Em Claire Knowles
Assistant Dean, Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science
Not everyone is going to agree with you but you have to be ready to face friction in contest to your ideas.
1. How do you describe what you do as a librarian to your family or to people at a party? I am proud to say that I am a librarian since there are several librarians, and many more teachers in my family. At present they all celebrate my success as an administrator in graduate school of library and information studies.
2. What special projects, initiatives or committees have you been orare involved in? How did you first got involved? What experiences in ALA have been the most rewarding? My special projects go back so far. As a young reference librarian, I used to bicycle my reference books to the reference halls to discuss how to do term papers. That was really fun, and lasted for about two years. It was well received by the students. Once I began my doctorate program, I became even more excited about trying out new library innovations and sharing them with my colleagues and students. It got to the point where my colleagues did not want to hear any more ideas. Another project that I got involved in was the planning of the California State Library Conference on Library and Information services in 1979 through 1981. I volunteered to be part of the back crew and ended up one of the planners. It was a wonderful way to learn about different types of libraries in California.
3. What advice would you give to up and coming librarians?
Try doing lots of different things, if not in your own job, then find other colleagues, either virtually or in another physical location.
4. 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? The aging of the profession, the diversity of the profession, and making sure that the youth will get involved with the American Library Association. For the last issue, we need all librarians, including new librarians to reach out to future younger librarians and share the excitement of what the organization can be accommodate their interests. Virtual participation is definitely a way to attract them.
5. Tell us from your own experience one lesson you have learned.
Not everyone is going to agree with you but you have to be ready to face friction in contest to your ideas. Again, one needs to find the back up literature, and supporters for your issues. You must not hide but keep looking for your supporters.
6. What values (personal traits or characteristics) do you look for and admire in a leader? Trust, outreach for inclusion and capability.
7. How do you recognize contributions of others in your library and in your community? First of all, I personally acknowledge people for their contributions. With their permission, I share the news with others. I find that so many people get jealous of others for their successes instead of celebrating it. Let’s rejoice in everyone’s success because we all benefit from it.
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