University of North Texas 
Dr. Daniella Smith
Founding Director
Daniella L. Smith, Ph.D., is the Hazel Harvey Peace Endowed Professor and the Director of the Information Science Ph.D. program in the Department of Information Science at the University of North Texas. She has been a faculty member since 2010. Her previous experience includes being a youth services librarian, a school librarian, and being a public school social studies and reading teacher. Dr. Smith is a frequent presenter at conferences and has published several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in publications such as JELIS, School Libraries Worldwide, the Online Learning Journal (OLJ), and Library Hi-Tech. She is the author of Growing Your Library Career of Social Media. Her research interests include Library and Information Science Education, social media behaviors, and school librarianship. Her recent projects include aspects that explore youth information-seeking behaviors and STEM implementation in K-12 schools. She currently writes for the AASL Knowledge Quest blog, serves as an ALA Councilor At-Large, and is the 2020-2021 Chair of the AASL Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS).
Dr. Sarah Evans
Co-Director
Sarah A. Evans, Ph.D., MLIS, is Associate Professor of Children's and Young Adult Librarianship in the Information Science Department at the University of North Texas. Her research examines the uses of narrative and the development of multiple literacies cultivated through self-directed learning experiences. She has expertise in public library youth services, as well as the use of comics and graphic novels as literacy tools, and international libraries for children and young adults. Since 1999, Dr. Evans has worked for and with libraries, including as a public library branch manager, collection development librarian, middle school teacher-librarian, and researcher. Throughout her career, she has served in the American Library Association and its subdivisions, most frequently in the Young Adult Library Services Association. More recently, she serves as a section member and officer in the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. Dr. Evans holds a bachelor's degree in Drama, a master's of Library and Information Science, and a doctorate of philosophy in Learning Sciences from the University of Washington, as well as an elementary education certificate from Western Washington.
Dr. Katherine Klein
Co-Director
Katherine Klein, Ph.D., MLIS, is an Assistant Professor - School Libraries at the University of North Texas. Katie holds a BA in English from Hope College, MLIS from Rutgers University, and PhD in LIS from the University of South Carolina. Before pursuing her PhD, Katie worked in libraries and nonprofits since 2005, including 10 years as a school librarian. Through her research she seeks insight into information literacy approaches in charter schools, and understanding to provide guidance for effective collaborations between school librarians and counselors. Katie serves on the ALA Library Research Roundtable Executive Committee, AASL School Library Research Editorial Board, and ALISE Juried Paper Sessions Committee.
Dr. Tricia Kuon
Co-Director
Tricia Kuon, Ph.D., is the School Library Practicum Coordinator and an Instructor in the School Library Program in the College of Information at the University of North Texas. Tricia has worked as an elementary school teacher and a school librarian. She also taught at Sam Houston State University for 9 years before moving to the Fort Worth area. As a school librarian, Tricia used Makerspaces extensively. She travels to cities in the United States to talk to educators about how to use makerspaces in their programs. She has written three books that she uses with her professional development seminars: The Makerspace Manual: How to Maximize your Existing Makerspace or Build a New One, Innovative, Cutting Edge Strategies for Increasing the Impact and Effectiveness of Your School Library Program, and Increase the Effectiveness of your School Library Program: Strategies! Strategies! Strategies!