Karen Mellor

Karen Mellor is the Chief of Library Services, serving as the executive and administrative officer of OLIS. As such, she is responsible for developing the master plan for library development, interlibrary cooperation and resource sharing in the state. She began her career at OLIS in 1999 as a Library Program Specialist, working on the Public Library Construction Reimbursement Program and in Talking Books Plus. Throughout her time at OLIS, she has worked to construct both physical and virtual libraries, bringing together her expertise in library construction, online services and resources, and web development. She has also worked on continuing education, both as a presenter and planner, and on statewide initiatives such as workforce development and adult education. She is especially interested in integrating emerging technologies with traditional library services to develop local libraries as critical community centers for learning and discovery. Karen is involved in regional and national initiatives for the advancement of libraries, serving as Treasurer for the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA). She earned her undergraduate degree in Semiotics at Brown University and a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from Simmons College.