Gina Costello, associate dean for technology and special collections for LSU Libraries, has been named a 2024 UCLA Library Senior Fellow. She is one of 20 leaders from academic libraries across the nation selected for the competitive program.  

Established in 1982, the UCLA Library Senior Fellows program is the longest-running library leadership development program in the field. Held biennially in July, the three-week residential program helps top U.S. and Canadian library leaders develop strategic thinking, explore management perspectives, and advance practical and theoretical approaches to a variety of issues confronting academic institutions and libraries. One in three UCLA Library Senior Fellows has advanced to become library directors.

According to Stanley Wilder, dean of LSU Libraries and one of Costello’s nominators for the program, “Research librarianship remains in a state of nearly constant change. It is essential that library leaders put systematic effort into remaining current and honing their tactical/strategic skills. LSU’s path to excellence will probably always be owed to working smarter as opposed to richer, and Gina’s participation in this program will enhance our library’s ability to succeed on these terms. Gina will help us set new standards for serving LSU’s teaching and learning functions, and our larger community as well.”

Costello has worked at LSU for nearly 20 years, most of which have been in management and leadership roles. As the first UCLA fellow from LSU, Costello is enthusiastic about the program and the connections it will bring to the Libraries and university. 

“I look forward to participating in the program because I believe in the value and effectiveness of building a cohort of leaders who can exchange ideas and bring unique perspectives to the broader conversation about leadership in libraries. LSU has supported my career in many ways, and I am grateful to have this incredible opportunity to develop my leadership skills and make connections with peer library leaders," Costello said.

As Costello embarks on the UCLA Library Senior Fellows program, her dedication to advancing library leadership and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly make an impact on LSU and the broader academic community.