Nancy S. Kirkpatrick

Nancy S. Kirkpatrick (she/her/hers) is the Dean of Libraries at Smith College. She brings a forward-looking approach to supporting the Libraries’ strong foundation of inclusive service, scholarly engagement, and academic excellence. Her leadership focuses on sustaining and advancing the Libraries’ role as a vital partner in research, teaching, and learning across the College.

Prior to joining Smith, Nancy held senior leadership roles in both academic and nonprofit library organizations, including serving as Dean of University Libraries at Florida International University (FIU) and Executive Director and CEO of OhioNet. She has a background in law and information science and a record of building strategic partnerships, leading organizational change, and championing access to knowledge.

Nancy is a retired attorney who has spent her career in mission-driven, nonprofit organizations. She’s a proud mom of two great humans. Nancy loves reading, writing, knitting, and getting outside whenever she can. A frequent traveler and enthusiastic speaker, she’s passionate about lifelong learning and loves speaking with groups about change, curiosity, and the role of appreciative inquiry in personal and professional growth.

Committees

Libraries Leadership Team, Five College Librarians Council, Oberlin Group of Library Directors, Open Library Foundation Board of Directors, EveryLibrary Institute Board of Directors, EBSCO Deans Advisory Board, EBSCO User Group Board of Directors, Brooklyn Public Library Pathways to Leadership Advisory Council

Research Interests

Appreciative inquiry, positive psychology, Conversations Worth Having

Professional Affiliations

American Library Association (lifetime member), Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Minnesota State Bar Association (retired member in good standing)

Publications & Presentations

Kirkpatrick, Nancy S. “An Indirect Route to Librarianship.” Katina Magazine | Annual Reviews, December 6, 2024. https://katinamagazine.org/content/article/future-of-work/2024/an-indirect-route-to-librarianship .

Kirkpatrick, Nancy S. "The 117 Stages of the Hero's Journey." BLC Leads 2025 Forum. Address presented at Boston University, June 4, 2025.

Kirkpatrick, Nancy S. “Staying Grounded in a Wired World.” Panhandle Academic Libraries Conference. Keynote presented at Pensacola State College, April 4, 2025.

Kirkpatrick, Nancy S. “Hope, Hacking, & Harmonizing: Navigating Libraries & Life in Uncertain Times.” SCELCapalooza Colloquium. Keynote presented at Loyola Marymount University, March 6, 2025.

Kirkpatrick, Nancy S. "Igniting Your Superpower(s)." Brooklyn Public Library Rest, Reset & Re-Engage Symposium. Workshop presented at Brooklyn Public Library, October 24, 2023.