My career reflects a dedication to leadership, project management expertise, and strategic vision. As a Community Engagement and Outreach Manager with the NNLM at the University of Iowa Libraries, I developed impactful programs to expand public access to health information. I led some of NNLM’s most successful projects, including national collaborations with the Public Library Association.
Since 2008, I have directed Bobbi L. Newman Consulting, a platform through which I offer targeted expertise to libraries and other organizations. My consulting services address a range of timely and critical topics, including workplace well-being, professional development, and strategies to foster engagement and innovation. I specialize in helping libraries and similar institutions navigate challenges like staff burnout, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, and meeting the diverse needs of their communities. I design and deliver evidence-based workshops, training sessions, and presentations. These initiatives include enhancing team collaboration, building leadership capacity, and creating programs that drive meaningful impact.
My career foundation in strategic vision, leadership acumen, and communication has been strengthened by roles like Digital Branch Manager at Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, where I advanced initiatives to enhance community impact and staff engagement. As an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Missouri, I equipped future librarians with strategic and operational skills. My early work at Raytheon honed my abilities in corporate communication and collaborative leadership. Across all my roles, I consistently fosters environments where organizations and individuals can thrive.
Employment History
Community Engagement and Outreach Manager , Network of the National Library of Medicine, Region 6, University of Iowa Libraries, July 2016 – present
Director, Bobbi L. Newman Consulting, Iowa, May 2008 – Present
Digital Branch Manager, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, Columbus, GA, May 2009 – April 2011
Adjunct Instructor, Managing Collections, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, Jan 2009 – May 2009
Digital Services Librarian, Missouri River Regional Library, Jefferson City, MO, Feb 2005 – May 2009
Director of Library Services, Raytheon, Tucson, AZ, Jun 2002 – Feb 2005