I speak and facilitate conversations at the intersection of library leadership, organizational culture, and capacity-building in public service environments. My work focuses on helping library leaders and staff navigate complexity, strengthen collaboration, and build sustainable practices that support both people and systems.
Speaking Bio
Jaketha Farmer is an Assistant Library Director with over 25 years of experience in public libraries and information technology. Her work centers on organizational culture, collaboration, and leadership capacity within public service environments. Jaketha brings research-informed perspectives and real-world leadership experience to conference presentations, organizational learning sessions, and facilitated discussions.
Conference Speaking
Jaketha presents at professional conferences on organizational culture, leadership, collaboration, and staff well-being within public library environments. Her sessions draw on practical experience, applied research, and real-world organizational contexts within public service organizations.
Breaking Down Silos: Leading with Collaboration
Louisiana Library Association (LLA 2026) Conference
March 6, 2026 | Lake Charles, LA
Session details available in the official conference program.
This breakout session examines leadership strategies for addressing organizational silos and strengthening collaboration within public libraries. Participants explore common structural and cultural barriers to collaboration and consider practical approaches leaders can use to improve communication, alignment, and cross-functional work.
Beyond Burnout: Practical Mindfulness for Library Staff
Louisiana Library Association (LLA 2026) Conference
March 6, 2026 | Lake Charles, LA
Poster session details available in the official conference program.
This poster session highlights evidence-based mindfulness techniques that help library staff manage stress, improve focus, and support emotional resilience in high-demand work environments. Attendees will explore practical tools that can be applied immediately during the workday to promote well-being and sustain professional effectiveness.
Organizational Learning
Jaketha facilitates learning experiences that support leadership development, collaboration, and staff well-being across public library and educational environments. These engagements may take the form of internal workshops, leadership discussions, or Lunch & Learn–style sessions designed for municipal and organizational staff navigating complex, high-demand work.
Digital Resources for Student Success
Professional Development for Library Support Staff
Facilitated professional learning sessions for school district library staff focused on increasing awareness and effective use of public library digital resources. The sessions emphasized supporting K–12 and college readiness through improved access to and understanding of digital tools, with practical demonstrations tailored to staff roles and responsibilities.
All Together Now: Stress Management for Teams
Well-Being & Resilience Sessions
Designed and delivered a series of internal learning sessions, including Lunch & Learn–style discussions, for municipal employees and leadership teams focused on stress awareness, resilience, and sustainable work practices.
Career Development Mentorship Program
Leadership & Career Capacity-Building
Created and facilitated a structured, multi-month mentorship program for library support staff focused on career exploration, goal setting, and professional growth. The program provided a supportive environment for participants to reflect on workplace experiences, clarify career goals, and develop individualized development plans.
Workshops & Facilitation
Jaketha designs and facilitates customized workshops for library leaders, boards, and staff teams. Sessions are shaped by organizational context and priorities, with an emphasis on leadership capacity, alignment, and practical application.
Leadership Development & Pathways
Facilitated sessions that support leadership growth at multiple levels, including emerging leaders and professionals navigating non-traditional pathways into leadership roles.
Mindful & Sustainable Leadership
Workshops focused on reducing burnout and strengthening resilience among library leaders and staff. Sessions may incorporate reflective practices, movement-based approaches, and practical strategies that support well-being within workplace settings.
Operational Alignment & Effectiveness
Facilitation supporting organizational clarity, workflow alignment, and operational decision-making. These sessions help leadership teams examine processes, roles, and resource use to support effective and sustainable service delivery.
Technology & Innovation Conversations
Strategic discussions and facilitated sessions that help library leaders and teams assess current systems, explore emerging technologies, and align technology decisions with organizational goals and community needs.
Call to Action
Interested in bringing this work to your organization or event?
Let’s start with a conversation to explore fit and next steps.