I’m Sonya Schryer Norris. My greatest professional satisfaction comes from providing continuing education for library staff. I consult on Niche Academy administration (6 states so far!), I co-authored Burnout in Public Libraries: A Three-Part Series with Ann Marie Sanders on Niche, and I present regularly for Library 2.0 and state libraries.
Resume of a Passionate Librarian
I have worked in libraries for over 26 years including 16 years in library development for the Library of Michigan. In 2020, I founded Plum Librarian LLC, a consulting firm and instructional design production house to provide libraries and library workers with continuing education solutions. In the past five years I have worked as a consultant and trainer to twelve state libraries.
I work closely with state library agencies and Niche Academy. I have served as the Academy administrator in Michigan, California, Virginia, Nevada, Washington, and Illinois. I have 35+ courses on Niche that have been adopted in all 50 states and internationally. My latest project is Burnout in Public Libraries: A Three Part Series.
I am a proud third-generation Michigan library worker.
Presentations
I engage regularly with audiences and appearances include the Public Library Association, Computers in Libraries, Library 2.0, state libraries, CORE, RAILS, California Libraries Learn, Niche Academy, the Southeast Collaborative Conference, PCI Webinars, and Florida Library Webinars.
Current topics include:
- Intellectual Freedom in Crisis: Moral Panics, Censorship, and the Cost to Library Workers
- Burnout
- Scalable eAccessibility Training for Library Staff and
- Managing Up
Publications
For 22 years, my articles have been appearing in Library Journal, The Other Journal: An Intersection of Theology and Culture, and multiple times in both Computers in Libraries, and for Gale/Cengage. Topics include User Experience and Change Management.
Professional titles
- Niche Academy Consultant, Washington State Library, 6/25-current
- Consultant, Library 2.0, 3/25-current
- Niche Academy Consultant, Nevada State Library and Archives, 1/2025-6/2025
- eAccessibility Consultant, California Libraries Learn, 8/2024-current
- Niche Academy Consultant, Library of Virginia, 4/2022-current
- Instructional Designer, PCI Webinars, 8/2021-8/2023
- Library Consultant, Library Development, Library of Michigan, 12/2011 – 1/2022
- Project Coordinator, California Libraries Learn 8/2020 – 8/2021
- Website Administrator, Library Development, Library of Michigan, 5/2006 – 12/2011
- Patron Services Coordinator/Studio Director, Braille and Talking Book Library 5/1999 – 5/2006
Education
- Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan:: MLIS
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan:: B.A. with Honors, English
Honors and awards
- Professional Service Award •• Wayne State University
- Leadership Academy Scholarship •• Michigan Library Association
Professional associations
- American Library Association
- Public Library Association
- ALA-CORE
- Michigan Library Association (former elected office holder)
Volunteering in my community
- English as a Second Language Learning Buddy • Refugee Development Center
- Narrator • Braille and Talking Book Library
- Lansing Host Lions Club
What People Are Saying About Me
One of the most fluent speakers I’ve ever heard/seen online. We’ve been using Niche for staff training and Sonya just gave us the best possible plan for this in less than an hour. SO very grateful! and Bravo!
NicheCon 2023 attendee
Sonya is a great instructor! She’s very good at keeping pace with attendees, making sure that we understand, and creating a friendly and safe group environment.
Online Workshop Attendee
Sonya made me a better librarian and I am forever grateful.
Michigan library director
Sonya was wonderful. She delivered much more than I thought I would learn and it is was very accessible for us.
In-person Workshop Attendee
Plum Librarian LLC 