Martin Gomez
President, Urban Libraries Council
“Values” is more than “what do I believe” but also “what do I walk the walk on”. I advance those people who have integrity, who do the right thing…people who do the hard right thing not the “easy” right thing.
How do you describe what you do as a librarian to your family or to people at a party?
To family it’s simple: I changed jobs a lot. I tell them that I work for the ALA but got transferred to another job. At a party it depends on the context. Usually I tell them I work in administration for a nonprofit that serves libraries. People seem interested in my work. If I tell them I’m a librarian, people don’t believe me: it’s a female dominated profession and there is a lack of minorities. I usually shirk the issue. SIDENOTE: I treat the work I’m doing professionally. I dress up. Its important for me to show minority kids that there are people in professional roles. It is important for me to project this.
What special projects, initiatives or committees have you been or are involved in? How did you first get involved? What experiences in ALA have been the most rewarding?
Professional responsibility is not just dressing up. Its being serious and getting involved. I was a branch head early on at a small branch in San Diego. It was after work, but important for me to involve myself with colleagues, I wanted to hear from them and contribute. As a result I got involved with my state library association. Nationally I got involved with ethnic caucus REFORMA – became president. This gave me wider visibility and I got a greater awareness of leaders within ALA. I served as a “representative” of Latinos in ALA committees. Was on ALA Council for two terms. Ran for e-board and served two terms. Ran for ALA president and lost. For me it was an affirmation that I had gained enough respect in a professional organization that I should be given an opportunity to run. Losing was also a good thing as it gave me perspective. What’s important to me isn’t running for president, but doing a good job in the library I worked at and was responsible for – don’t just put your energy into professional associations.
What advice would you give to up and coming librarians?
The profession is a hidden treasure. It can take you, literally, anywhere in the world. There are so many paths and so many diverse opportunities that anyone can find a niche and be happy. It’s important to pursue professional dreams but have a life too: you need balance. This is cliché but don’t forget to smell the roses.
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. Trying to promote relevancy in the digital age. Demonstrating our value, not just talking, to our communities.
2. There is a huge changing of the guard right now. In the next 5-7 years the leadership equation will shift. This is a good thing provided we have encouraged and nurtured new leaders. My concern is that hose bridges and lifelines haven’t been built well enough. There may not be enough mentor relationships to help guide the next generation of leadership.
3. In terms of changing the course, if I were starting out, I would look at who I can drag along with me: identify who is coming after you.
Tell us from your own experience one lesson you have learned.
We can’t take our value for granted. We can’t assume people know our value to society. It’s an ongoing conversation we need to have with the outside community (those not involved in the profession).
What values (personal traits or characteristics) do you look for and admire in a leader?
“Values” is more than “what do I believe” but also “what do I walk the walk on”. I advance those people who have integrity, who do the right thing…people who do the hard right thing not the “easy” right thing. It’s being fair when judging people. It’s someone who is always willing to lend a hand to help other succeed. People saw something in me, something they liked or didn’t like and tried to mentor me. I like people who are persistent. I’ve heard it in early years and in positions of responsibility. There are a lot of people who whine. Don’t just complain, do something about it.
How do you recognize contributions of others in your library and in your community?
I promote them. I don’t just mean literally. I tell others about them and give them a lot of room. Give them the ball and let them run with it. It’s okay if they fail or drop the ball: it’s okay as long as they keep trying.
Who do you think is a library leader?
Gary Strong – University Librarian at UCLA. Met him early on at State Library in California. Saw something and believed in me. He was a mentor for me for a long time. Now we are more peer-to-peer. He’s a passionate speaker for the profession and has tried a lot of things within the profession.
What or who influenced you to become a librarian?
I started in libraries in the 7th grade. I’ve had an inside relationship since I was 13 yrs old and knew what I wanted to do ever since.
If you could do anything in your career differently, what would that be and why?
Wished I would have stayed in a few positions longer than I did, especially the Brooklyn Public Library. I was there for 7 years. If I were there now I’d be a rock star. The longer you are there the better you can be and the better you can serve your community.
What are the top things they don’t teach you in library school (or did not teach you in LS) that you think are critical?
That you are a shaper of social policy and social engineering.
What should every librarian know?
Every librarian should know that their job will be different next year.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your position?
I’m always learning something new.