Team Member Spotlight: Amanda Jackson

Amanda Jackson is Tech Logic’s newest Senior Solutions Specialist. She brings more than two decades of leadership experience in public libraries, library education, and library technology. Prior to joining Tech Logic, Amanda served as a Product Sales Manager with Innovative, part of Clarivate, where she partnered with public libraries across the United States. In this role, she guided libraries through technology evaluations, product demonstrations, procurement processes, and long-term strategic planning, helping organizations select solutions that aligned with their unique goals and community needs.

Before that, Amanda served as Director of the Chesapeake Public Library system in Virginia, where she led a network of seven branches, eight outreach vehicles, and more than 150 staff members. Throughout her career, she has championed equitable access to information, innovative programming, workforce development initiatives, and strategic community partnerships. Her accomplishments include securing significant grant funding, expanding library services and engagement, and helping shape statewide and national library initiatives.

Tech Logic is especially excited to welcome a former Library Director to the team. Amanda’s firsthand experience leading library operations, managing staff, advocating for funding, and navigating the challenges libraries face every day gives her a unique perspective.

In addition to her industry leadership, Amanda is dedicated to developing the next generation of library professionals as an adjunct instructor at both Old Dominion University and the University of Alabama. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Alabama and remains actively involved in numerous professional organizations, including the American Library Association and the Virginia Library Association. Amanda is widely recognized for her passion for libraries, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to helping libraries thrive in an ever-evolving world.

To help us get to know Amanda better, we asked her a few questions:

You’ve spent more than 20 years serving libraries in a variety of roles. What first inspired you to pursue a career in librarianship?

I actually got into librarianship as a stop on my journey to become Robin Williams in Dead Poet’s Society. I thought an MLIS would serve me well while I pursued my PhD in English. When I started working in public libraries, I realized what life-changing places they were, and I never left. It’s one of the few careers where, at the end of the day, you know the world is different because of the work you do. I’m consistently inspired by the work of librarians around the world. They really are heroes.

As a former Library Director, what unique perspective do you bring to your roles as a Senior Solutions Specialist?

My time in libraries gave me a great deal of insight into how libraries function and the challenges we face trying to serve the public. I understand how difficult budget decisions can be, and the unique processes we employ to make our work more efficient for the staff and the public. My library work helps me advocate for the needs of libraries and the wonderful people working there.

During your time leading Chesapeake Public Library, what accomplishments are you most proud of?

That’s a tough question. I’m proud of so many things we accomplished during my time in Chesapeake. Watching staff grow and pursue their aspirations is always exciting and rewarding. As a leader, I strongly believe it’s my job to stand in the gap for my team, whatever that means. When you can push someone to see their dreams realized and help facilitate that, even in a tiny way, that’s really exciting. It’s an honor to work with people in that capacity.

You’ve been deeply involved in library leadership and professional development throughout your career. What advice would you give emerging library leaders?

Find your true north. You are in this career because you believe you can empower and improve your community. During your career, that won’t come as easily as it should, but you have the unique ability to move the needle and create meaningful change. Keep your eyes on that goal and never doubt that the work you are doing is making a ripple in the pond. You have no idea how much your work is going to benefit people.

As an adjunct instructor, you helped educate future librarians. What excites you most about the next generation of library professionals?

I love the passion. Working with the students, I’m learning so much. Everyone brings a unique perspective to the field, and I absolutely adore listening to them discuss their passion for helping people. It makes me want to be a better librarian.

What do you think makes libraries such important institutions in their communities?

Access, access, and access. We don’t ask anything of you. We just give you a place to exist freely. For some, it’s a fun read to take them on a mental vacation or adventure. For others, it’s finding community through story times, knowing you are supporting the brain development of your little one and finding a community of caregivers doing the same thing. For others, it’s finding calm in crisis, through job help, medical and legal reference, or simply a shelter from the weather.

What are you most looking forward to as you begin working with Tech Logic customers across the country?

Tech Logic was the first company I approached when I decided to pursue the next chapter in my career journey. They are a strong company that believes in the mission of libraries. I’m incredibly excited to meet with new and old friends and facilitate making the daily work they do easier, so they can focus on creating those human moments with the community. It’s the work I’ve done for 20 years, but on a global scale.

Outside of work, what would you like to share about yourself?

I love to read (obviously), but I love watching documentaries of any kind. My family and I are super competitive. We are big on games. I’ve easily owned more than 300 board, card and video games. (If you see me on my phone, I’m probably playing traditional or word Solitaire.) I’m also a massive sports fan (it’s the competition), but I think it’s a requirement to love football if you grew up in the South.

Tech Logic connects libraries with their communities through dynamic, innovative, and efficient workflow technologies—delivering unparalleled service and outstanding patron experience. Since 1997, we have worked exclusively with libraries to develop solutions that empower library patrons and staff.