Phillip Carter, Vice President/President-Elect

Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library System, Starkville, Mississippi


Professional Background

Phillip Carter is an experienced public library director with a strong commitment to expanding access to library services and creating meaningful, community-centered library experiences. As Director of the Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library System, he focuses on reducing barriers, strengthening community impact, and enhancing the role of public libraries in local economic and cultural life.Headshot of Phillip Carter.
 
His expertise includes community engagement, strategic problem-solving, and developing innovative library programs that connect people with resources, learning opportunities, and one another. Known for his creativity, big-picture vision, and collaborative spirit, Phillip brings energy and enthusiasm to every project. His background also includes extensive work in music—from hosting guitar-focused podcasts to performing in local ensembles—which enriches his approach to cultural programming and community outreach.
 
Phillip holds a BSIS in Music and Audio Engineering from Delta State University (Cleveland, MS) and an MLIS from the University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS). He is a 2013 Peggy May Scholarship Recipient from the Mississippi Library Association, participated in the 2014 Mississippi Library Leadership Institute, and was named a 2018 ALA Emerging Leader.
 
What inspired you to get involved with the ARSL board?
In finding ARSL, I found my people. I found a community of passionate library professionals who care about their community and are banding together in a grassroots effort to make the most of what little we have in a way that serves our communities in the most efficient way possible.
 
"My goal is that every librarian out there who feels alone and isolated is able to find in our organization like-minded people who share their goals and their challenges and who they can lean on when they have no one else to lean on."
 
To do that, we have to be more visible, and we have to be actively pursuing our peers to bring them into our community and show them that they belong and to be authentic in our efforts. We are an organization of people—not of actions and initiatives—and that should always be at the heart of what we strive to be doing, lifting up our people through our actions and initiatives.
 
Why is ARSL's mission important to you?
ARSL's mission to build strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries directly reflects the work I do every day as a public library director in a small and rural community. The challenges I encounter locally are, more often than not, the same challenges faced by my peers across the country. Because I'm working in the trenches of rural librarianship on a daily basis, I'm able to bring a grounded, relevant voice to the table shaped by real experiences, real needs, and real community impact.
 
All of my key achievements have been in the relationships and beloved peers I've built along the way. While during my time I feel like we did important work for the organization—setting our mission and vision statements, building framework to support our members, and putting in safeguards to make sure every voice is heard at the table—the proudest moment for me is when I'm able to celebrate my peers' wins and lament their losses with them and pick each other up to continue the path to building better library communities.
 
What are your favorite library programs and personal interests?
I am a performing and recording musician who hosts a guitar and music-centric podcast. I enjoy video games, great food, and traveling. While I don't get to read as often as I would like anymore, when I do I can usually be found with a sci-fi or fantasy novel or a great biography (usually centered around music).
 
Though we only got one program in, I started a program called "Songs in the Stacks" in which we had a local band perform in the library and we recorded it in hopes of creating a library-hosted "Tiny Desk Concert" style YouTube series. While ultimately the program didn't take off as I'd hoped, it was one of my favorite things I've been a part of and I hope to do it again.
 
I serve on my local arts council board as secretary, serve as the Mississippi Chapter Councilor on the ALA Council, and serve as a Starkville Ambassador through my local Chamber of Commerce.
 
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