Becky Briggs Becker
University Archivist and Interim Head of LaBudde Special Collections
In addition to her role as the University Archivist, Becky is serving a six month interim
appointment as Head of LaBudde Special Collections. Becky has been with the UMKC Libraries
for two years, revitalizing the University Archives, developing needed policies and approaches
to archive management, and building the department with new staff positions.
Becky came to UMKC with 10 years of experience in the archival field, most recently as
Assistant University Archivist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she held
responsibility for collections management and processing, researcher-centered services,
outreach and engagement, and digital archives, collections, and exhibits for University Archives.
Linda J. Fox
E-Resources & Acquisitions Associate
Linda Fox is now the Electronic Resources and Acquisitions Associate for the Collections and
Acquisitions Department, a role she has held as interim for the last nine months. In this role,
Linda helps oversee the purchasing process for new materials and databases available in all
UMKC Libraries. Another major part of her work is maintaining subscriptions to digital
resources. Linda has been with the Libraries for almost 28 years in a variety of roles, and her
institutional knowledge as well as her many areas of experience are invaluable.
Kate Johnson
Library Information Specialist, Evening & Weekend Supervisor
Kate (Katharine) Johnson is the newest Library Information Specialist in Circulation Services!
Kate will be taking on supervision of evenings and weekends at Miller Nichols Library, managing
library operations and overseeing student employees during later library hours that are highly
valued by UMKC students. Kate joins us with a music degree from UMKC, experience at Cass
County Library System, and nearly 20 years as a teacher for both private music lessons and in
public schools.
Danielle Marx
UMKC Libraries HR Business Partner
Danielle joins the UMKC Libraries team as our Human Resources Business Partner. She has
been with the university HR department for one year and also supports the UMKC Conservatory
and the Division of Student Success. Danielle has an educational background in History,
Anthropology, and Human Resources Management with degrees from the University of
Nebraska-Omaha and Bellevue University. As an HR professional, Danielle has worked for
organizations such as Stephens & Smith Construction, Denver Public Schools, and Clinical
Reference Laboratory. In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family,
traveling, and listening to true crime podcasts.
Chayanne Sandoval-Williams
Digital Collaboration Specialist, LIS Sr.
Previously a Library Information Specialist in Circulation Services, Chayanne is taking on a new
role in the UMKC Libraries as the Digital Collaboration Specialist. In this newly created position,
Chayanne is primarily responsible for managing the Digital Collaboration Studio space in Miller
Nichols Library, providing basic support on specialized technology, assisting with workshops
and other initiatives, and supervising student staffing. Chayanne approaches her new role with
highly relevant experience as a lab manager and research assistant, and as a STEM educator
through the iD Tech summer camp and after school program. She gained familiarity with library
systems and processes in Circulation Services, and holds a BS in Computer Science.
Lindy Smith
Interim Strategic Projects & Special Collections Librarian
Lindy is serving a six month interim appointment as Strategic Projects Librarian, supporting the
UMKC Libraries leadership team with strategic priorities including library operations, supervisory
projects, tactical and strategic planning, and policy maintenance. On leave from her long-term
position as the Head of LaBudde Special Collections, Lindy also provides support to the special
collections department as needed. Lindy has been with the UMKC Libraries for four years. In
addition to her expertise in special collections and archives, Lindy is experienced in
management and supervision, project planning and policy development, and has broad
familiarity with our library organization and systems. She received master’s degrees in library
and information science and historical musicology, both from the University of Illinois-Urbana
Champaign. She enjoys baking with her sourdough starter, container gardening, choral singing,
taking long walks around the city, wool, and the Great Lakes.
