Welcome to my site! I’m Lori Reed, Learning & Development Coordinator for a large metropolitan library system*. I oversee the training, learning, and development of over 500 staff. I’ve done my share of front-line duties as well with six years on the reference desk at a busy regional library. My passion is in learning and technology and making technology easy for people to understand. I believe that the best learning happens outside the four walls of the traditional classroom. I enjoy coaching, mentoring, and helping others to be the best that they can be.

I have fifteen years experience in training and development and began my career as a firefighter/EMT in Florida. There’s nothing like having a life on the line (sometimes your own) to teach you the importance of good training. Believe it or not working in libraries is very similar to working on an ambulance or a fire truck. You take care of a lot of homeless people, you sometimes have to clean up things that require latex gloves, you always wear comfortable shoes, and you put out a lot of fires!

I am a frequent speaker at national library conferences and have been published in library journals. In 2009, I was named one of Library Journal’s Movers & Shakers. I am a North Carolina Master Trainer and a Certified Synchronous Learning Expert. I am a member and former board member of the Charlotte ASTD Chapter and am a member of the American Library Association and serve as the marketing and communication chair for ALA’s Learning Round Table and the managing editor of ALALearning.org.

I live in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband Russ (who is also a library trainer), our two children (ages 5 and 2), two cats one cat, and a fish.

*The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer or clients.

Speaking

I’m available to speak for libraries and other organizations about a variety of topics, such as:

• Web 2.0
• Technology Competencies for staff
• E-learning
• Synchronous Learning
• Learning Culture
• Train-the-trainer
• Time Management
• Work/Family Balance
• Issues relating to working moms

Please contact me for more information. I’m happy to work with you on whatever your organization’s needs are.

Referrals

Paul Signorelli speaks, writes, and trains on mentoring, staff training, communication, and teamwork for both libraries and non-profits.