Mission

Our mission is to collaborate with clients in ways that create safe space for reflection and curiosity, encourage strategic response, spark innovation, and open possibilities.

Fosgail combines creativity with care for individuals and communities to provide bespoke coaching and consulting services that respond to emerging needs. As experienced and visionary leaders in libraries, theological education, and higher education, we support a variety of clients across disciplines and sectors who seek to flourish amid change. Inspired by the meaning behind “fosgail” - a Scottish Gaelic word for “open” - we embrace openness in every aspect of our work. We understand that every client and every context is unique. Therefore, we tailor our services to suit you whatever the size or scale.

woman standing at a railing looking out over several floors of a modern library with shelves of books

Fosgail’s founder, Myka Kennedy Stephens, at the Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart. Photo by Cecily Stephens.

How We Work

Fosgail’s work is grounded in Attendant Leadership and what we call the Fosgail Mindset: paying close attention to people, relationships, and context before rushing into solutions. We start by listening carefully to how change is showing up in your library or institution and what you are already carrying, rather than assuming we know what should happen next.

From there, we help you name the questions you are holding, learn more about your options, and integrate new insight with the knowledge and strengths you and your team already have. In every engagement, we aim for sustainable practice—pacing the work in ways that respect your capacity, reduce the risk of burnout, and support thoughtful, long-term impact rather than quick fixes.

Our Values

These values shape not only our offerings, but also our business practices and ethical commitments. You can read more about those in our policy documents.

Future Focused

Our forward-thinking philosophy is attuned to what the future may hold for our native industries: libraries, theological education, and higher education.

Open

We are deeply committed to the principles of open communication, the development and implementation of open-source software, and the open access movement.

Sustainable Practice

Growing concerns about the environment, mental health and the rise of burnout underscore that sustainable practices in our work life are essential.

Global Community

We contribute to and cultivate relationships and partnerships with individuals and organizations around the world.

Authenticity and Advocacy

We bring our authentic selves into every aspect of what we do, promote the value of a well-informed society, and seek positive change.

Inclusion and Innovation

Organizations function best when everyone’s voice and perspective is valued and when new ideas are welcomed.

Love of Libraries

Our strong devotion to libraries, their mission, and their role in our communities fuels all that we do.

Our Team and Advisory Board

Fosgail is led by a small team of consultants with lived experience in libraries and theological education. Our Advisory Board is a circle of trusted colleagues who offer perspective, feedback, and challenge so Fosgail’s work remains relevant, ethical, and responsive to the communities we serve

Policies and Ethical Commitments

We aim to lead Fosgail in ways that are transparent, ethical, and aligned with our values. Below you’ll find our core policy documents and statements.

  1. Data Retention Policy
  2. Terms and Conditions
  3. Codes of Ethics
  4. Benefit Report
View all docs