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Education Background:
B.B.A. in Music Business from Dallas Baptist University
MLIS in School Media from Syracuse University
What was your professional background before your current position?
I worked for the New York State Police doing clerical work. Before that, I did many temp jobs, taught 7th grade ELA in my home state of Texas, and taught swim lessons to toddlers.
Describe your current position and what do you like best about it:
Library Media Specialist for Lehman Alternative Community School in Ithaca CSD. It is a 6-12 building and is one of the few public alternative schools in the state. I love all the opportunities to connect with students and witness their talent, enthusiasm, and growth. My library also has an amazing view of downtown Ithaca.
What has been your biggest professional challenge?
Advocating for myself and my needs, not only as a librarian but as an ADHD professional.
Have you seen any shifts towards sustainability in the workplace that you think would be useful in other libraries or institutions?
One thing that is unique to my school is that students are actively involved in the decisions made in our school through democratic engagement. Students have voted on issues relating to sustainability for the whole school, and are responsible for carrying out the responsibilities for those decisions. For instance, one of our student groups proposed to build a green house on campus, and the entire student body was engaged in how to make the greenhouse self-sustaining.
How are you supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in your work environment?
Recently, we rearranged and reorganized the entire library because the layout, while "technically" ADA compliant, was not fully accessible to all students. In rearranging the space, we were intentional about making the shelves more dynamic, with books facing out. I was very mindful about which books I was selecting to display with the covers out, as I wanted to reflect the diverse student body that attends our school. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are all focuses at the district level as well.
What other organizations are you involved with?
NYLA SSL
What advice would you give to someone new to the field?
Pace yourself. Don't let yourself burn out. And spend the first year focusing less on your to-do list and more on connecting with the students, staff, and community you serve.
Are there any tips you would like to share that help you get things done?
Decorative planning has been a game-changer for my ADHD brain.
Favorite web tools or websites:
I use Novelist everyday for reader's advisory and creating displays of read alikes of top circulating books. I also don't know what I would do without Canva!
What are you most proud of?
This year, I am most proud of all of the work I've collaboratively accomplished with my Library Committee. I'm so gifted to have a dedicated group of students who love the library and want to use their talents to make it a better space.
What is one thing you would you like to learn?
I'd like to learn more about AI and ethical uses of it in the library.
What are you most looking forward to this fall?
I'm looking forward to attending SSL and meeting Jason Reynolds!
Thank you Carissa!
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