BULLETIN OF THE OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY, Versed AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION adj. Practiced or skilled; knowledgeable.

JUNE 2004 SPECIAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2004 ISSUE

2. If I should need to change jobs, I can GUEST EDITORIAL be pretty sure of working in my For more dialogue on this library position in a library profes- topic, don’t miss… sionally staffed, primarily, if not No Crystal Stair, White Privilege exclusively with people of my race. 3. I can be pretty sure that my col- Only Glass Ceilings In Library Land leagues in such a location will be Underrepresented neutral or pleasant to me. Groups and Library John D. Berry 4. I can take a job with an affirmative action employer without having co- Leadership workers on the job suspect that I got ALA Councilor at Large and Native American ALA Annual Conference Studies Librarian/Comparative Ethnic Studies it because of race. Saturday, June 26, 2004 1:30–3:30 P.M. Librarian, Ethnic Studies Library, University of 5. I can be pretty sure that the person in Orlando Convention Center, 223 B California, Berkeley charge in a library will be a person of my race. Library Directors and Deputy Directors Having just returned from the CARL 6. I can remain oblivious of the lan- from ethnically diverse backgrounds are (California Academic and Research guage and customs of persons of still somewhat rare. This program brings Libraries) conference, where I was a pan- color who constitute the world’s together library leaders from under- elist on a Diversity Panel for Reference majority without feeling in my cul- represented groups to tell their personal stories of challenge and triumph. Gain service, I just had to stop and think to ture any penalty for such oblivion. insight and strategies for navigating the myself: What exactly is necessary, to get 7. I can examine the majority of materi- als in my library, print or media and road to leadership. Frank talk about across the ideals and values of diversity, mentoring; networking; avoiding see people of my race widely repre- not just in improved reference services, pigeonholes and pitfalls for those trying but profession wide? sented. to break out of the box and for anyone My co-panelists were younger, proba- 8. When conducting collection develop- who wants to know what it takes to bly more articulate and female, all to the ment, I can easily find materials fea- accelerate their careers. Featuring Luis good and they were most eloquent. We turing people of my race. Herrera (Director, Pasadena Public were all willing to do this session and 9. When I research national history or Library); Ling Hwey Jeng (Dean, Texas believe in our professions need for diver- “civilization,” I find that I am shown Women’s University School of Library and Information Science); Ruby Licona sity, professionally and in regards to serv- that people of my color made it what (Associate Dean, Mississippi State ices to our communities. it is. 10. I can criticize my library or my pro- University Libraries); Laurel Minott At the end of our session, during the (Deputy Director, Northwestern fession and talk about how much I question and answer period, one academ- University Library); Greg Reese (Director, ic librarian in the audience said and I par- fear its policies and behavior without East Cleveland Public Library); and aphrase, “So, if we just treat everybody being seen as an outsider. Andrew Venable (Director, Cleveland nicely, that should do it.” Not particularly 11. I can go home from most profession- Public Library). phrased as a question either. I know this al meetings or conferences feeling librarian did not mean this poorly, but somewhat tied in, rather then isolat- they still apparently didn’t get it. ed, out-of-place outnumbered, Superficially, that answer could be yes. unheard, held at a distance or feared. negative episode or situation whether But, that doesn’t really get it either. 12. If my work day, week or year is going it has racial overtones. Perhaps an adapted version of some of badly, I need not ask myself of each continued on PAGE 12 the questions from “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” by Peggy McIntosh will help. IN THIS ISSUE These are yes or no questions, if you can say yes to most of these questions, From the Field: An Interview with John Ayala ...... 2 you possess “white privilege.” From the Field: Self-advocacy and Minority Retention ...... 6 Mark Your Calendar: Annual Events and Summer Conferences . . 4 1. I can, if I wish, arrange to be in the Diversity Toolchest: Academic Research Residencies and More . . 8 professional company of people of my race most of the time. Spectrum Scope: From Library School to Career ...... 11

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About Versed FROM THE FIELD

Versed, the official publication of The Tenor of the Times the American Library Association’s Office for Diversity, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611, is pub- Social Activism and the Recruitment of lished 5 times per year online at www.ala.org/versed with paper Mexican American Librarians in the 1970s: printings available twice yearly at An interview with John Ayala ALA Midwinter Meetings and Annual Conferences. Hector Escobar True to its meaning: practiced, skilled, or knowledgeable; Versed John Ayala is Dean, Learning Resources, Fullerton Community College. will bring together the most pro- Hector Escobar is Latino Studies/Reference Librarian, University of Notre Dame. gressive practitioners and the best practices in current library-based diversity work. In this first in a series of oral interviews between veteran and “new generation” librarians, pioneering librarian, John Ayala talks Please consider submitting an article with former Spectrum Scholar and current ALA Councilor Hector Escobar or editorial; sharing a successful about early efforts to recruit Latinos to Librarianship. program or initiative; reviewing and recommending diversity-related books and videos of interest to Library at Long Beach City College, library service (whole bibliographies HE: Tell us a bit about yourself and how you became involved with Hispanic Pacific Coast College. I have been in com- and videographies are especially recruitment. munity college libraries for 32 years and welcome); tackling pressing social or JA: Well actually I was assisted by the in libraries for 41 years. professional issues; and publicizing Committee to Recruit Mexican American diversity related events or confer- Librarians. We had a gentleman who was HE: You must like it! ences. Visit www.ala.org/versed for trying to recruit librarians through MECHA, JA: Ah, it likes me. It hasn’t done our submission guidelines and edi- a Mexican American student group. The badly for me. I can’t complain. But I have torial calendar or email inquiries to: students were giving the guy a hard time, to tell you the story of how I got [email protected]. saying ‘why should we become librarians?’ involved in libraries, because it really is and I walked in. I was a bookmobile driver about recruitment. My branch librarian, ©2004 American Library Association. at the time for the city of Long Beach and Harriet Covey, had a youth group . . . and All material in Versed subject to was getting ready to go to library school. she originally began trying to recruit my copyright by the American Library So I began talking to the students and giv- brother because he was the academician Association may be photocopied for ing them various reasons why we should in the family. I was a B student, he was the noncommercial purpose of sci- be serving our communities. The guy told an A student, not much of a difference, entific or educational advancement. me about the organization and mentioned but enough I guess. She began talking to people that I should know. I knew one of him about becoming a librarian but he Office for Diversity them already, Harriet Covey, she had been wanted to go into in education. He was American Library Association my branch librarian when I was growing an education major and I was majoring 50 East Huron Street up. I told him that I was going to be going in administration of justice. But I heard Chicago, IL 60611 to library school in LA. I had applied at the talk and about a year later, I decided phone: 1.800.545.2433 ext. 5020 three library schools, UCLA, USC and that I didn’t want to be an administration fax: (312) 280-3256 Immaculate Heart College and I actually of justice major anymore. So I went back e-mail: [email protected] ended up going to Immaculate Heart to her and told her that I was interested online: www.ala.org/diversity because they offered me the best package, in working in libraries and she told me a full paid fellowship. “Well, you don’t fit the image.” And I said Tracie D. Hall, Director “What’s the image?” I guess she meant Wendy Prellwitz, Program Officer HE: Now, your current position is being an academic. But she said “If you Director of the library at Fullerton are serious, I’ll help you get a job,” and Design by Karen Sheets. College? she did. She helped me get hired on as Layout by ALA Production Services. JA: I am Dean of the library at the bookmobile driver specifically Fullerton College. I have been here for 14 because I could work directly with years. Prior to this I was Director of the patrons, whereas if I worked in the

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library I would strictly be doing clerical JA: Well there’s a story there too. out with Dr. Sanchez from the Mexican work. Elizabeth Martinez had written a grant for American Library Science program and Cal State Fullerton’s library school and we would interview people for the schol- HE: She wanted you to be one with we started the Mexican American Library arships. One of the people that we inter- the people. Science program at Fullerton. Once Dr. viewed who sticks in my mind is Robert JA: Yes, I think “reader’s advisory” was Trejo and Jose Taylor, who was a librarian Trujillo who is now at Stanford. And that’s the term she used (laughs). So I worked at Los Angeles Public and another found- good. We have some pretty high ranking there for five years off and on with a two- ing president of REFORMA, and I were at people who came out of that program. year break in the middle because I went off to the little conflict called Vietnam. HE: Now that three decades have But I came back to being the bookmobile passed and you look back at the ’60s and driver and then I got a small promotion. I ’70s and now at the current picture, started at the library in 1963, left for the from your point of view have you seen war in ’67 and came back in ’69. any significant improvements or sub- stantial changes in the numbers? HE: This alludes to my second ques- JA: I think I have seen it in degrees but tion, how was librarianship at the time not drastically, I know there have been impacted by the political climate of the increases in Hispanic librarianship but I ’60s and the ’70s? think that part of the problem is that there JA: In terms of what was going on, as I are other professions that are more attrac- got involved with the Committee to tive to Hispanics. But I think that it is still Recruit Mexican American Librarians worthwhile to go out and make those when I started school, there was a lot of efforts. About ten years ago, I participated talk in terms of how the library had to in a recruitment video for ALA, it’s now relate to the community and if they outdated, but I have used it in various couldn’t speak the language of their recruitment presentations at conferences patrons the library was going to die, so and such. I’ve continued to work in they were looking for Spanish speaking recruitment. I’ve done mentoring through librarians. They were looking for African REFORMA both nationally and here in our American librarians who could relate to local chapter in Orange County and I have their communities, and they were looking also established a scholarship in my late for Asian American librarians. The county wife’s name for $250 every year and it of Los Angeles had had a suit filed against pays for about half of a class. The scholar- them and they were looking for minority ship that I have developed is for those librarians to join the ranks and be put into John Ayala at the 2004 Midwinter Meeting who are willing to work in Hispanic com- the various communities. So I was lucky. munities. It’s not ethnically exclusive. You When I graduated I had several libraries don’t have to be Hispanic to get it, but that wanted me to work for them because an airport after a conference and we told we’re asking you to have that interest and they were looking for that kind of diversi- Dr. Trejo, we said you’re a natural, you direct yourself to working in that area. ty at that time and were bringing people in should write a grant for this type of thing who represented the communities served . . . because we were both lecturing in the HE: I had seen your name associated at the public libraries. It went along with program . . . so he did. He got the grant. It with the “Grow Your Own” campaign. the tenor of the times because we were was called the GLISA, the Graduate Could you describe that a little bit and basically a reflection of what was happen- Library Institute for Spanish Speaking what that is about. ing on the social activist front. And the Americans. JA: In the ’80s, there was an initiative Committee to recruit Mexican American of the same name that came out of Librarians was a reflection of that as well. HE: What stands out in terms of the California Library Association to which I After I graduated from library school and ‘70s was the high number of individuals acted as an advisor. But about the new went to work, I became the chairman of who came out of those programs. one [sponsored by the ALA Office for the group and as chairman I became JA: Yes. The Mexican American Diversity] to which I have a lot of loyalty, involved with Dr. Arnulfo Trejo, who was Library Science program at Cal State I hope that we can do some things to help the founder of REFORMA and I became Fullerton graduated 45 people from the grow our own and get Hispanics interest- one of the founders of that group and one program. ed in librarianship. I have never really dis- of the founding presidents. . . . tinguished between whether you are HE: That’s impressive. Besides the Hispanic or not Hispanic, what I have HE: This was back in the ’70s as well project at Fullerton and GLISA, were always said is what’s important is that you when Dr. Trejo supervised fellowships at there other Hispanic recruitment pro- are willing to serve in our communities the University of Arizona and many of grams going on? and make a difference. those people are currently very involved JA: Well those were the two programs in library activism. doing most of the recruitment. I would go continued on PAGE 4

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AYALA continued from page 3 HE: This is another question about “No culture can live HE: Exactly. Immerse yourself in the recruitment. I can see an age gap culture and get interested in helping out. between people like yourself, Luis if it attempts to be JA: Yes, you get people in the profes- Herrera, Luis Chaparro who have done exclusive.” sion who are not interested in working in recruitment for years and this new gen- —Mahatma Gandhi communities of color. They want to work eration of librarians entering the profes- in middle-class, or Anglo communities sion. In terms of passing on the torch, and that’s fine. But I look for people will- how do you create that message that ing to work in communities of color. recruitment is so important and not to get to the point where they have a little give up because we definitely need to fill more time and resources it will happen . . . HE: How do you create interest in the ranks. How do you pass that eager- I see people like Isabel Espinal and librarianship among Latinos, especially ness to recruit so that it doesn’t fall by Roxanna Benavides, and I see people here when there are so many opportunities the wayside in the years to come? on the West Coast, like Ana Elba Pavon now that are available to Latinos and JA: I can retire in two years, but I from the Bay Area who is currently run- other minorities that weren’t available don’t expect to retire from recruitment. I ning for the REFORMA presidency, who twenty years ago? plan to stay active with ALA, my local are involved and who are up and coming JA: I like to look for people who are REFORMA chapter and REFORMA national. and I think they are going to continue the working in libraries who may not be work we have been doing and even librarians but have some sort of affinity to HE: I certainly believe that. expand it. the work. I also like to look in education JA: And I think that the people that because there is that affinity to librarian- I’ve mentored, when they have estab- HE: What’s noticeable now is that ship. That is where I have found fertile lished themselves as well as the people there is some commitment from the ALA ground. Because when you talk to young you just mentioned, I think that we will to actually recruit, but twenty years ago people working in libraries and even carry the ball. I have great belief and faith what was the situation? Were you on older adults, they are like, “I never in that. I think when they have estab- your own? thought about it.” lished themselves in the profession and JA: There was some resistance from the library schools thirty years ago to recruiting diverse students and giving scholarships. And there was resistance from our community, the Hispanic com- munity, that said why are you trying to do this? Why are you wasting your time? Mark Your Calendar! You’ll never get anywhere. Number one, you’re male, and number two, you’re Diversity-Related Meetings this Summer Hispanic.

July 23–July 25, 2004 HE: Yes, from our culture there is the Sexual Minority Youth in the Heartland 2004: machismo factor and people who think A Conference for Professionals you should work in a factory. Sponsored by Indiana University; Indiana Department of Health; JA: But I wasn’t good with my hands the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction; and I like to read. And yet, there was a Neal Marshal Black Culture Center; Asian Culture Center; PFLAG; group on the other end that said, it’s good and others. Indiana Memorial Union, Indiana University. that you are here, that you want to serve FMI contact Doug Bader at [email protected] or (800) 933-9330, your community. But there was also or visit: www.smyhl.indiana.edu/smyhl/program.html. resistance. When I was still in library school I remember being in the audience August 17–August 18, 2004 during a program at the CLA conference Building Organizational Strength Through Inclusion: talking about serving Spanish speakers. The 2004 Diversity Conference People were sitting in the back saying, Co-sponsored by Ohio Library Council’s Diversity Awareness and “Why do we have to serve these folks? Resources Committee, OHIONET, and OCLC. Embassy Suites Hotel, These people don’t read anyway.” And Dublin, Ohio. FMI visit www.olc.org/WorkshopDescription.asp?ID=264. these were library type folks making these disparaging comments. I’m not say- September 13–15, 2004 ing that we don’t still encounter resist- Diversity 2004 Conference—Hear It! Feel It! Live It! ance in terms of people’s political views, Sponsored by the Greater Rochester Diversity Council. Rochester but I don’t think we’re facing the same Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, New York. FMI contact Barbara roadblocks. ●V Cutrona at (585) 224-2727 or visit www.rochesterdiversitycouncil.com.

4 JUNE 2004 VERSED Mark Your Calendar! Join us at ALA Annual Conference for the following events!

Celebrating a Life of Diversity Leadership: diversity. Featuring: Rory Litwin (publisher, Library Juice), Sara A Dinner Honoring Dr. E. J. Josey Pete (co-author, Riot Librarrrian zine, and librarian, Timberland THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 7–10 P.M. Regional Library), Rob Rao (library activist and Montreal radio ROSEN CENTRE HOTEL, BALLROOM personality), Ira Revels (librarian, Cornell University Library and REGISTRATION REQUIRED member, BCALA executive board) and Richenda Wilkinson Dr. Josey has spent nearly 50 years advocating and agitating (librarian, Oregon State University Library and Native educa- for diversity for the profession of library and information sci- tion activist). Moderated by Veronda Picthford (Special ence. He is currently professor emeritus, University of Projects Coordinator, Chicago Library System). Pittsburgh, School of Information Sciences, the author of more than 400 books and articles, and he was recently awarded Bridges to a Better You Honorary Membership to ALA. Dr. Josey will reflect on his life SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 1:30–3:30 P.M. as a diversity leader, and ALA President, Dr. Carla D. Hayden, SHERATON HOTEL, CARIBBEAN ROOM and ALA Executive Director, Keith Michael Fiels, will also be in Spectrum Scholars show how 21st century librarianship is all attendance. This dinner will be held as part of the Diversity about having your cake and eating it too. From activism to Leadership Institute but is open to the public. The event is poetry to fashion, the new faces of the profession provide tips free to DLI registrants and $40 for non-DLI participants. on using librarianship to create the career and the life you want. Featuring: Maria Carpenter (librarian, Northeastern University), No Crystal Stair, Only Glass Ceilings: Toni Olivas (librarian, Auburn University Libraries), and Elisia L. Underrepresented Groups and Library Leadership Johnson (librarian, Carson Correctional Facility). SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 1:30–3:30 P.M. ORLANDO CONVENTION CENTER, 223B DiVERSEity: Writers and Librarians of Color Partnering Library Directors and Deputy Directors from ethnically diverse to Build a Multi-Ethnic Readership backgrounds are still somewhat rare. This program brings SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 4–5:30 P.M. together library leaders from underrepresented groups to tell PEABODY ORLANDO HOTEL, CONWAY their personal stories of challenge and triumph. Gain insight Writers, booksellers, and librarians speak on developing rele- and strategies for navigating the road to leadership. Frank talk vant, resonant literature and growing multicultural readership. about mentoring; networking; avoiding pigeonholes and pit- As the surge in ethnic literature lures increasingly diverse read- falls for those trying to break out of the box and for anyone ers to bookstores and libraries, proactive librarians are capital- who wants to know what it takes to accelerate their careers. izing on this trend to build circulation and win back lost users. Featuring Luis Herrera (Director, Pasadena Public Library); Ling With cultural book clubs, open-mics, writing workshops, spe- Hwey Jeng (Dean, Texas Women’s University School of Library cial programming and irresistible marketing tactics, libraries and Information Science); Ruby Licona (Associate Dean, across the country are tapping into new and underserved cus- Mississippi State University Libraries); Laurel Minott (Deputy tomer markets. Featuring Carroll Parrot Blue (author, Dawn at Director, Northwestern University Library); Greg Reese My Back); Elizabeth Ann Briscoe-Wilson (Director, Lincoln (Director, East Cleveland Public Library) and Andrew Venable University Library); Rueben Martinez (owner, Libreria Martinez); (Director, Cleveland Public Library). Moderated by Reinette and Yxta Maya Murray (author, The Conquest and What It Jones (librarian, University of Kentucky). Takes to Get to Vegas). Moderated by Ronald Gauthier (Branch Manager, New Orleans Public Library). Special guest: Charting Courses: Excellence in Diversity Research celebrated author Walter Dean Myers. SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 4–5:30 P.M. JW MARRIOTT GRANDE LAKES RESORT, DEL LAGO 3 DINE: Diversity Interest Network and Exchange Recipients of the 2003 Diversity Research Grants will share the SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 4:30–5:30 P.M. results of their research. 2003 presenters include Jody Gray ROSEN CENTRE HOTEL, SALON 3 and Michelle Harrell, Rae-Anne Montague, and La Loria Sponsored by the ALA Committee on Diversity this meeting Konata and Dr. Tim Zou. These award-winning researchers will seeks to bring together the various diversity-interest commit- be joined by the inaugural recipient of the Achievement in tees, groups and individuals working across the Association Diversity Research honor award, Dr. Kathleen de la Peña and its affiliates, as well as independently, to report on recent McCook. work; upcoming programs and initiatives; and issues of gener- al concern to the profession. One or more representatives New Visions, New Voices: New Leaders Speak on the from each diversity interest group is invited to attend this Future of Libraries and Librarianship important roundtable meeting and networking session. Light SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 10:30 A.M.–12 P.M. dessert, coffee and tea will be provided. ORLANDO CONVENTION CENTER, 223B Some of the bravest, brightest, and boldest new voices in the Mentoring for a Diverse Leadership profession share their visions for libraries and librarians. You’ve MONDAY, JUNE 28, 10:30 A.M.–12 P.M. read their underground ‘zines and websites, you’ve come SHERATON HOTEL, CARIBBEAN ROOM across their inspiring writings and outreach models, you’ve To serve our diverse user communities effectively, we must noticed the unmistakable gleam in their eyes, you’ve heard increase the number of librarians from underrepresented rumblings of their covert operations, now come hear them groups in positions of influence and leadership. Join us as share their missions and manifestos for moving forward agen- panelists discuss strategies and best practices for developing das of equal access; intellectual freedom and leadership leadership through mentoring.

JUNE 2004 5 VERSED

FROM THE FIELD

the Gambia. I remembered our school motto was Nil Desperandum, Do Not Don’t Move Out, Move Up! Despair. I know that was what kept me going, because in my quest to find library work I had over twenty interviews and Self-Advocacy is Critical to Minority was turned down for every position that I Retention in the Profession applied for. It was suggested that I apply for a volunteer position. The head librari- an at the UW’s Engineering Library, Anthony Loum Charles Lord, who I count among my mentors took me on as a volunteer work- Adult Coordinator of Library Services, Brooklyn Public Library ing eight hours a week. After six months, I was hired in a temporary part time capacity and two months later, I was hired as a full time library technician. One of my biggest accomplishments in that position was converting the manual reserve system to an automated one. After about two years I was promoted to Lead Library Technician at the undergrad- uate library. Suzette Radford currently at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, was my supervisor at that time. She and Charles Lord began encouraging me to go to library school. It wasn’t until I’d received another promotion to the position of Supervisor of Circulation and Technical Services at the Business Administration Library that I received the final, necessary push in the form of a comment from Gordon Aamot who was head of the business library. Gordon reminded me that in few years I had moved from a voluntary and entry level to Anthony Loum (center back) and staff of Cypress Hills branch in 2000. a supervisory position and that I was reaching the end of the road in terms of where I could go. I knew he was right. Since I was a young boy, I have been Certification Program and a masters Despite all of the effort that I’d put in to thirsty for the opportunity to advance. I degree in education. It was then that I my work I still needed something that grew up in The Gambia, West Africa and learned that I would not be able to teach would completely engage me. while still in high school, began writing to because at that time in Washington State, In 1993, I applied to and entered the various schools in the United States for only U.S. citizens were eligible to receive University of Washington’s School of the chance to complete my studies. By certification to teach in public schools. Library and Information Sciences as a luck I was able to meet an American who That law has since been overturned and I part time student. Because I was working helped me find a sponsoring family. was finally awarded the certification, full time, library school was challenging I completed my senior year of high which I had studied for. I was then faced for me. I felt a little isolated from most of school in Seattle, Washington and went on with looking for jobs outside of my train- the other students who were enrolled full to complete an Associate of Arts degree in ing. I started working in the retail industry time or taking more classes than the one Business from a local Community College. although I knew that I needed something or two a semester I usually took. Also, From there I applied to the University of more challenging. Because I had spent there were very few minority students Washington (UW) where I studied French nearly five years working in a library as a and that was another isolating factor. with the goal of becoming a teacher. To student assistant while pursuing my edu- Faculty members Spencer Shaw and Raya support myself during my undergraduate cation, I decided to try to look for full Fidel were instrumental in bringing work, I worked as a student assistant at time work in that field. minority students together by hosting the undergraduate library. After finishing Before coming to the states I had potlucks in their homes. Those potlucks my Bachelor of Arts degree, I enrolled in attended Saint Augustine’s High School, a served as my only real connection to and completed the High School Teaching Catholic School run by Irish Priests, in other students outside of class.

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In 1997, after three and a half years, I BPL offered me a position as an a standard for service throughout the graduated from the MLIS program with my Assistant Branch Librarian at the whole system. second masters degree. Seattle had Cypress Hills branch located in the East When I reflect back on my profession- become my home, so I wanted to stay New York section of Brooklyn. Even al experiences at Seattle and now in there. I applied to every public and aca- though Seattle was home, I knew that Brooklyn, I know that I have faced the demic library in the area, but once again I staying there would be a dead-end for same obstacles faced by other people of could not find a position. I held on to my my career. Two years later, BPL trans- color. Sometimes it seems that we must position in Circulation and Technical formed its structure to a cluster system work twice as hard to get half as far. The Services and stayed there for another two and I was awarded a promotion as Adult burden of proof is always on us. It is my years trying not to be discouraged. After Manager of Library Services, which gave productivity and industriousness that has graduation from library school, I devel- me the opportunity to work in four dif- gotten me this far. Nothing else. All I ever oped a feeling of emptiness after being ferent neighborhood branches of need in life is an opportunity. Once given accustomed to working full time com- Arlington, Brownsville, New Lots, and that, I know I can succeed. That opportu- bined with my part-time graduate work. I Cypress Hills. They were all ethnically nity and chance was what was lacking in had to find something to occupy my diverse and socially dynamic communi- my earlier career. I faced barriers in even newly found free time. Consequently, I ties with residents hungry for what the getting a support position in a library and enrolled in real estate school through the library has to offer. Working in my clus- once I had the MLIS degree, I encountered sponsorship of a friend who was a real ter gave me the chance to experiment even greater obstacles. I could speculate estate broker. I ended up earning a and developed programming involving on why that was, but I choose not to. Washington State real estate license and literacy as well as technology. Some of Instead I believe in letting the work I do practiced real estate part-time while our computer classes have had people speak for me. working at the UW Libraries full time. coming from all over Brooklyn, as well What is of utmost importance for In 1999, while attending the BCALA as Queens, the Bronx, and even Harlem. minority librarians is finding an environ- conference in Las Vegas, I came across BPL recently offered me the opportuni- ment that recognizes and values our recruiters from Brooklyn Public Library ty to serve as the Adult Coordinator of work. Retention in librarianship begins headed by Barbara Harris who was the Library Services for all fifty-eight branch- with us. Too much of a geographic loyalty interim head of the Office of Neighbor- es of Brooklyn, which is the fifth largest can be detrimental to one’s career. One hood Services. Brooklyn Public Library public library system in the nation. In this has to be ready to move on when an expressed an interest in me. It was excit- position I will be responsible for training opportunity to go where one is appreciat- ing. In Seattle, I was beginning to feel that other librarians in providing adult pro- ed presents itself. I could have become no one was interested in what I had to gramming and services. This is a very big discouraged by my early experiences, but offer. Suddenly on the east coast, there step in my career. Although I love work- what I learned is that sometimes it’s not was a library that felt like I could make a ing directly with the public in the commu- about moving out of the profession—it’s valuable contribution. nities of my cluster, this is a chance to set about moving up. ●V

FROM THE FIELD

munity. With almost 900 international stu- International Outreach at the dents representing 78 countries on a cam- pus of more than 19,000 students, UA has University of Alabama a strong international presence, yet many of these students have never before Mangala Krishnamurthy and Jennifer McClure encountered the electronic resources, open stacks, or complex branch system Mangala Krishnamurthy and Jennifer McClure are Reference Librarians, typical of many contemporary American University Libraries, University of Alabama. university libraries. The goal of the out- reach program was thus twofold: to help international students to be successful in their studies by providing them with the tools needed to use library resources; and Librarians and students gathered on a lamented the stressful pace of American to join with the larger university commu- rainy Friday afternoon to socialize, life, while in another a young scientist nity in welcoming these students to our exchange ideas, and just take a break from Japan practiced her English as she campus and to engage in a productive from classes and work at the Capstone discussed the recent Academy Awards. exchange of ideas and cultures. International Coffee at the University of The International Coffee was just one Alabama in Tuscaloosa last March. In one in a series of outreach activities by the UA continued on PAGE 8 corner, a business student from Kenya libraries targeting the international com-

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INTERNATIONAL continued from page 7 and student assistants who work with ticipated in annual celebrations of international students become more profi- International Education Week with talks The first step was to appoint a liaison cient communicators and more sensitive by a renowned Indian poet and an to the international community to coordi- to the needs of the international commu- authority on Cuban literature, and with nate the outreach activities. The current nity, while the students themselves break exhibits in support of a university-wide liaison, a native of India with degrees out of their own national groups through Cuba conference. On a more regular from both Indian and American universi- friendships and working relationships basis, the libraries sponsor one of the ties, was well positioned to mediate with an American cohort. weekly Capstone International Coffees among the various cultures. In addition to Further enhancing communication has each term, participate in the Inter- her liaison duties, she also serves on a been the libraries’ virtual reference pro- national Center’s campus orientations university-wide International Committee. gram. For students with limited English, for new students, and personally contact The program has proceeded on two chat and email reference services can each of the resident scholars who visit fronts, one internal, bringing students into provide a welcome alternative to refer- our campus. the libraries, and one external, taking ence desk or telephone encounters. In the The libraries’ international initiative is librarians out to the many international first six months of the libraries’ chat pro- an ongoing effort. Possible plans for the organizations and events on campus. On gram, 10% of the questions came from future include fall open-house gatherings the internal level, the libraries have pro- international students, though these stu- in the libraries, a brown-bag discussion of vided a variety of orientations and dents represent only 4.6% of the total stu- the implications of the Patriot Act, addi- instruction sessions, particularly in the dent population. tional outside speakers in the libraries, sciences, designed specifically for interna- As in the case of all outreach efforts, improved foreign-language collections, tional students. Of the university’s 348 to bring students into the libraries it is and a panel discussion of international graduate students in science and engi- sometimes necessary for librarians to go issues by representatives from local uni- neering, fully 50% are international stu- out into the community. Thus, the sec- versity, community college, public, and dents. A recently mounted web page for ond part of the libraries’ outreach initia- special libraries. international students (www.lib.ua.edu/ tive involved partnering with some of the As awareness has increased among the services/international) offers basic infor- many other organizations on campus that UA library staff, many individuals have mation about the libraries, links to ALA’s are involved with international students. become involved on a personal level, multi-lingual glossaries of library termi- For the Japan program’s annual “Sakura attending brown-bag lunches to discuss nology, and information concerning finan- Festival,” the Libraries mounted an issues of interest to the international stu- cial aid and employment opportunities. exhibit and hosted a talk on Japanese dents, hosting foreign exchange students The libraries’ many international stu- papermaking. For the university’s in their homes, attending international dent workers have proved to be valuable “Understanding Islam” program, a post- coffees and foreign films, and generally ambassadors to the university community. 9/11 seminar to foster communication, enjoying the richness of UA’s international Aside from providing an international the libraries participated in planning the community. And as international repre- face to the libraries, they have helped to event and contributed a bibliography of sentation increases among the libraries’ heighten awareness throughout the sys- library and web resources relating to employees, we become in part the very tem. American librarians, staff members, Islam. In addition, the libraries have par- community we hope to reach.●V

DIVERSITY TOOLCHEST

tain choices. Under the suggestion of my Academic Research Residency advisor, I photocopied a map of the United States and checked off geographic Programs areas I was willing to consider. The first list encompassed nine states, so I expand- ed the area. I also had to decide to what Looking Back on the Journey type of institution, based on environment, setting, size, and reputation, I would Charmaine H. Henriques apply. I had to consider the residency experience I wanted and how the training Federal Documents Librarian, Government Publications and Maps Department, would tie in with my professional needs. Northwestern University At first, I desired a situation where I rotat- ed throughout the library because I want- For librarians new to the profession, the librarianship, a residency program can ed to experience all librarianship had to job market may seem bleak given many of jumpstart your career. offer. However I knew I did not want to the more promising opportunities require After reading about academic research be a generalist, so being assigned to a par- several years of professional training. But library residency programs, I wanted to ticular department in the library and for those with an interest in academic pursue this avenue but had to make cer- building up an area of expertise was also

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appealing. Residencies can last anywhere nent employment within the library since ticipated in user education. I was given from one to three years, so duration was a residency can be temporary employ- the opportunity to take part in library- yet another area of concern. ment. sponsored projects and to participate in My research into programs led me to After answering these questions, I library committees, task forces, and plan- learn more about the University of Iowa accepted the residency assignment in the ning activities. I was able to take advan- Minority Research Librarian Residency Government Publications Department. In tage of continuing education opportuni- Program. In 1989, the university libraries addition to being a state and regional ties in management issues and the latest and the School of Library and Information depository for U.S. federal publications, in information technologies through the Science agreed to pursue the Minority the Government Publications Department Libraries’ and University’s Staff Research Libraries Fellowship. Susan is a depository for United Nations and Development and Training Programs. Vega Garcia became the inaugural European Union publications, automati- The Minority Research Librarian Minority Research Libraries Fellow in cally receiving a range of publications Residency Program at the University of 1993. In 1996, the Minority Research from a number of different agencies to Iowa Libraries has the support of the Libraries Fellowship was revamped as the make them available to the public. Even library infrastructure, and I was able to Minority Research Librarian Residency though I interacted with other depart- work with a wonderful department. My Program, a post MLS three-year profes- ments I did not rotate throughout the participation in the program was an sional experience. Two residents were library. Fortunately, working with docu- important and positive start to my profes- recruited and assigned to the Research ments demands a combination of techni- sional librarian career. However, I think it and Information Services Department. cal and public service work. I found the is important to evaluate these programs Since then four more residents have area of expertise I was seeking while still critically. My residency was to be for entered the program, with myself as the getting a feel for the different areas of three years, but now the duration of the first resident assigned to the Government librarianship. residency program is two years. While Publications Department. The program three years seems like long time, with a has been renamed, and is now known as longer period of time there are more the Librarian Residency Program. opportunities to serve on local and When the University of Iowa Libraries “America is woven national committees and take part in showed interest in recruiting me for a of many strands. I would projects. post in the Government Publications recognize them and let it Even though the current library admin- Department, I did more research. I read so remain. Our fate is to istration is taking a look at this particular literature and looked at several govern- become one, and yet many. issue, I feel greater efforts still need to be ment document Web pages at a variety of made in increased travel support for the universities and federal agencies. I spoke This is not prophecy, residency program. The resident must to library professionals about the but description.” become professionally involved to obtain University of Iowa. I had discussions with —Ralph Ellison more than just work experience. several government documents librarians Professional development is a require- to hear their take on their positions. ment of the profession and makes the res- The interview process included a Like all new employees of the Univer- ident more marketable when competing phone interview followed by an onsite sity Libraries I was given a training plan. I for other employment opportunities. interview. I was flown out to the met with individuals in the library system Librarianship is not known for high University for four days, asked to do a that had specific relations to Government salaries and the resident is at an entry- presentation and was questioned by sev- Publications and toured their facilities. level term position. In order to become eral committees comprised of my future The Coordinator of Instructional Services professionally involved we are asking the co-workers, librarians from other depart- provided orientation on the goals and resident to risk potential self-sustaining ments, and one of the other residents. I teaching opportunities of the User funds. had the chance to talk to various librari- Education program. After familiarizing In addition, the establishment of a vis- ans and library administrators about their myself with the electronic classroom, I iting fellowship for librarians of color departments, the University, and Iowa was encouraged to observe classes, then with several years experience would be a City in general. It was a tiring experience, act as a helper in the room during some formidable extension of the Minority but I was able to get a feel for the library sessions. In the final stages I co-taught Research Residency Program. Residency and the reputation of the department and classes with senior librarians and then programs have been a wonderful recruit- to ask in-depth questions. taught on my own. Eventually I was asked ment tool by academic research libraries With a residency program you may to also participate in certain initiatives for early career librarians from underrep- want to ask specific questions about and develop curriculum. resented groups, but efforts also have to diversity, title, travel, moving assistance, In reality, my position was no different be made in the areas of retention and pro- education support, details about specific from any other professional librarian’s. motion. A fellowship would be a way to responsibilities and expectations, oppor- Each year I was asked to create a set of increase much needed diversity beyond tunities for special projects and to work goals and meet them. I was evaluated on entry-level positions and it would be mag- with others within the library system, initiative, expertise, and professional nificent for the University of Iowa organizational structure, evaluation and commitment. I was responsible for gener- Libraries to be a forbearer in this realm. promotion procedure, training and orien- al maintenance of the collection in all for- It is time to take residency programs to tation plan, and possibilities for perma- mats, provided reference service, and par- another level. ●V

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DIVERSITY TOOLCHEST Personal Bias in Library Kuharets, Olga R. (ed) Venture into Cultures: A Resource Book of Collections and Services Multicultural Materials and Programs. Chicago, ALA (2001). An Annotated Bibliography Sections of this book feature African, Caribbean, Indian, Jewish-American, Korean, Latin American, Middle Eastern, Sarah C. King Native American, and Russian materials designed to help librarians create pro- MLIS candidate, University of South Florida School of Library and Information Science, grams for children. Each area features a and Graduate Assistant, University of South Florida Library short essay, recommended children’s books by grade level, websites, videos, audiotapes, and recommendations for programming.

Regardless of library type, size, or the covers the details of self-censorship in LaRue, James. “Reading with the number of collecting librarians, selection school media libraries. Trepidation and Enemy.” Wilson Library Bulletin 68:5 based on personal values can be difficult fear of challenge are cited as the main (1994): 43–45. or even impossible to avoid. Lack of expo- causes for censorship in this study. LaRue offers a witty analysis of the bias sure to varied sources or lesser known and censorship front, and provides us with points of view can lead to unbalanced col- Dilevko, J, and K. Grewal. “Neutrality an excellent example of how to perform lections. Also adding to the difficulty of and Media Literacy at the Reference well informed collection development. establishing balanced collections is the Desk: a Case Study.” Journal of Acad- demise of the small publisher. Without a emic Librarianship 24:1 (1998): 21–32. Neely, Teresa and Lee-Smeltzer, varied group of publishers, access to The effect of librarian bias on the refer- Kuang-Hwei (eds.) Diversity Now: diverse views grows ever more limited. ence interview is examined in this study. People, Collections, and Services in Large publishers that focus on the bottom The authors argue that librarians need to Academic Libraries. Binghamton, line are less likely to publish works that be both informed and impartial in order Haworth Press (2002). may not find a mainstream audience. to avoid influencing or discomfiting Examines diversity in collection develop- While the availability of materials lies patrons. ment and access among other areas of outside the control of the average librari- concern. an, there are a number of resources Dilevko, Juris, and Kalina Grewal. “A designed to help individuals or groups New Approach to Collection Bias in Pratt, Allan D. “Are We Really Infallible charged with collection development Academic Libraries: The Extent of at Book Selection?” Library Journal make informed and unbiased selections. Corporate Control in Journal 120 (1995): 44. The following is an annotated list of some Holdings.” Library and Information This interestingly oppositional article of these resources: Science Research 19:4 (1997): 359–85 claims that since purely balanced collec- The issue of publisher’s influence on bal- tions can never be achieved, librarians Berman, Sanford. “‘Inside’ Censorship: anced library collections is covered again should make their selections reflect either De Facto Censorship Implicit in in this article. Rather than evaluating the one standpoint or the other. Its stance is Collection Decisions.” Progressive issue of bias from a political standpoint, contradictory to the others cited in this Librarian 18 (2001) : 48–63. the authors evaluate the limitation of the bibliography, but it represents an impor- This article, composed by pioneer censor- periodicals available through large pub- tant alternative solution to the problem of ship and Library of Congress Subject lishing firms. bias. Heading bias opponent Sanford Berman, details different types of internal censor- Harmeyer, Dave. “Potential Collection Warner, J.N. “Moving Beyond Whiteness ship as they relate to circulation, budget, Development Bias: Some Evidence on in North American Academic and personal opinion, and explains how a Controversial Topic in California.” Libraries.” Libri 51:3 (2001): 167–72. to avoid them. College and Research Libraries 56 This study examines the presence of bal- (1995): 101–11. ance in allegedly diverse university library Coley, Ken P. “Moving Toward a Method This study attempts to analyze the effect collections. In spite of a move toward to Test for Self-Censorship by School of librarian political bias on book selec- diversity, many libraries are found to be Library Media Specialists.” School tion. Although the research plan is has lacking materials on important issues. ●V Library Media Research 5 (2002). been much critiqued, the premise is inter- This article presents a research study that esting and relevant.

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SPECTRUM SCOPE

to learn in your immediate surroundings—build your own From Library School to Career ready-reference shelf. Choose key library school texts, hand- in 3 Easy Steps! outs or notes that will help you to perform on the job, Allison Sutton examples might include: notes from classes, a handout of Assistant Professor and Psychology and Social Work Subject writing tips and examples Specialist, Education and Social Science Library, appropriate for the office, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign favorite and easy to read Web authoring guides, papers, pre- sentations, articles and other projects. Although completing your LIS program may have you Making the transition from library school Being emphat- longing for the days of no to career involves change and adjustment. ic can be nor- more reading, it is also impor- If your budding library career, as they mal as a stu- tant to continue to read the often do, requires you to take responsibil- dent because scholarly literature to keep up ity for your own leadership development you are devel- with what is happening in LIS. and includes the demand to publish, it oping Reading helps you to have can be especially beneficial to develop a your own focus, provides assistance strategy. Three key strategies which can stands on the that will help you to do a bet- ease this transition are: LIS issues for ter job and strengthens your the first time. Remember though that in commitment to the profession. Re-reading 1. Embracing the learning exchange, your new environment you are leaving or even scanning an article, notes or other 2. Willingness to serve, and lasting first impressions by simply materials gathered and used during your 3. Connecting values to scholarship. expressing a point of view. People are LIS placement will, more often than you more apt to listen to you if you are not may think, be clearly related to ongoing jumping in at every moment and you discussions, serve as a starting point for Embracing the learning aren’t coming off like the graduate with completion of a project or give you an exchange the latest and greatest idea for a new proce- information that will dure, and help you to Embracing the learning exchange means resolve everything. For more dialogue on this formulate or shore- you should be open to applying and shar- Embracing the topic, don’t miss… up a hypothesis for ing what you’ve learned and learning from learning exchange your next research others in your new environment. It’s help- also means that you project. Consider ful to announce that you are new to the should ask questions Bridges to a Better You your reading profes- field. Librarians love to help! I can’t tell when you don’t sional development. you how often it has proven helpful for understand or need ALA Annual Conference me to interject a statement that indicated clarification during a Sunday, June 27, 1:30–3:30 P.M. my newness to librarianship just before meeting. If you are Sheraton Hotel, Caribbean Room Willingness asking for input. too timid to ask as to serve Of course, as you move along in the the discussion is tak- Spectrum Scholars show how 21st LIS program you are constantly absorbing ing place, wait until century librarianship is all about Once you’ve information and just after graduation your after the meeting to having your cake and eating it too. embraced the learn- head is full. Avoid the temptation to show ask one of your col- From activism to poetry to fashion, ing exchange, it’s everybody just how much you know. Your leagues. the new faces of the profession time to develop your knowledge and abilities will be better Make it a practice provide tips on using librarianship own leadership appreciated if you are able to articulate to take notes and to create the career and the life opportunities. your idea, plan or special formula in a review them once you want. Willingness to serve way that shows how it is tied to or will you get back to your is the most impor- help your unit or perhaps the entire office after a meeting. tant quality a leader organization, to meet a strategic planning You will have learned a lot—don’t expect can have. It shows others that you have a goal. Share your input in a suggestive and to remember everything! Instead, create a not demanding or demeaning manner. comfortable environment for continuing continued on PAGE 12

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touch with another librarian; or expres- you the most? Which articles in the LIS lit- sion of passion for an issue submitted to erature keep your attention? Which would an electronic discussion list. you read at will without them being “Learning to embrace To demonstrate your willingness to assigned? Is there a pattern? How can you diversity begins with serve, consider challenging opportunities contribute to the LIS literature in a way the attitude of when they are presented. I recently par- that provides you with a real sense of ticipated in negotiations for our electron- contribution? Then, have courage and transformation.” ic resources contract with a major pub- believe that you have a contribution to —April Holland lisher. I thought of it as a big deal to rep- make that is important to the LIS litera- resent the entire social sciences division ture. Be thorough in your review of the of librarians in these negotiations—it was, literature. Choose a partner for some of but I received guidance and support your publishing projects. through the process. My favorite photograph in my small positive spirit and genuine concern and collection of graduation photos was taken it encourages them to support you. Offer just after the ceremony during the reces- to serve both internally and externally in Connecting Values to sional. I am fully robed, I am stepping for- your library, your division or in a capaci- Scholarship ward, clinching my degree and smiling. ty within the broader community and The facial expression is one that clearly professional organizations. Be willing to Even as you demonstrate your growing says “I DID IT!!” take a small, less significant role. leadership through your willingness to Each of you has or will soon have a Observe others in positions you aspire serve, you may be asked to further estab- similar photo in your own collection. As to. And remember, networking can take lish yourself through publishing. A key you make your baby steps into your new place in a variety of scenarios: in person strategy to consider as you take the step library career, remember that feeling and with others working at your library, but toward publishing is connecting values to employ these strategies or develop new not directly within the same department; scholarship. You can develop the passion, ones to lay a simple plan for how “YOU introducing yourself and chatting with a tenacity and commitment needed to pub- CAN DO IT!” ●V librarian you meet in a session at a con- lish by asking yourself a few questions. ference; writing brief emails to stay in What is important to you and interests

GUEST EDITORIAL continued from page 1

If you can answer yes to most of these questions you have social and institutional power, “white privilege,” which you may not have earned, but never the less possess. The LeRoy C. Merritt Accepting this awareness is critical if you have a commitment to the goals and values of diversity and equity, not only within our profession, but also within our society and Humanitarian Fund nation. Standing with librarians Attending diversity events are learning opportunities. Yes, they can challenge our per- who stand for freedom… ceptions and understandings. Yes, they can be uncomfortable. Change is never easy, but, if our avowed professional goals and ethics are to be sustained as our profession Helping librarians who changes, these changes must be effected by each of us, personally. face discrimination…

Bibliography For more information, visit McIntosh, Peggy. White Privilege in Race, Class, and Gender: An Anthology. 5th www.merrittfund.org ed. Ed. by Margaret L. Andersen and Patricia Hill Collins. (Belmont, CA: or call 800-545-2433 x4226 Wadsworth/Thomson Learning, 2004.) ●V

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