Jessica Lacher-Feldman, Head of LSU Libraries’ Special Collections, was selected to participate in this year’s Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians. This year’s Institute was held at Harvard University from July 27 to August 1 and brought together 102 library leaders from the U.S., Canada, and around the world, including Switzerland, South Africa, and New Zealand. The Harvard Leadership Institute focuses on key issues of leadership in higher education and applies them to the practical challenges of leading and managing academic libraries today.

“It was an inspiring and insightful week,” said Lacher-Feldman. “The Harvard Leadership Institute was a wonderful experience that allowed me to reflect and focus on the challenges of successful leadership.  It was great to have the opportunity to reflect on my own responsibilities and to learn more about effective leadership practices. I believe that this week allowed me to grow as a professional and as a leader, and allowed me to bring back new ideas and perspectives through meeting and interacting with colleagues in similar roles from all over. I look forward to using what I have learned to continue to help make LSU Libraries an even greater place for students, teaching faculty, and the greater community.”

Jessica Lacher-Feldman is the Head of Special Collections and an associate librarian. She holds an undergraduate degree in French and graduate degrees in Library Science and History. She came to LSU in June of 2013 from The University of Alabama, where she was a faculty member in Special Collections for 13 years. She is the author of Exhibits in Archives and Special Collections Libraries, published in August of 2013 by the Society of American Archivists.