Deborah Barrow
San Diego Public Library Director

Deborah Barrow is recognized for successfully integrating technology into library services and enhancing access to information. As Director for San Diego's award-winning public library, she leads a system with 36 libraries visited by more than 6 million annually and served by nearly 400 employees.

With more than 20 years experience in corporate information and public library management, Barrow has a proven track record of energizing staff and involving the community. She has managed the design and construction of new libraries-including the South Chula Vista Library. Barrow has also led efforts to improve customer service including pioneering increased communication through pod casts, blogs and other tools.

Barrow served 13 years as the director of library systems in Northern California, including the City of Watsonville and the City of Sunnyvale. She began her career at several well-known multinational companies managing information and research services, including Getty Oil Company, the law firm O'Melveny & Myers and Hughes Aircraft Company, Ground Systems Group.

Barrow, who speaks Spanish, is a San Diego native who used the Valencia Park and Central libraries while growing up. She is a graduate of Crawford High School and obtained a B.A. in Anthropology from Scripps College and a Masters degree in Library Science from the University of Southern California. Barrow has served as an elected member of the California Library Association, local United Way organizations and other non-profit organizations.