***BEFORE YOU REGISTER FOR THIS ON-DEMAND WEBINAR PLEASE REVIEW IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION BELOW***
A PLA 2026 Virtual Conference On-Demand Webinar
Three library system directors share candid stories from their leadership journeys, revealing how decision-making driven by nostalgia and emotion can perpetuate problematic behaviors and create roadblocks even worse than the ones we tried to avoid. These real-world examples show how failing to address problems directly and quickly can turn small issues into major obstacles.
Recorded live during the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference, April 1–3, 2026.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:
- Analyze the impact of nostalgic and emotional decision-making on library systems and identify common leadership pitfalls that can lead to long-term challenges;
- Develop strategies to address and correct problem behavior in library staff and management, preventing small issues from escalating into larger organizational obstacles; and
- Evaluate the effectiveness of proactive leadership in fostering a positive organizational culture and improving library services and community engagement.
Who Should Attend
This on-demand webinar is intended for any public library worker wishing to sample the educational offerings of the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference.
If you were registered for the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference, or were an in-person full-conference registrant who purchased the Virtual Conference add-on, then you already have access to this recording in the online Conference console until July 3, 2026.
Panelists
Michael Hull is the Executive Director of Southeast Oklahoma Library System (SEOLS), headquartered in McAlester, OK, overseeing libraries in sixteen communities and a bookmobile that serves many more. He earned his Masters of Library and Information Studies from the University of Oklahoma in 2007. Throughout his career Michael has actively participated in the Oklahoma Library Association and is its 2025-2026 OLA President. In 2022 Michael oversaw the addition of a new library to SEOLS, a small library in Quinton, OK serving a population of less than 1,000 that earned the OLA 2025 Library of the Year Award. Michael is currently leading a $10 million remodel of the McAlester Public Library and working to add a 17th library to SEOLS.
Tim Miller has served as Executive Director of Western Plains Library System (WPLS) since 2013. He joined the WPLS staff in 2004 as Acquisitions Coordinator and was promoted to Assistant Director in 2008. Prior to his arrival at WPLS, Miller worked for three years as a graduate assistant in the Fine Arts & Architecture Branch Libraries at the University of Oklahoma and two years as a student reference assistant at the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Al Harris Library. Miller graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a degree in history and received his master’s degree in library and information studies from the University of Oklahoma. In 2021, Miller was named the Distinguished Alumni for the OU School of Library and Information Studies. Miller is an active member of the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) where he previously served as the OLA President in 2023, OLA Secretary in 2009, OLA's Representative on the Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) Board from 2016-2019, and he is currently serving as OLA Treasurer, a position that he also held from 2011-2015. Miller has been on the OLA Finance Committee since 2008, and served as its Chair in 2024. Tim Miller is a member of: the MPLA Leadership Institute Committee; ALA Policy Corps, Cohort 4, with policy interests in rural library funding and intellectual freedom; American Library Association's Budget and Analysis Review Committee; and the Public Library Association's (PLA) Board of Directors. Miller also serves as the Fiscal Officer for PLA.
Gail Oehler has served as the Executive Director of the Southern Oklahoma Library System (SOLS) since 2019, leading a dynamic team across five counties and eight branches. With over a decade of experience at SOLS, she has spearheaded transformative projects, including the renovation of three library branches and the launch of a LibCabinet in Lone Grove to enhance access to library resources. Gail also led the introduction of telehealth services in three SOLS libraries, a pioneering pilot initiative in Oklahoma that expanded community access to healthcare. She is passionate about community engagement, equitable library services, and fostering civic participation. In addition to her role at SOLS, Gail currently serves as the Past President of the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA), where she advocates for libraries of all types and promotes professional development within the state. Her leadership has focused on collaboration, innovation, and advancing library services to meet the evolving needs of communities. Staff development remains a priority under her guidance, with ongoing initiatives that emphasize leadership growth and diversity. She is also a dedicated supporter of educational initiatives, including the Excel Online High School program, which provides accessible learning opportunities for adult learners. Gail holds a MLIS degree from the University of Oklahoma and serves on the university’s School of Library and Information Studies Board. Her dedication to library advocacy and public service continues to inspire her work in strengthening libraries as vital community hubs.
Important Registration Information
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Accommodations
This on-demand webinar is closed captioned in English (United States).
If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.
Tech Requirements
To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.
Contact
This webinar is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).
