Biography

My name is Pablo Figueroa, and I hold a degree in Library and Information Science from the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.

My connection with libraries began long before my professional career. As a child and teenager, I spent countless hours in public libraries, especially at the Central Library of Vigo and the Xosé Neira Vilas Public Library. Those libraries played an important role in my education and personal development, and years later I had the opportunity to fulfill a personal dream by working in one of them.

Since 2016, I have worked in the private library sector at Infobibliotecas, a company dedicated to developing library services and projects. During this time, I have participated in a wide range of initiatives, including library digitization projects, cataloging, and the development of digital services such as eFilm and The Shelf, streaming platforms that provide libraries with access to films, television series, magazines, gamified content, and other digital resources.

Alongside my work in libraries, I have been part of the team at Ciento Volando, an independent bookstore in Madrid, since its opening. There, I have focused on marketing, reader engagement, and gaining a deeper understanding of the publishing industry. My responsibilities include organizing cultural activities, coordinating author events, and helping manage the bookstore’s participation in the Madrid Book Fair. These experiences have strengthened my skills in customer service, communication, cultural programming, and community engagement.

To broaden my knowledge of business management, I also completed a six-month Small Business Development Program at IE University, one of Spain’s leading business schools, through a scholarship sponsored by JPMorgan Chase. In addition, I have participated in two editions of Medialab Library Labs, where I had the opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas with some of the most innovative librarians in Spain.

Learning Goals During the Associates Program

• To better understand how libraries measure and communicate their social impact.
• To learn more about Return on Investment (ROI) methodologies and evidence-based library advocacy.
• To develop leadership skills that can help libraries adapt to changing community needs.
• To explore how libraries contribute to social transformation, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
• To exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues from different countries and library systems.

I am excited to participate in the Mortenson Center Associates Program and look forward to learning from library professionals around the world while exploring new perspectives that can strengthen the future of libraries in my own community.

Follow me here to read my weekly reflections throughout the program.