A former public librarian, Dr. Stephens brings over three decades of experience in librarianship to his academic work. His research explores the intersection of emerging technologies, professional development, and the transformation of library services. He coined and continues to explore the “hyperlinked library” model—an open, participatory, and empathetic approach to information work that integrates technology with wholehearted, people-first service.
He is a frequent keynote speaker at national and international conferences, having presented across North America, Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. His engagements include work with U.S. embassies abroad, a month-long visiting scholar residency at the University of Southern Queensland, and keynotes that foreground empathy, curiosity, and the library as a space for infinite learning.
From 2010 to 2020, Dr. Stephens authored the “Office Hours” column in Library Journal, a platform where he reflected on emerging trends, innovation, and the evolving identity of the librarian. ALA Editions has published two collections of his writing: The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change (2016) and Wholehearted Librarianship: Finding Hope, Inspiration, and Balance (2019), both of which capture his philosophy of library work as a compassionate, reflective, and evolving practice.
He resides near Traverse City, Michigan, and is currently exploring how libraries can support well-being and resilience in a rapidly changing world.
Full Biography
Michael Stephens is a scholar, educator, and speaker who has spent over three decades exploring the intersection of libraries, technology, learning, and human connection. He currently serves as a Professor in the School of Information at San José State University (SJSU), where he teaches courses on the hyperlinked library, information communities, and reflective practice. His work emphasizes compassionate, user-centered service and the transformative potential of libraries as places of learning, empathy, and innovation.
Originally from Mishawaka, Indiana, Michael earned his BA and MLIS from Indiana University and began his career at the Saint Joseph County Public Library (SJCPL) in South Bend, Indiana, where he worked for over 15 years in various leadership roles, including Head of Networked Resources and Special Projects Librarian. There, he pioneered staff training and digital literacy initiatives during the rise of the web, culminating in the publication of The Library Internet Trainer’s Toolkit (2001/2002).
In 2003, he launched the influential blog Tame the Web, an ongoing exploration of emerging technologies and participatory librarianship. In 2004, he was awarded an IMLS fellowship to pursue his Ph.D. at the University of North Texas, where he researched the role of blogging in librarianship. His dissertation, “Modeling the Role of Blogging in Librarianship.” presaged today’s emphasis on personal learning networks and social media in the profession.
Named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2005, Michael has spoken around the globe. In 2008, he visited Australia to deliver Hyperlinked Library workshops in five cities, engaging directly with library staff around emerging service models and participatory practices. He held visiting and scholar-in-residence positions at the Chicago Public Library and in Australia as the 2009 CAVAL Visiting Scholar, where he studied the impact of Learning 2.0 programs. He served on advisory boards for Project Information Literacy and the IMLS-funded Loyola Marymount University Research Institute Program, and contributed to global conversations through consulting and speaking engagements across North America, Europe, and Australia, including programs sponsored by U.S. embassies in Germany, Switzerland, and Turkey.
In 2018, Michael returned to Australia to deliver the closing keynote at the Asia-Pacific Library and Information Conference (APLIC) and served as a visiting scholar at the University of Southern Queensland. During this trip, he also presented at the National Library of Australia and CityLibraries Townsville, and collaborated with Australian colleagues on research into professional learning experiences of public library staff.
Michael’s professional and scholarly writing has appeared in Public Libraries, Library Journal, American Libraries, Computers in Libraries, Library Media Connection, OCLC’s NextSpace, Serials Review, Internet Reference Services Quarterly, Australian Research Journal, Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, First Monday, Evidence Based Library and Information Practice and ALA’s TechSource blog. From 2007–2009, he wrote a monthly Library Journal column with Michael Casey called The Transparent Library (available as a free ebook), , which explored how trends and technologies can enhance libraries and make them participatory and open to change. He also co-authored a column in Digitale Bibliotheek, a Dutch professional journal for librarians and information specialists, with Jan Klerk called “Open Conversation” in 2009. From 2010–2020, he authored the “Office Hours” column for Library Journal. His philosophy of “wholehearted librarianship” is captured in his two books with ALA Editions—The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change (2016) and Wholehearted Librarianship: Finding Hope, Inspiration, and Balance (2019)—which frame librarianship as a human-centered, reflective practice rooted in empathy, creativity, and service.
At SJSU, Michael has been recognized for his teaching and research excellence and has designed and taught courses that challenge students to explore emerging technologies, inclusive service, and the evolving role of libraries. His work, particularly the concept of “wholehearted librarianship,” emphasizes attentive, positive, and purposeful change in the profession. Through his writing, teaching, and speaking, Michael encourages library professionals to approach their work with empathy, creativity, and a deep commitment to human-centered service. His “Hyperlinked Library” framework and reflections on compassionate librarianship have resonated with both practitioners and educators seeking to foster innovative, inclusive, and reflective library environments.
Michael is committed to lifelong learning, equity, and cultivating a library profession that embraces empathy, innovation, and the human experience.
Interviews
- “103: Michael Stephens” with Steve Thomas of Circulating Ideas (podcast)
- “Conversation with Michael Stephens” with the Allen County Public Library (video)
- “Michael Stephens and DOK Delft” with Erik Boekesteijn and Jaap van de Geer of DOK Delft Public Library (video)
Speaking
Michael speaks on a variety of topics related to libraries, people, and technology. Please feel free to contact Michael for more information about speaking at your event or for your professional development workshops. Michael’s speaker bio and promotional photos can be found on the About page. Download Michael’s CV for a full list of presentations. Download Michael’s CV
Speaker Biography
Dr. Michael Stephens is Professor in the School of Information at San Jose State University. He has delivered keynotes and workshops throughout the US and internationally on topics related to creative library services and learning for over 20 years. He has written for major LIS professionals publications, including 13 years with Library Journal as a columnist. ALA Editions has published two collections of his writings: The Heart of Librarianship (2016) and Wholehearted Librarianship (2019). Michael resides outside Traverse City, Michigan.
Photos for promotional use
