Nicole Thomas, undergraduate nursing liaison librarian, is among 23 individuals from institutions across North America awarded a fellowship to participate in the 2024-2025 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Leadership and Career Development Program (LCDP). Established in 1997, the LCDP is ARL’s longest-standing leadership development program, aimed at creating a community of IBPOC leaders in research libraries and archives. The program builds upon the existing knowledge and skills of the fellows while encouraging critical exploration of their individual awareness and attitudes, and it facilitates the development and advancement of their leadership goals.
“Acceptance into LCDP gives me a new perspective on my career trajectory. Participation in this program means I can develop a leadership philosophy and, with practice, more confidence in my abilities,” Thomas commented. “My goal is to translate these into meaningful future projects that benefit UB, the Libraries and the library profession,” she continued.
In addition to acceptance into the LCDP program, Thomas received the Association of Academic Health Sciences Librarians Leadership Diversity Scholarship. Each recipient is awarded $1,500 to participate in a career development opportunity to enhance their leadership skills. These scholarships are designed to increase diversity among leaders in health sciences libraries, reinforce the profession’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and cultivate a more diverse pool of emerging library leaders.
Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in public communications from Buffalo State University and a Master of Information and Library Science from the University at Buffalo. She is dedicated to equitable education and integrates critical pedagogy into her instructional approach to create inclusive and accessible learning experiences. Specializing in information literacy and evidence-based practice, she plays a crucial role in supporting nursing undergraduates through research consultations, instruction, and as a resource for both students and faculty. As a member of the University Libraries health sciences team, she assists with course instruction and workshops, collaborates on research projects, and is currently shadowing colleagues to learn how to conduct systematic reviews, all while bridging academic resources with the evolving needs of the health sciences community.
“It is absolutely no surprise that Nicole has been selected for the LCDP. Anyone who has had the opportunity to collaborate with Nicole in the UB Libraries can attest that she is an amazing librarian and educator who always goes above and beyond to provide excellent support to faculty, staff, students and colleagues. Any project or collaboration Nicole is involved in always results in success,” said Elizabeth Stellrecht, head of health sciences library services. “She is a natural leader who always displays sincere dedication and thoughtfulness in everything she does.”