Rene Leyva is a library leader and advocate for lifelong learning, a strong supporter of intellectual freedom, and is dedicated to promoting equitable access to library services throughout Illinois. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Fossil Ridge Public Library District, supporting communities across Will, Kankakee, and Grundy counties, where he works to remove barriers to library resources for both residents and non-residents.

Rene has been a consistent champion for all types of libraries across the state. He previously served on the Board of Directors for Reaching Across Illinois Library System, representing more than 1,200 libraries in northern and west-central Illinois, where he also served as President. He is now the Vice President and President-Elect of the Illinois Library Association, an organization that supports nearly 2,000 individual members and more than 500 institutional members throughout Illinois.

As a first-generation college graduate, Rene earned his MLIS degree from Dominican University. He has actively advocated for expanding continuing education opportunities across the state of Illinois, helping create more equitable pathways for professional growth and long-term success in the field. His work centers on strengthening the library profession by supporting library workers and all types of libraries, including public, school, academic, and special. He believes all libraries are leaders in their own communities and should be part of the conversation and engaged in legislation to ensure continued success.

Dr. Snejanka Penkova holds a Ph.D. in Library Science and Bibliography from the Saint Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts, Russia. She serves as a teaching librarian in the Library System of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and has over 30 years of professional experience, including more than 15 years in the management of academic libraries. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses and has mentored theses at UPR–Río Piedras, specifically in the Faculty of Humanities, the Graduate School of Information Sciences and Technologies, and the Graduate School of Business Administration. She has also served as a resident faculty member at the Center for Academic Excellence (CEA) and the Graduate Studies and Research Deanship (DEGI). In addition, she has taught at universities in the Dominican Republic and has been a visiting professor at institutions and associations in Bulgaria, Spain, Brazil, and Haiti. She is a member of the Institutional Review Board of UPRRP (CIPSHI) and serves on editorial boards and scientific committees of academic journals both internationally and in Puerto Rico, including QQLM e-journal, BBIA Online, Fórum Empresarial, and (In)Genios, as well as acting as a reviewer for scholarly publications. Her research interests include the evaluation of scientific publishing, publication ethics, open access, altmetrics, researcher profiles, and information literacy. She has published in peer-reviewed journals in Bulgaria, Russia, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Costa Rica.

Ana Flávia Magalhães is a historian with additional academic training in journalism. She is a professor at the University of Brasília (UnB) in the Department of History and in the Graduate Program in Human Rights. She is a founding member of the Working Group on Community Archives of the Latin American Association of Archives (GTAC/ALA), where she served as coordinator from 2023 to 2026. She is a member of the Black Historians Network (Brazil), the Council of Casa Sueli Carneiro, and the team of Instituto Cultne, the largest audiovisual archive of Black culture in Latin America. She is the general coordinator of the exhibition “Reintegration of Property: Narratives of Black Presence in the History of the Federal District” (2018–2026) and a member of the collective curatorial team of the exhibition “Constituent Assembly of a Possible Brazil” (2024–2025) and of the Projeto Linha de Cor (2018–2025).

Specialized assistant librarian, BIBAS exceptional class, at the University of the Antilles, where she serves as head of the university library of the INSPE (National Institute for Higher Education in Teaching and Education) on the Fort-de-France campus. She is responsible for acquisitions in Education Sciences and Sociology and contributes to the Manioc digital library through the cataloging of digitized works, mediation, and data enhancement. Previously, at the University of Toulouse 2 Jean Jaurès, she was head of public services and of the thesis service, and also worked in the thesis service and acquisitions in Education Sciences. She is part of the Library System (SCD) of the University of the Antilles, INSPE – Fort-de-France campus.

Alleya Rodríguez Vázquez is a faculty librarian at the Library System of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Hispanic Studies, as well as a Master’s degree in Information Sciences and Technologies from the University of Puerto Rico. She is currently completing a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) specializing in Curriculum and Teaching with a concentration in Learning Technologies. Part of her work at the Gerardo Sellés Solá Library of the Faculty of Education includes conducting information literacy workshops for graduate and undergraduate students as part of the PICIC Program. Her research interests focus on topics such as the history of libraries in Puerto Rico, gender perspective, critical pedagogies, the integration of technologies in educational environments, and open access.

Amarilis Ortiz-Muñoz is a librarian at the Law School Library at the University of Puerto Rico, with over 25 years of experience in managing legal bibliographic resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with various professional organizations such as the Puerto Rico Association of Law Librarians (ABDPR) and has stood out as a leader in coordinating activities for information professionals through the Law Library Activities Committee, the Law School Achievement Day, the Annual Conference of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), and the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL).

Ana is responsible for developing and promoting community adoption of ORCID across different regions in the world. She also focuses on growing and improving ORCID integration development and knowledge. She is always seeking for global collaboration, with emphasis on the Latin America and the Caribbean region. She has collaborated with several institutions from different sectors during their development, implementation and adoption of ORCID and has participated in several international conferences and training throughout her career. Ana is an enthusiastic and active promoter of Open Science and Persistent Identifiers (PIDs). She has an MBA from the Antonio de Nebrija University in Spain and is passionate about teaching and data analysis.

Mrs. Anastasia Mulraine-Campbell holds two Masters degrees, one in Business Administration (Honours) and another in Library and Information Studies with Distinction. She is the Associate Librarian in the User Services Department at the Forde Library, University of the Southern Caribbean. She has been instrumental in developing and upgrading policies and procedures for this unit, focusing on quality control, integrating technology and systems in key processes, and ensuring open lines of communication between stakeholders. Additionally, she responds to issues in the areas of research and marketing. Her current research areas include library marketing, research and instruction. Mrs. Mulraine-Campbell is an avid reader and is passionate about service, whether in a professional capacity or serving her local church body. One adage that she lives by is 'Knowledge is Power!’. This reinforces her ability to strive for continuous improvement in each area of her life.

Bairá Soto Toledo, Executive Director, The Jane Stern Dorado Community Library A leader with extensive experience in the non-profit sector and a solid track record in community development, grant management, and strategic planning. As Executive Director of the Jane Stern Library, she has successfully implemented the organization’s vision and mission through innovative programming, staff leadership, and community partnerships. Passionate about expanding access to education and resources, she brings a collaborative and results-oriented approach to every initiative she leads.

Ben Walker is a tenured Associate University Librarian and the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs; Access and Technical Services at the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida (UF). He has held this position since 2014 but has held multiple positions since starting at UF in 2004. Ben received his MS in Library Studies from Florida State University and his EdS in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida. His scholarly work is related to storage facilities, shared collections, digitization, and leadership. He has participated in various leadership programs, including the Association of Research Libraries Leadership Fellows program.

Beverly Eccleston-Burte (She/Her) is a Reference and Instructional Librarian at the University of the West Indies, Mona-Western Jamaica Campus (WJC). She is the liaison librarian for the faculties of Social Science, Humanities and Education. Mrs Burte is dedicated to supporting and promoting the teaching learning, research and innovation at The University of the West Indies, Mona. Her research interests are information literacy, professional development, leadership, training, and youth development.

Internationally recognized for leadership in library and educational innovation, Brian Pichman champions technology that connects, empowers, and inspires. Brian Pichman has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process. A Lifelong Passion for Technology, Libraries, and Learning. From the moment computers first appeared in classrooms, Brian Pichman was captivated by their potential to transform the way people learn and connect. In fifth grade, when his teacher, Mrs. Schneider, selected four students to explore these new machines and teach the rest of the class, she set in motion a lifelong passion for discovery, education, and technology. That early spark of curiosity would evolve into a distinguished career dedicated to helping libraries and educational institutions embrace innovation and deliver more impactful experiences for their communities.

Dr. Bryan Carter received his Ph.D. at the University of Missouri-Columbia and is currently the Director of the Center for Digital Humanities and a Professor in Africana Studies, at the University of Arizona. He specializes in African American literature of the 20th Century with a primary focus on the Harlem Renaissance. His research also focuses on Digital Humanities/Africana Studies and Afrofuturism. He has published numerous articles on his doctoral project, Virtual Harlem, an immersive representation of a portion of Harlem, NY as it existed during the 1920s Jazz Age and Harlem Renaissance. Dr. Carter’s research centers on how the use of traditional and advanced interactive and immersive technologies changes the dynamic within the learning space. Dr. Carter has completed his first book entitled Digital Humanities: Current Perspectives, Practice and Research through Emerald Publishing, and his second manuscript through Routledge Press, entitled: AfroFuturism: Experiencing Culture Through Technology (June 2022). His current work has also led to exploring the African American, and expatriate experience through immersive and augmented technologies using handheld devices and wearable technologies. Dr. Carter is currently the PI, working with a team of others, on a multi-million-dollar Commerce Department initiative to expand and enhance broadband access to underserved areas around the University of Arizona and its micro-campus sites.

Dr. Cesar Olguin-Camacho is the Coordinator of the Estefanía Chávez Barragán Library within the University Program of Urban Studies at UNAM. He holds a PhD and a Master's degree in Library and Information Studies, and a Bachelor's degree in Librarianship. He is a member of the Scientific Committee for The New Trends in Humanities Research Network and was awarded the Emerging Leaders Grant by the International Conference on Technology, Knowledge & Society in Toronto, Canada. He is an international member of REFORMA (The National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking) in the USA, and a national member of the Mexican Association of Librarians (AMBAC). He serves as a peer reviewer for the journal Technology, Knowledge & Society. He has published articles in national and international journals and book chapters, and has delivered lectures in various countries, including Italy, France, Greece, the USA, Canada, Cuba, Peru, Brazil, and Costa Rica.

Cláudia De Souza holds a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of São Carlos (UFSCar), Brazil, where she also completed a Master’s degree in the Graduate Program in Science, Technology and Society. She later received her Ph.D. in Documentation from Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain, in 2018.

She is currently an Associate Professor at the School of Communication and Information (FaCI) at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, where she teaches in the Graduate Program in Information Science. Her work focuses on the organization and retrieval of information, with particular emphasis on the analysis, evaluation, and design of digital libraries and archives.

She is actively involved in regional and international initiatives that promote open, non-commercial access to knowledge, as well as digital preservation, multilingualism, and the dissemination of documentary heritage. She serves as Academic Coordinator of the UPR Caribe Digital project, supporting the development of a Digital Humanities Center at the Río Piedras Campus. She is also a co-founder of WIKI-PR, a pioneering initiative in Puerto Rico funded by the Wikimedia Foundation, and a member of the working group “Open Science as a Common Good” at the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO). Her current interests focus on enhancing the visibility, interoperability, and digital accessibility of information resources across the insular Caribbean.

Dr. Cristina Maldonado Caro is a native of Rincón. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in General History from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. Subsequently, she completed a Master’s and a Doctorate in the History of Puerto Rico at the Center for Advanced Studies on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean in Old San Juan; she also earned a Certificate in Diplomacy and Foreign Relations from the same institution. In 2018, she traveled to Spain to study at the Catholic University of Murcia, where she obtained a Diploma in Political Communication. Professor Maldonado Caro has participated as a speaker in various international conferences, specifically within the UNESCO Chair of Scientific Education for Latin America and the Caribbean. Furthermore, in the summer of 2025, she completed a Research Internship at the University of Celaya in Guanajuato, Mexico. Her academic interests include the study of scientific imperialism, 20th-century history in the Caribbean and Spain, the history of science, and the conservation of historical heritage. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the Jesús T. Piñero Library and Social Research Center at Ana G. Méndez University, Carolina Campus, where she is also a member of the faculty.

Dinah M. Wilson Fraites works as a cataloging librarian in the Library System of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She has a M.A. in Comparative Literature (2011), a M.I.S. in Library and Information Science (2018), and is currently a doctoral student in the Hispanic Studies Department at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Her areas of interest include cataloging, authority work and identity management, metadata for special collections, digital humanities, digital community archives, and the history of libraries and archives in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Edmy Angélica Ayala Rosado is a researcher, science communicator, and journalist from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information and Journalism (2018) and a Master’s degree in Communication with a specialization in Theory and Research (2025), both from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Her work focuses on evidence translation, knowledge communication, and community outreach in research, education, and collective memory projects. She has collaborated with interdisciplinary teams in social and natural sciences to strengthen the relationship between academic production, cultural institutions, and communities. Her research experience spans population health studies, evidence synthesis, and community-based research.

As part of her master's thesis, she conducted an independent scoping review, systematizing empirical literature on the health of Puerto Rican women, including cancer, chronic conditions, and disaster-related disruptions in access to care. Additionally, in 2025, she participated in the Academic Formative Experiences Program (PEAF) at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, as a research assistant for Dr. Cláudia De Souza, a renowned authority in the field of Open Science. In this role, she contributed to a regional bibliographic analysis of open science practices in the insular Caribbean, applying systematic review methodologies to examine scientific production patterns, access to knowledge, and inequities in academic knowledge circulation. Prior to her work in scientific and academic communication, she spent several years as a freelance journalist covering science, health, public policy, and social resilience in Puerto Rico for local and international media. This experience informs her critical, ethical, and contextualized approach to knowledge communication. She also has project management experience in university settings, non-profits, and public media, including roles at Ciencia Puerto Rico, the Center for Habitat Reconstruction, and Radio Universidad de Puerto Rico. Her work is guided by principles of ethics, access to knowledge, and a commitment to collective well-being in Puerto Rico.

Edwar Delgado joined OCLC in 2013 and brings deep knowledge of library work across Latin America and the Caribbean. He is a librarian from Universidad Javeriana (Colombia) and has collaborated with OCLC since 2005, including participating in the Jay Jordan OCLC–IFLA Early Career Fellowship. After the fellowship, he helped introduce OCLC to Colombia in 2009, supporting broad adoption of OCLC products across the region. He also has sales experience and an MBA from the University of Delaware in the United States, complementing his library expertise.

Eloísa Marrero-Sera is a librarian with a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Scientific-Technical Information and Librarianship, both from the University of Havana. She has held various roles and responsibilities in information institutions in both her native Cuba and the Dominican Republic. She currently serves as the Director of the Central Library, secretary and member of the Editorial Board, and faculty member at the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU). She has participated as a speaker and jury member in several national and international seminars and congresses and has provided technical consultancy for libraries and information institutions. She has published articles in professional journals, both in print and digital formats.

Eric began working as an Education/Marketing Manager in the world of libraries, archives, and museums in 2003. Since then, he has worked for two educational institutes specialized in archiving, information retrieval, and document management. From the start, he has had a keen interest in the digitalization of information and its consequences for information specialists. Since June 2021, Eric has been responsible for the development of a generic education program for all information professionals working in Information Governance and Archiving for the Dutch Government.

In 2024, Eric was appointed Director of GO | School for Information, a Dutch educational institute specialized in continuous professional education in the field of information services. GO | School for Information is internationally active in countries such as the USA, the Dutch and English Caribbean, India, Germany, Belgium, and Italy. Eric is a board member of the KNVI (Royal Dutch Association for Information Professionals), a member of the Innovation Committee of the Dutch Royal Library, and an editor for the magazines Od (Governmental Information) and IP (Information Professional). He has authored chapters in several books and publications on information services, including “Social Media and Libraries” and “The Card Catalog: Analogue and Digital” for Elsevier’s Encyclopedia of Libraries, Librarianship, and Information Science, as well as a chapter on Community Librarianship in the book Aanbod, dienstverlening en gebruikers van bibliotheken (Products, Services, and Library Users) by Publisher Politeia.

Evy Marie Garcés Vázquez is a young Puerto Rican woman who is passionate about learning, reading, and her convictions. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Information Science at the Faculty of Communication and Information of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus (UPRRP). She works as an Administrative Assistant for the East Adventist Association in Puerto Rico, but her future goal is to serve as a librarian in an educational institution where she can impact the lives of students and the school or university community.

Félix Meléndez is a Puerto Rican from Morovis, born in 1989. With training in various fields, he currently serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator for Libraries Without Borders US. He is also a cultural and natural heritage interpreter at the Las Cabachuelas Nature Reserve and a yoga teacher in public housing projects across the country. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Hispanic Studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Félix is the co-founder of CabaCoop (Cabachuelas Project), as well as an author, editor, and cultural manager.

Jakeema Hernandez (36 years) is a Program Manager at the Public Library of Bonaire. In this role, she coordinates school-based library projects and leads campaigns that promote literacy, learning, and community engagement. Communication has been a central element throughout her career. She began her professional journey as a teacher, where she built a strong foundation in education and engagement. Jakeema then spent seven years working for the Government of Curaçao within the Department of Education, serving as a coordinator and later as a manager, leading educational initiatives and supporting policy implementation. Jakeema is driven by a strong passion for education, collaboration, and creating meaningful programs that make a positive and lasting impact on children and the wider community.

Jaquelina E. Alvarez leads various digital strategies initiatives, such as establishing innovative research support services and developing collections in the institutional repository, Scholar@UPRM, and Omeka S. She has worked on numerous projects funded by federal and private sources, including the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Mellon Foundation. She is currently co-director of the Oral History Laboratory (OHL) and coordinator of the Graduate Research and Innovation Center (GRIC) at the UPR Mayagüez General Library. She earned a master's degree (1997) and a specialization (1999) certificate in Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Javier Jared Álvarez-Ginés is an information professional whose interests focus on the 3D digitization of cultural and performative objects, digital preservation, education through video games, user experience (UX), learning experience (LX), accessibility, instructional design, and research methods. Upon completing his master's degree in 2025, he received the Dra. Luisa Vigo-Cepeda Award from ASEGRABCI, as well as recognition for Leadership and Academic Excellence from the Society of Librarians of Puerto Rico. He was also awarded the D-POEN emerging professional grant to become a digital archives specialist through the Society of American Archivists. Currently, he collaborates with the Dra. Luisa Vigo-Cepeda Cultural Documentation Laboratory in the digitization and cataloging of cultural materials, as well as in the implementation of digital preservation for three-dimensional digital resources.

Dr. Jay Omar Soto Vélez is a Puerto Rican academic librarian and educational technology specialist with more than fifteen years of experience in higher education. He holds two master's degrees from the University of Puerto Rico, one in Animal Science and another in Information Science and Technology, as well as a doctorate in Education with a specialization in Educational Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University. His professional expertise includes electronic information resources, instructional design, educational technology, and information literacy. Dr. Soto Vélez currently serves as Director of the Adelina Coppin Alvarado Library at the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce, where he leads initiatives focused on innovation, technology, and community engagement. He is also recognized for promoting reading, creativity, and critical thinking through cultural and academic activities within the university community.

Jeanmary Lugo González works as a special collection librarian in the Puerto Rican Collection of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She has a M.I.S. in Library and Information Science (2016). Her areas of interest include special collections, reference services, information literacy, digital humanities, and Puerto Rican literature.

Dr. Jeannette Lebrón Ramos has experience in library environments since the year 2000. She currently works as a teaching librarian, reference service coordinator virtual in the Library System of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. At an academic level, she has a doctorate in Documentation: Archives and Libraries in the Digital Environment from the Carlos III University of Madrid, a master's degree in Administration Public and another in Sciences and Information Technologies, both from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

She was the President of the Latin America and the Caribbean Division of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLALAC) from 2023 to 2025. She was the president of the Association of Caribbean University, Research and Institutional Libraries (ACURIL) 2021-2022 and ACURIL, Puerto Rico Chapter (2012-2021). He is a member of the Board of ACURIL and of ACURIL Chapter of Puerto Rico.

In June 2023 he received ACURIL's Caribbean Information Professional of the Year award.

Jenna Sandiford-Maundy is a library and information professional with over 20 years of experience in the profession. She holds a BSc in Library and Information Studies from Aberystwyth University, Wales, and currently serves as Librarian IV within the Research, Planning and Development Department at the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS). Throughout her career, she has served across multiple roles within the Authority, including the management of public libraries, special libraries, and research and planning initiatives. She is trained in project management and currently serves as President of the Library Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT), where she has served on the executive for the past 10 years.

Dr. Jorge Octavio Ruiz Vaca holds a PhD and a Master's degree in Library and Information Studies from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and a Bachelor's degree in Librarianship from the National School of Librarianship and Archive Science (SEP). He was an elected member of the IFLA Latin America and the Caribbean Section Committee (2015–2019) and a member of the IFLA International Leaders Programme (2012–2014). In 2006, he was a fellow of the "Thinking Outside the Borders" program at the Mortenson Center, University of Illinois, USA. Since 2015, he has been an adjunct professor for the Library Science degree at the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, UNAM. He is the author of several articles in specialized journals and has presented numerous papers at national and international conferences. He currently works at the UNAM Humanities Coordination, collaborating with the HUMANINDEX Academic Information System.

José Javier Morales Benítez is an academic librarian at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. He works at the Graduate Research and Innovation Center (GRIC), a unit of the General Library that provides services specifically designed for graduate students and faculty, aimed at supporting them throughout all stages of the research process. He earned his Master’s degree in Library Science from the Graduate School of Information Sciences and Technologies at UPR Río Piedras (UPRRP) in 2018. As part of his duties, José creates workshops, digital guides, and video tutorials on topics such as effective scientific information retrieval in databases, creating data management plans, and criteria for evaluating and selecting academic journals for research publication. He has also collaborated on oral history and digital humanities projects. He is currently a doctoral student in the Learning Technology program at UPRRP.

José Raúl Ubieta Santiago is a librarian at the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. He holds a Master’s degree in Information Science from the same institution. Currently, he serves as the coordinator of the Center for Research Education and Opportunities in Science Communication and Counseling (CRESCO), as part of the federal Title V RCM grant. His work has been particularly noteworthy in the field of information literacy, providing training and consultancy services to students, faculty, and researchers. His efforts support the development of competencies in the ethical and effective use of information, as well as the strengthening of academic research and scientific communication within the university environment.

José A. Robledo González est bibliothécaire, catalogueur, documentaliste et archiviste. Il dirige le Centre de documentation des humanités José Emilio González de la Faculté des humanités du campus de Río Piedras de l'Université de Porto Rico. Il est le catalogueur de toutes les unités d'information et centres de recherche de ladite faculté et collabore au catalogage de la bibliothèque Santiago Iglesias, hijo de l'École d'architecture du campus. Il a débuté son expérience professionnelle au sein de la Collection Portoricaine du Système de Bibliothèques. Il a également travaillé à temps partiel à la bibliothèque de droit de l'Université de Porto Rico en tant que bibliothécaire responsable du département de prêt et réserve pour les quarts de nuit des week-ends et jours fériés, en plus de diriger le projet de conversion rétrospective du département de catalogage de cette bibliothèque. Il a obtenu sa licence en français et langues modernes à la Faculté des humanités. Par la suite, il a obtenu sa maîtrise en sciences et technologies de l'information, puis un certificat de post-maîtrise en bibliothèques académiques et spécialisées, tous deux à l'École supérieure des sciences et technologies de l'information de l'Université de Porto Rico. Il a dispensé des cours de français intensif I et II au département des langues étrangères de la Faculté des humanités, ainsi que des cours sur l'organisation et le repérage de l'information et des connaissances (niveaux de base et avancé), l'organisation et la gestion de documents, et les archives : organisation, développement et législation, ainsi que sur la curation numérique et les métadonnées. Il documente l'activité culturelle de la Faculté des humanités de l'UPRRP. M. Robledo est également facilitateur de la communauté de pratique sur le développement collaboratif des collections de l'Université de Porto Rico, préside l'ASEGRABCI (Association des diplômés de l'école de bibliothéconomie de l'UPR) et agit en tant que co-coordinateur systémique et conservateur du dépôt institutionnel de l'UPR.

Leann George holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from The University of the West Indies Mona and a Bachelor’s degree in Process Engineering from the University of Trinidad and Tobago. She is an emerging library and information professional currently employed within the Research, Planning and Development Department at the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS). She is trained in project management and applies these principles within research, planning, and library development initiatives. She currently serves as Secretary of the Library Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) and remains actively involved in advocacy and professional engagement within Caribbean librarianship.

Lianne Leonora is the Director of the Mongui Maduro Library in Curaçao. She is a passionate advocate for the preservation and accessibility of Caribbean cultural heritage. Her work focuses on leveraging digital technologies to expand the reach and impact of the library's collections and to foster a vibrant research community in the region.

Dr. Liz M. Pagán Santana is a distinguished information professional and educator with more than twenty-seven years of experience in higher education in Puerto Rico, both in public and private institutions. Her career has been characterized by a strong integration of information management, university teaching, and the development of innovative initiatives in educational environments.

She holds a Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Learning Environments and a subspecialty in Educational Technology, which supports her focus on transforming teaching and learning processes through the strategic use of technological tools. She also earned a Master’s degree in Information Science and Technology, a foundation that has strengthened her work as a specialist in the development, evaluation, and management of information resources in academic settings.

Currently, she serves as Interim Academic Dean at University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, where she leads initiatives aimed at strengthening academic quality, promoting educational innovation, and fostering a culture of institutional collaboration.

Librarian at the Library System of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. He has over 15 years of experience in academic libraries, specializing in collection evaluation and development, acquisitions, and electronic resource management. He holds a Master’s degree in Information Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in the Administration of Academic, Public, and Special Libraries. He is a doctoral candidate for a PhD in Education with a concentration in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning Environments. He is currently a member of the Executive Council of the Association of Caribbean University, Research and Institutional Libraries (ACURIL).

Marcelo Rodríguez joined the Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library as the Foreign, Comparative and International Law Librarian in February 2021. He came to us from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit in New York City where he spent three years as their Research and Outreach Librarian and in charge of classes through the Justice for All initiative. Marcelo also brings to the UA his research and librarian experience from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Columbia Law Library, the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, the International Criminal Court in the Hague, and the Law Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Marcelo is active in numerous organizations, both nationally and internationally such as the American Association of Law Librarians (AALL), Canadian Association of Law Libraries (CALL), Association of Caribbean University, Research and Institutional Libraries (ACURIL), International Association of Law Libraries (IALL), Seminar of the Acquisition of Latin American Materials (SALALM), and the International Federation of Library Associations - Latin America and the Caribbean (IFLA-LAC). He is a columnist for slaw.ca and the creator of the international project Monitoring COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean. Born in Puerto Rico, he speaks Spanish and French fluently as well as reading knowledge in Hebrew and German. Research topics of interest: International and Comparative Law, International Organizations and Supranational Unions, Latin America and the Caribbean, Territorial Law, Emoji Law, Social Media as Government Information

La profesora Mariangeli Lugo-Zayas cuenta con un bachillerato y una maestría en Administración de Empresas, un grado Juris Doctor y una segunda maestría en Ciencias de la Información, todos obtenidos en el Sistema de la Universidad de Puerto Rico. Actualmente dirige la Oficina de Adquisiciones, dentro del Departamento de Servicios Técnicos de la Biblioteca de Derecho, UPR, donde ha colaborado por los pasados 15 años. Es miembro activo de varias organizaciones profesionales en el campo de las ciencias de la información, como ACURIL, la Asociación Americana de Bibliotecas de Derecho y, actualmente, en su rol como Vice Presidenta de la Sociedad de Bibliotecario s de Puerto Rico.

Mariely Serrano Figueroa is a librarian and educator with a background in Information Sciences, Education, and Library Administration. She holds a Master of Information Sciences (MIS) from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, where she also completed a Post-Master’s Certification in the Administration of Academic, Public, and Special Libraries. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Education. Currently, she serves as a librarian at the Elementary School of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, where she promotes reading and offers workshops on information literacy skills, as well as the responsible and ethical use of information technologies. She has been a guest speaker at the Literacy Academy of the Flamboyán Foundation of Puerto Rico. Her work is distinguished by her commitment to library innovation, the integration of educational technologies, and the strengthening of informational and literary competencies within the school community.

The Assistant Director supports Law Library administration and works with all Law Library departments on programs and goals. Supervises Outreach and Library Services and reference librarians. The Assistant Director is responsible for Special Collections. As Special Collections librarian, I work on digital initiatives providing open access to unique Latin American legal resources. Special collections includes the Mario Diaz Cruz Library with three sub collections: Index of Cuban Law and Jurisprudence, foreign legal books and journals mostly from Cuba and Latin America, and Pamphlets; Caribbean Law and Jurisprudence, Cuban Law, and Civil Codes (1800-1923). Responsible for the development of the international, comparative and foreign law collection and providing reference, research and instructional services to faculty and students of the College of Law. It includes preparing research guides to support foreign and international legal research. These include guides on the following areas: International Criminal Law Resources, International Commercial Arbitration, Latin American Open Access Journals and Law Reviews, and Central American & Caribbean Newspapers among others.

The Foreign and International Law Librarian (FCIL) works with the Director of International and Comparative Law Programs and other law professors on the inclusion of international law and foreign law into every course taught at the College of Law.

Dr. Mercy Delgado Cordero is a passionate librarian with seventeen years of experience in higher education, in both public and private institutions. She currently serves as Head of the Puerto Rican Collection and the Historical Archive at the Library of the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón. She is also a Professor in the graduate programs in Library Science at Cambridge College and in Information Science at the Faculty of Communication and Information of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Comparative Literature and Art History, a postgraduate certificate in Editing and Publishing Arts, a master’s degree in Library and Information Science, and a doctorate in Leadership of Educational Organizations from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She received the 2019 Distinguished Dissertation Award for her study Academic Librarian Leadership in a Time of Change: Their Voices. Dr. Delgado has delivered presentations, workshops, and educational experiences in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bolivia, El Salvador, Chile, Brazil, Albania, and the United States. She considers herself a cultural leader who, through librarianship, has devoted her academic and professional life to working with books and for books. She firmly believes that reading and education possess a unique power for social and personal transformation, ensuring a better future for society. Through teaching and mentoring, she is committed to shaping a new generation of information professionals who are deeply aware of the vital role they play in today’s world.

Dr. Myrna Lee Torres Pérez holds an Ed.D. in Education with a specialization in Higher Education from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, and a master’s degree in Information Sciences and Technologies from the University of Puerto Rico. She was a leader, writer, and editor of Infotecarios, an international portal specializing in librarianship and information sciences, from 2011 to 2021. Her areas of interest include information literacy, the roles of academic librarians, and professional writing. She has served as an international speaker for the Latin America and Caribbean Division of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA LAC), as well as at events such as the International Book Fair of University Students (FILUNI) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Guadalajara International Book Fair. She has 28 years of experience in library and information science and currently serves as Director of the Learning Resources Center at the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón, with the goal of positioning the Biblioteca Vaquera as the heart of the campus.

Dr. Nancy Abreu Báez holds a Doctorate in Hispanic Studies with a specialization in Puerto Rican literature, a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science with a concentration in academic libraries, and a Bachelor’s degree in Hispanic Studies with a second major in French. She also completed two minors in Comparative Literature and Portuguese, all from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

She began her career in the 1990s as a faculty librarian within the Library System, where she held multiple positions, including automation librarian, head librarian, assistant director of Collections, and reference librarian, among others. She has served as a Faculty Senator and as a professor in the Department of Spanish at the Faculty of General Studies, the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, and at the Madre y Maestra University in the Dominican Republic.

Since 2021, she has served as the Director of the Library System. As part of her administrative leadership, she has promoted international collaboration agreements, internship programs, and technological modernization projects. She has presented at conferences both in and outside of Puerto Rico, including Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. She has published articles in academic journals such as Revista de Estudios Hispánicos and Caribbean Studies, as well as in various collective works.

Nelissa E. Caraballo-Ramos holds a Master’s degree in Information Science from the Faculty of Communication and Information at the University of Puerto Rico. Throughout her professional career, she has worked in various cultural and academic institutions in Puerto Rico and the United States. She has served as a digitization specialist at the National Library of Puerto Rico, an archivist in the Special and Area Studies Collections Department at the University of Florida Library, and a cataloging and metadata specialist for the Puerto Rico Architectural Heritage Archive project at the Luis Muñoz Marín Foundation, among others. Currently, she collaborates as an archivist, digital humanist, and independent researcher at the Dra. Luisa Vigo-Cepeda Cultural Documentation Laboratory of the José Emilio González Humanities Documentation Center at the University of Puerto Rico. Her academic interests include archival science, digital preservation, librarianship, digital humanities, anthropology, and the history of the Caribbean and Latin America.

Mrs Niala Dwarika-Bhagat is a Librarian at the Medical Sciences Library, University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine campus in Trinidad and Tobago. Her major area of research is predatory publishing. She has authored 5 online guides on the topic and conducts workshops and training sessions on predatory publishing, information literacy and, journal evaluation. Niala is an ACURIL Executive Council member. She is a senior member of the Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP), and a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Health and Biosciences Libraries Section (HBS)

Dr. Noraida Domínguez Flores is an academic, researcher, and higher education leader with a doctorate in Information Science. She currently serves as professor and coordinator of the Graduate Program in Information Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico and has an extensive career as an educator and specialist in institutional licensing and accreditation processes.

Her expertise focuses on academic quality, knowledge management, information literacy, and the pedagogical integration of artificial intelligence. She is co-author and developer of the ACREAR™ Model and Method, innovative initiatives aimed at designing learning experiences and formative assessment with AI, and has presented her research and proposals at national and international conferences.

Dr. Pablo Luis Rivera is a historian, cultural artist, epistemologist, writer, declaimer, social scientist, and free thinker. He has served as an educator for more than thirty years in various institutions both in Puerto Rico and abroad. He is co-director of the educational, decolonial, and anti-racist project Afrolegado.

He has distinguished himself as a scholar of the musical genre of bomba, transcending its mere folkloric representation; he is a true promoter of Afro-Puerto Rican culture through his participation in various outreach initiatives, including Aula en la Montaña, Bomba de Oro, and Bomba para rehabilitar el alma.

Currently, he is a professor in the Department of Social Sciences at the Faculty of General Studies of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. He also serves as Coordinator of the Minor Concentration in Afrodescendancy Studies and Transdisciplinary Research at the Faculty of General Studies.

He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses at Universidad Ana G. Méndez and the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. In addition, he has presented lectures in Germany, Africa, Canada, the United States, Spain, the Caribbean, and several Latin American countries.

His research has been published in numerous local and international academic journals. His most recent work, A Caribbean Vision of Puerto Rico Through Its History and Culture: Tasks, Rhythms, and Bámbulas, proposes a critical reading of Puerto Rican history and culture from a Caribbean perspective.

He firmly believes that education is the fundamental driving force for the transformation of society.

Purísima Centeno Alayón is an Academic Librarian and Instructional Designer with over 20 years of experience in higher education. She holds a Doctorate in Education with a subspecialization in Learning Technologies, a specialization in Scientific and Technological Information Management, and a Master's degree in Information Sciences and Technologies. Throughout her career, she has developed open educational resources and trained faculty in online course design. She has extensive experience in coordinating institutional projects, supervising teams, and providing faculty development. She is the editor of Acceso. Revista Puertorriqueña de Bibliotecología y Documentación, published by the Librarians Society of Puerto Rico, a manager of electronic publishing systems (OJS), and has served as a peer reviewer for academic publications. She currently leads a funded research project on open access journals in Puerto Rico. A frequent presenter at conferences and author of multiple peer-reviewed publications, her work has been recognized with awards at the Caribbean regional level.

Ms. Peters holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (General Management). She has worked at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus Library for over 10 years, beginning as a Clerk Typist and now serving as an Assistant Librarian (Temp). Her research focuses on innovative strategies to enhance library services and streamline operations through the integration of technological tools. She actively keeps abreast with technological advancements relevant to academic libraries and regularly engages in collaborative research projects. With skills in research assistance, paper formatting, and editorial work, Ms. Peters is committed to supporting patrons and advancing their academic library experience.

Richard Chabrán is a librarian, and scholar recognized for his pioneering role in developing Chicano and Latino library resources. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has been a leading advocate for bridging the "digital divide". Chabrán has held leadership positions at several major universities: University of California, Berkeley; UCLA, UC Riverside, and finally at the University of Arizona where he taught graduate students for twenty years in the School of Information.

Professor Rosa M. Lozada Robles has 11 years of experience working in both academic and public libraries in Puerto Rico and in Florida. She currently is the Journal and Periodicals Librarian at the Learning Resources Center (CRA) of the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, a Master’s degree in Information Sciences, and a post-master's certificate in Library Administration from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Since joining the CRA, she has strengthen her passion for academic publications, conducting research and teaching on the subject.

Dr. Rosángela Rodríguez Pedró is a cataloging librarian at the School of Architecture, University of Puerto Rico, with research interests in public governance and the impact of emerging technologies on education. She holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Learning Technologies and completed a postdoctoral program on New Challenges in Public Governance at the University of Salamanca, Spain. Her professional experience includes work in school libraries and academic research, complemented by achievements in securing research funding and publishing children's literature.

Ryan Rodriguez is a customer success leader at BMJ Group, partnering with universities and consortia to strengthen adoption, demonstrate value, and align information resources with institutional priorities. With 15+ years of experience in scholarly publishing and an MSM (Master of Science in Marketing), he works closely with library teams to translate collections and services into clear outcomes for students, researchers, and clinicians—supporting renewal strategy, stakeholder messaging, and sustainable investment. Ryan brings deep experience in relationship-led enablement and practical value storytelling. His sessions focus on simple frameworks that help libraries move from “what we have” to “who we help and how,” making impact easier to communicate to senior leadership and the broader community.

Sandra Stubbs is Librarian with responsibility for the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Western Jamaica Campus Branch Library in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Since pioneering library services at the Campus in 2008, she has guided ongoing staff, facilities, and service development and has contributed to campus management, academic coordination, and strategic planning.

She is currently a doctoral candidate and holds a Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies from UWI, Mona. Her doctoral research examines changing library spaces and service models in higher education and the public service. Her professional and research interests include library spaces and places, customer service, knowledge management, access to information, and library development.

Miss. Stubbs is a member of LIAJA, ALISE, and ACURIL.

She has previously received the ACURILEAN Star Award for Excellence in Research (Santo Domingo, 2010).

Yeritza González-Durán is a librarian with a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Havana, a Bachelor’s degree in Librarianship from the Central University of Venezuela, and is a Specialist in Health Sciences Information from the Regional Library of Medicine (BIREME - PAHO-WHO 2007-2013 / 2022-2025) in São Paulo, Brazil. She is currently the Head of the Virtual Reference Service, Anti-plagiarism Service, and Information Literacy (ALFIN) at the UNPHU Central Library. She has participated as a speaker and jury member in various national and international seminars and congresses.

Beverley Wood, Librarian, Sidney Martin Library, Cave Hill Campus .Beverley Wood has worked in libraries for almost three decades. Her varied work experiences have included periods at public, special, and academic libraries. At the Cave Hill Campus, she led the cataloguing unit for many years, and managed both the medical library and the law library, for a few years each. Presently she is responsible for building out the scholarly communications portfolio. Ms. Wood strongly believes that libraries have the power to transform lives., Librarian, Sidney Martin Library, Cave Hill Campus .Beverley Wood has worked in libraries for almost three decades. Her varied work experiences have included periods at public, special, and academic libraries. At the Cave Hill Campus, she led the cataloguing unit for many years, and managed both the medical library and the law library, for a few years each. Presently she is responsible for building out the scholarly communications portfolio. Ms. Wood strongly believes that libraries have the power to transform lives.

Ms. Debra Lowe, University of Guyana Librarian, started working at the University of Guyana Library, Turkeyen Campus, Guyana in 1984. She graduated with the following degrees at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus: a Grad. Dip. Ed., Social Studies (2004); MA. Soc. Sci., International Studies (2002); Grad. Dip. Soc. Sci., International Studies (1996) and a Bachelor in Social Sciences, Sociology (1994). With thirty plus years’ experience in the library field, Ms. Lowe in pursuit of qualifying her knowledge in the field of Library and Information Sciences, is currently pursuing a MLIS at the Indira Gandhi National Open University. Ms. Lowe continues to be engaged in policy formulation and decision making at the administrative level of the library. Her research interests include assessing library services, the impact of the technologies on the library and drug demand reduction. She has been engaged in varying research and has also presented and published the same.

Born in Madrid, Spain, in 1966 and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico, I have held a tenured position at the University of Puerto Rico since 2008. My career has been built on a foundation of reference services and the integration of information literacy into core curricula. Since 2020, my professional focus has shifted toward leading high-impact newspaper digitization initiatives. After serving as the lead instructor for information competencies at the graduate program of the Faculty of Education (UPR Río Piedras), I was appointed to manage the Puerto Rican Digital Library (Biblioteca Digital Puertorriqueña). In this capacity, I have spearheaded several prestigious projects, including the Florida and Puerto Rico Newspaper Project, funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Film on a Boat initiative, granted by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR). My recent work also encompasses strategic international collaborations with the Center for Research Libraries and East View Information Services to successfully digitize the historical newspapers El Mundo and El Imparcial.

Melissa Mercado Caraballo is a graduate student in Library and Information Science at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She currently serves as a library services mentor for the Title V Project at the Medical Sciences Campus, where she conducts workshops focused on the use of artificial intelligence technologies for research. Her interests in the field of librarianship include the practice of Open Science within academic libraries, as well as information literacy and the use of artificial intelligence in higher education.