Joanne Budler was appointed State Librarian for the State of Kansas in March 2010 by Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson.  Before coming to Kansas, Budler served as the State Librarian of Ohio for six years.  Previously, she was the deputy state librarian for the Library of Michigan and the director of Network Services and NEBASE, the State of Nebraska’s Online Computer Library Center network.


She received a Master’s degree in Library Science and a Master’s degree of Fine Arts in Writers’ Workshop, both from the University of Iowa.  She is also a graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in English/Composition.  Budler grew up in Queens, NY.

 

Budler is a member of Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), the Kansas Library Association (KLA), the Public Library Association (PLA) and the American Library Association (ALA).   She serves as: Director-at-large on the Executive Board of COSLA; Ex officio member of the KLA Governing Council; Ex officio member of the State Library of Kansas Board of Directors; and as a member of the COSLA EBook Task Force.  She also serves as a member of the On-Grade Achievement Impact Council for the United Way of Greater Topeka.  She was appointed by Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson to serve on the Governor’s Broadband Advisory Task Force.  She was also appointed by Kansas Senate President Steve Morris to serve on the Capital Preservation Committee.

 

Budler is married, has two grown daughters, and 1 grandchild.  Welcome Jo!