Profile
Carlos Baffigo is a seasoned library professional with over 30 years of experience in library administration, facility management, construction, technology administration, and security. Most recently, he served as Deputy Library Director for the Pasadena Public Library system in Pasadena, CA, where he played a key role in major facility projects and operational improvements.
Carlos has extensive experience managing all aspects of library operations, including Collection Development, Reference, Children’s, YA, and Adult Services, Cataloging, Circulation, Acquisitions, ILS Administration, Database Management, and Outreach.
During his tenure in Pasadena, Carlos led critical infrastructure projects, including:
- Retrofit and renovation planning for the historic Pasadena Central Library
- Relocation and opening of a 205,000 sq. ft. alternate library branch and city operations complex
- Transformation of a 35,000 sq. ft. warehouse into a library distribution center
- Oversight of construction and maintenance for 15 locations, totaling 400,000 sq. ft.
His expertise spans library expansions, elevator modernizations, fire safety system design, space planning, and technology integrations such as ILS systems, RFID, security camera/access control systems, and network infrastructure. Beyond libraries, Carlos has managed municipal facility projects, including Emergency Operations Centers, parks, police stations, and fire training facilities.
Carlos has also been deeply involved in library security, working alongside law enforcement to develop and implement security policies, de-escalation strategies, and staff training programs focused on deterrence and situational awareness.
In 2022, Carlos founded Building Basics for Libraries, a consulting and educational initiative aimed at equipping library supervisors, managers, and administrators with essential facility management and construction knowledge. Through partnerships with the California State Library, California Library Association, and California Libraries Learn (CALL), he delivers webinars, video training, and in-person presentations to library professionals. He is also a featured speaker at the California Library Association Annual Conference in June 2023.
With a passion for helping libraries navigate construction and facility challenges, Carlos continues to empower library leaders with the knowledge they need to create safe, efficient, and future-ready spaces.
Profile
Carolina Baffigo is a Georgia tech-trained mechanical engineer and building-science leader with over two decades of experience in construction, building materials, façades, and operations. She’s led several U.S. and international go-to-market teams at leading building material corporations; taught American Institute of Architects (AIA) continuing education to top architectural and interior design firms; and guided national accounts—including Apple, the University of California system, Moffitt Cancer Center, and Chanel.
Her expertise spans interior and exterior building systems and materials, moisture management, acoustics, ADA/accessibility, and life-cycle cost planning. From building code compliance to safety testing, Carolina translates design intent into durable, easy-to-maintain spaces—ideal for libraries that need quiet performance and long life cycles.
A former process engineer at Motorola, she brings lean operations, SOP design, vendor management discipline, and a strong commitment to training and staff development. Carolina excels at equipping teams—from frontline facilities staff to leadership—with the knowledge, tools, and processes they need to maintain buildings effectively and confidently.
Carolina partners seamlessly with librarians, facilities teams, designers, and architects to select resilient materials, streamline maintenance, and keep buildings running—quietly and beautifully.
I’m especially proud to welcome Carolina’s expertise, energy, and collaborative spirit—not just as a partner in life, but now as a partner in Building Basics for Libraries.
