Candidate for Director-at-Large (Three-Year Term)

Jay Turner

Jay Turner, Director of Continuing Education and Training, Georgia Public Library Service

Biography

Jay Turner is the director of Continuing Education and Training for Georgia Public Library Service, meeting the training needs of 61 public library systems throughout the state of Georgia. He began his public library career at the age of 16 as a shelver for Dekalb County (Ga.) Public Library, and over the past 17 years has served Georgia’s public libraries in multiple capacities: assisting customers on the front lines, troubleshooting technology behind the scenes, and working with administrators to plan and develop comprehensive training for public library staff in a myriad of roles at all levels.

Jay is the current chair of PLA’s Leadership Development Committee. Past PLA and ALA committee work has included service on the Communities of Practice Task Force (2009–2012), Continuing Education Advisory Group (2010-2012), PLA 2012 National Conference Program Subcommittee (2010–2012), and CLENE/ LearnRT Communication and Marketing Committee and Executive Board (2009–2011). He was recognized as an ALA Emerging Leader in 2008, and this year was the recipient of WebJunction’s Pat Carterette Star Award for leadership and innovation. He lives with his wife (a fellow librarian) and four children in Lilburn, Georgia.

Personal Statement

“My seventeen years of service to public libraries in multiple capacities has given me unique insight into the needs of public library customers and staff at all levels. One of the professional challenges that brings me the most pleasure is building creative partnerships and innovative technological solutions to leverage sometimes limited resources into progressive results for public libraries and their customers, and I hope to use this passion in service to PLA’s Board of Directors.”