NLA/MPLA Joint Conference

Dr. Maria McCauley is the Director of Libraries for the City of Cambridge, where she leads 167 dedicated professionals in delivering an inclusive, future‑focused vision of library service for the entire community. She partners with city leadership and three boards to expand access, elevate community engagement, and ensure Cambridge’s libraries remain vibrant, welcoming places of learning and opportunity.

Before her work in Cambridge, Maria served as Director of Libraries in Santa Monica and in Somerville and held key leadership roles at Northeastern University. She is the 2026–2027 President of the American Library Association and served as the 2022–2023 President of the Public Library Association, reflecting her deep influence in shaping the future of libraries for the good of society.

A global thought leader in strategy, inclusive service, and courageous leadership, Maria speaks across the United States and internationally on the evolving role of libraries, advancing equity, and leading with humanity while balancing the demands of parenting and personal wellness. She inspires teams, audiences, and communities to imagine what libraries can achieve—and how leadership, purpose, partnership, and compassion can transform community organizations.

With the constantly changing landscape of American libraries, it is important for librarians to not only safeguard the organization but also to protect themselves. Humor is the key! Good humor helps one to get a clear perspective. Humor alleviates stress, eases the discomfort of change, builds strong relationships, and facilitates challenging situations. Each of us was born with a sense of humor. Let’s learn how to tap in to our own delightfulness and effectively read the room to achieve the most positive outcome.

Juli Burney is a multiple award-winning retired college professor, communication specialist, humorist and author. For over 40 years, she has presented in 48 continental United States and Canada, and has been commissioned by a variety of associations from the National Endowment for the Arts to Fortune 500 companies to develop training programs that stick. She has filmed for Showtime and HBO, along with making numerous guest appearances on radio and television programs.