I am ACRL Member of the Week

Conscientious, thoughtful, constructive.

I just finished reading an advanced reader's edition of "Dear America, Notes of an Undocumented Citizen" by Jose Antonio Vargas. I am always tuned in to my local NPR affiliate, and about to do some extended listening to Canadian radio host and humorist Stuart McLean.

Influential, responsive, accessible.

ACRL has been open to engaging diversity and international issues. I have had the opportunity to address as President and an active member of ALISE, in the collaborative efforts of both associations to address issues of accreditation, educational preparation and diversity, and as co-founding editor of the International Insights column of "College & Research Libraries News", in enhancing understanding of global academic and research libraries matters.

Through our Mortenson Center programs we introduce international librarians to library practices on campus and invite our library staff to share their expertise internationally. As an affiliated faculty member of the iSchool of Illinois, I teach, serve on thesis or dissertation committees, host internships and volunteers, and collaborate in many activities, including the webinar series "Minitalks": https://publish.illinois.edu/minitalks/. Additionally, I serve on campus-wide committees, currently co-chairing the Illinois International Advisory Committee.

Academic libraries are experiencing a changing landscape, which has opened up new opportunities to work with and serve our communities. While the transformations in our spaces, collections and information systems are clearly observable, it is my hope that libraries are equally willing to tackle the social, economic and political complexities to advance a noticeably accessible, diverse and inclusive environment.