(via ACRL)
Glenda Insua, Reference and Instruction Librarian at the University of Illinois at Chicago, is the ACRL Member of the Week. In an interview with ACRL, she shared her thoughts on being a member of the organization and working in academic librarianship.
What do you value about ACRL?
ACRL provides many opportunities, but what I value most are the connections I’ve made with academic librarians at other institutions. There are some amazing people in our field! I’ve learned so much from them and am constantly inspired. This past year I was particularly impressed with the work that LES did to develop an anti-racist action plan. The task force met tirelessly for months and put so much thought and effort into it. I can’t take any credit, but I’m looking forward to implementing it as LES Chair and working towards a more inclusive organization.
What do you as an academic librarian contribute to your campus?
As a reference and liaison librarian, I help both students and faculty find and access the information they need for their research. That work comes in many forms: purchasing resources for faculty members, introducing information literacy to a first-year writing class, doing online chat reference, etc. I particularly enjoy working with our undergraduate students, most of whom are first-generation college students. Many are working multiple jobs, helping with family, and going to school, yet somehow they manage to stay engaged. They’re truly incredible, and I’m happy that I can contribute to their success in even a small way.
In your own words:
Being an academic librarian isn’t glamorous, and the profession has its problems (its overwhelming whiteness being one) but it’s allowed me to interact with really interesting, smart people. The students I work with are my driving motivator, and despite the bleakness of the past seventeen months, they’ve shown me that there’s hope for the future. I’m also fortunate to have talented colleagues who push me to be a better librarian.
To read the full interview, please go here.