 Shannon D. Jones, EdD, MLS, MEd, AHIP, FMLA AAHSL President 2025-2026
December 10, 2025 Dear Colleagues: As I write my first message as President of AAHSL, I do so with deep gratitude, humility, and a profound sense of purpose. When my AAHSL journey began as a Leadership Fellow in 2011 to 2012, I never imagined that I would one day have the honor of serving as President. What I did know, even then, was that I aspired to be a leader who makes a positive and meaningful impact on the people I work with, the communities I serve, and the profession I love. Stepping into this role now feels both full-circle and forward-looking. Honoring Our Immediate Past President Reflections on the 2025 AAHSL Annual Meeting One of the most impactful sessions for me centered on budgeting models across academic health sciences libraries. Hearing about the variety of strategies used across campuses encouraged me to reflect deeply on how my own library is resourced and the ways I must advocate for what is needed to ensure sustainability and alignment with our mission. These discussions pushed me to consider my learning edges, where I must grow, where I must go deeper, and how I can be an even better steward of the resources entrusted under my leadership. This is one of the things I love most about AAHSL. We are a learning community that shares generously. We do not reinvent the wheel because we do not have to. We learn from one another, we lift one another, and we get better together. Another highlight of the Education Program was the roundtable discussions. I had the pleasure of co-facilitating Table 19 with Annie Thompson from the University of Southern California. Our topic of director burnout and self-care resonated deeply. Burnout is something I have been examining closely in my own life over the past two years, especially this past year, as I strive to remain a resilient, vibrant, thoughtful, compassionate, and future-focused leader. Our conversation affirmed the importance of taking the World Health Organization's recognition of burnout as an occupational phenomenon seriously. If we are to lead well, nurture our teams, advance our institution’s missions, and show up with clarity and integrity, then we must also take care of ourselves. I hope all of us continue to reflect on what burnout means in our own professional and personal journeys, and on the practices that help us sustain our leadership. Celebrating Excellence: Oppenheimer Cornerstone Award This award recognizes individuals or groups whose contributions significantly advance AAHSL's mission and the profession of academic health sciences librarianship. Judy is the backbone of the Leadership Fellows Program and the steady, brilliant force behind the scenes who ensures that sessions run smoothly, schedules align, and Fellows feel supported at every step. As a former Chair of the Future Leadership Committee, I know firsthand that Judy made my experience not only possible but exceptional. Her dedication, professionalism, and care elevate everything she touches. Congratulations, Judy, on this well-deserved honor. Looking ahead: 4th Friday eSalons These director-only casual, unstructured discussions will have a general topic each month for attendees to share, brainstorm, and learn from each other. The topics will be tailored to the unique needs of those in academic health sciences library leadership and will be facilitated by AAHSL members. Attendance is optional, free, and open to all AASHL directors. Please join us as your schedules allow. Closing Reflections I look forward to adjusting those sails with all of you, listening, learning, and leading together. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and the important work you do every day. I am honored to serve alongside you and look forward to a year of learning, collaboration, courage, and community. Yours in Service,
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