Michele A. L. Villagran

Dr. Michele A. L. Villagran (she/her/ella) serves as Associate Professor at San José State University's School of Information, bringing over 30 years of diverse experience in library and information science across public and private sectors. She also functions as CEO of CulturalCo, LLC, consulting in cultural competency, diversity & inclusion, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence. Her professional affiliations include significant roles with REFORMA National, REFORMA Los Angeles, ALISE, and IFLA.

Her educational background includes:

• Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership (Pepperdine University, 2015)
• M.D.R. in Dispute Resolution (Pepperdine University, 2013)
• Certificate in Dispute Resolution (Pepperdine University, 2011)
• M.B.A. in Strategic Management (University of North Texas, 2008)
• M.S.L.S. in Legal Informatics (University of North Texas, 2004)
• B.S.B.A. in International Business and Management (University of Nevada Las Vegas, 2001)

Dr. Villagran's research centers on cultural intelligence phenomena within libraries and social justice in library and information science. Her work examines how libraries serve multicultural populations, with particular attention to LGBTQ+ privacy issues, information needs of specific groups, and cultural competence in LIS education. She approaches these topics through the integrated lens of her expertise in dispute resolution and organizational leadership, creating unique interdisciplinary perspectives on library services and management.

Analysis of her publication record reveals a strong thematic consistency focused on equity and cultural competence across library settings. Her articles demonstrate methodological diversity including qualitative studies, content analysis, and case studies examining cultural intelligence in special libraries, multicultural perspectives on information ethics, and integration of immigrants into the LIS profession. Her research connects library practice with social justice frameworks while addressing practical challenges faced by information professionals.

Her scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards:

• 2023 American Library Association Social Responsibilities Round Table Herb Biblo Outstanding Leadership Award for Social Justice and Equality
• 2021 REFORMA Librarian of the Year
• 2021 Association for Library and Information Science Education Norman Horrocks Leadership Award

As an educator, Dr. Villagran teaches INFO 200 (Information Communities) and INFO 281 (Seminar in Contemporary Issues: Cultural Competence for Information Professionals). She brings her extensive professional experience to the classroom, having served in various library leadership positions before transitioning to academia. Her teaching philosophy integrates her expertise in cultural intelligence, diversity & inclusion, and conflict resolution to prepare students for the increasingly diverse information landscape. She has held faculty positions at multiple institutions including University of North Texas and Woodbury University, demonstrating her commitment to LIS education across different academic contexts.