Tracy Bicknell-Holmes

Tracy Bicknell-Holmes headshot
Describe yourself in three words:

Passionate, equity focused, learner.

What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device)?

91´«Ã½

I am reading "Rising out of Hatred" by Eli Saslow; "I will Fight no More Forever: Chief Joseph & the Nez Perce War", by Merrill D Beal; "The Art of Relevance" by Nina Simon; "Rereading What Does it Mean to be White?: Developing White Racial Literacy", by Robin DiAngelo.

Describe ACRL in three words:

Expertise, advocacy, leadership.

What do you value about ACRL?

91´«Ã½

ACRL as a network of engaged professionals willing to share their expertise; working together to move with change, serve our communities to the best of our abilities, and provide work environments that foster success and wellness for employees. I greatly value the various groups and individuals in ACRL that are working to recruit, retain, and improve the career success for BIPOC individuals, and those of differing abilities and gender identities as diversity in our field improves our ability to serve all our patrons and support our communities effectively. Through ACRL I am provided experiences beyond my library, state, and region that open my horizons and make me hopeful for the future.

What do you as an academic librarian contribute to your campus?

91´«Ã½

I am an active advocate for diversity and equity in policy, procedure, and practice, particularly in personnel and hiring practices. I am working to develop a racial equity lens and identify ways that I can help dismantle systematic racism and the gender bias that inhibit our ability to meet the needs of all of our students. I recently stepped down as Dean of Albertsons Library and am transitioning into a new role which is not yet clearly defined. I am looking forward to my next adventure and opportunities to put my expertise to work on behalf of Boise State University and academic libraries.

In your own words

91´«Ã½

When I was in high school, my mother said she could see me as a librarian one day. My response? "That would be really boring!" As usual she was right, and boy, was I wrong. Working in academic libraries requires me to continuously learn, regularly update my skills, keep up with new technology and software, adapt to new pedagogies and cultural changes, problem solve difficult issues and puzzles, and work with younger generations who challenge me to see things differently. It is energizing, engaging, and requires all of my skills and abilities to navigate the constant change. And it is rarely boring!

Credentials:she/her/hers

Title:Professor / Liaison Librarian

Workplace:Albertsons Library, Boise State University

Location:Boise, ID