Lorelle R. Swader
Director, American Library Association Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment
Adjunct Professor, Dominican University Graduate School of Library & Information Science
Never stop learning.Your MLS is not the end of the learning. It is just the beginning. Also, all experiences prepare you for your next position.
How do you describe what you do as a librarian to your family or to people at a party?
After years of education, my family finally thinks I work in a library. The problem is, I don’t. I work for a “library” association and I am an association executive. (I still tell anyone that I am a librarian by trade)
What special projects, initiatives or committees have you been or are involved in? How did you first got involved? What experiences in ALA have been the most rewarding?
I currently oversee the operations for the ALA General Scholarship Program and ALA Placement Center. I am now also staff liaison to the Emerging Leaders Program. (In all of these cases I have a wonder staff who is responsible for project management of these programs) I started with this office over 10 years ago when it was the Office for Library Personnel Resources (OLPR) It had a great reputation and I was excited to join it. Working previously with the divisions prepared me for working in ALA, but the most rewarding part of my job now is working with the “human” component in libraries.
What advice would you give to up and coming librarians?
Never stop learning. Your MLS is not the end of the learning. It is just the beginning. Also, all experiences prepare you for your next position.
What do you think are the top three issues facing librarianship (positive or negative) that could change the course of things? If we should try to change that course, how should we go about it?
1) The changing nature of libraries in society
2) The shifting demographics in our country and workforce 3) The economic uncertainty in the country which filters down to library and state budgets. We must anticipate change and stay ahead of the curve.
Tell us from your own experience one lesson you have learned.
That you must constantly learn and keep your skill set up.
What values (personal traits or characteristics) do you look for and admire in a leader?
Integrity and ability to develop others.
How do you recognize contributions of others in your library and in your community?
I support my staff in their development on a daily basis. I give recognition and support to my peers whenever possible.
What or who influenced you to become a librarian?
My supervisor in the Halls of Residence Libraries at Indiana University. (Back when I was a support staff student worker) His name was Steve Moffat.
If you could do anything in your career differently, what would that be and why?
I would have gotten certified to teach. It may have led me on a journey to be a School Library Media Specialist.
What are the top three things they don’t teach you in library school (or did not teach you in LS) that you think are critical?
Interpersonal Communication skills.
Political savvy.
Event Planning (don’t ask)
What should every librarian know?
The basic needs of your patrons and have a passion for their interests.