Spectrum

Spectrum Scholarship Program announces Sponsorships for the 2024-2025 Scholarship Cohort

AJAIN — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 17:19:13 +0000

Spectrum Scholarship Program announces Sponsorships for the 2024-2025 Scholarship Cohort

CHICAGO - The 91��ý's (91��ý) Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services awarded Spectrum Scholarships to 70 exceptional students pursuing graduate degrees in library and information studies in 2024. Due to generous donations from sponsors, 91��ý groups, and community members, 91��ý has awarded more than 1,600 Spectrum Scholarships since 1997.

The Spectrum program funds scholarships through its endowment and the generous contributions of individuals and organizations whose donations support named scholarships in the Spectrum Family of Funds. For 2024-2025, scholarships have been awarded in honor of the following supporters: Leo Albert, the Calloway family, Louise Giles, William R. Gordon, Satia Marshall Orange, Miriam Tuliao, and Dr. Betty J. Turock.

The 2024-2025 Endowment Scholars are as follows:

Kizuwanda Raines, Clarion University of Pennsylvania (Leo Albert Scholar)
Bethany Hill, University of Tennessee (Calloway Family Scholar)
Elizabeth Tibebu, University of Maryland (Louise Giles Scholar)
Alayna Sofia Jasso, Catholic University of America (William R. Gordon Scholar)
Varinthorn Punakananda Nakkeow, San Jose State University (Satia Marshall Orange Scholar)
Nyakundi James Nyambane, Drexel University (Satia Marshall Orange Scholar)
Bryn Shaffer, University of British Columbia (Miriam Tuliao Scholar)
Euncho Ko, University of Alberta (Dr. Betty J. Turock Scholar)

ProQuest, part of Clarivate, continues its generous support of the Spectrum Scholarship Program. Since 2001, ProQuest, part of Clarivate, has funded more than 200 Spectrum Scholars through sponsorship of the Scholarship Bash and now through their direct support of eight scholarships a year including one dedicated in memory of Ron Clowney, a former ProQuest executive. This year’s ProQuest, part of Clarivate Scholars are:

Sandra Martinez, University of Washington
Amaobi Kenechi Otiji, Rutgers University
Kaylee Danielle Paul, Simmons University
Ina Marie Samuel, San Jose State University
Jennie Margaret To, University of Washington
Daniel Vesurai, Valdosta State University
Lia Warner, San Jose State University
Phoebe Yip, San Jose State University

Elsevier is sponsoring two Spectrum Scholars and is a new sponsor of the Spectrum Scholarship Program as of 2022. This year’s Elsevier scholars are:

Sarah Dababneh, University of Michigan
Indira Nauth, San Jose State University

The Medical Library Association & National Library of Medicine (MLA/NLM) support two scholarships annually. The MLA/NLM Spectrum Scholarships support students with an interest in the field of medical or health sciences librarianship. This year’s MLA/NLM scholars are:

Karla Barreiro, San Jose State University
Sarah A. Meihui Bernstein, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

The Northern California & Nevada Medical Library Group (NCNMLG) is sponsoring a 2024 Spectrum Scholarship to support a student interested in a career in health sciences librarianship. This year’s NCNMLG scholar is:

Amy Lim, University of Alberta

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) established the ALSC Spectrum Scholarship through funding from the Frederic G. Melcher Endowment in 2010. Three ALSC Spectrum Scholars interested in library service to children are designated annually. Ellen Fader, past-president of ALSC has generously donated to the Spectrum Scholarship Program. Her support has provided follow-up grants for Spectrum Scholar alumni to accelerate their path toward graduation and an annual Spectrum Scholarship in her name since 2014. This year’s ALSC scholars are:

Ana Lizeth Balen, San Jose State University
Reyna Campuzano Scarfo, San Jose State University
Kate Uesugi, San Jose State University
Vanessa Lizette Rodrigson, San Jose State University

The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) is supporting two 2024 Spectrum Scholars pursuing a career in academic and research libraries. This year’s ACRL scholars are:

Maria Guadalupe Partida, University of Texas - Austin
Grace J. Park, University of British Columbia

Thanks to the generosity of sponsor OCLC, Core, a division of the 91��ý, is supporting a 2024 Spectrum Scholar with a demonstrated interest in library technology. OCLC has supported a LITA/Core scholarship since 1991. This year’s OCLC Core scholar is:

Armaan Singh Kalkat, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) annually funds two Spectrum Scholars pursuing a career in young adult librarianship or secondary school librarianship. This year’s YALSA scholars are:

Tamika Lynn Lax, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
Ian Anthony Wheeler, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

The Rainbow Round Table (RRT) has committed to sponsoring a 2024 Spectrum Scholar who expresses commitment to serving the information needs of the LGBTQIA+ professional library community, and the LGBTQIA+ information and access needs of individuals at large. This year’s RRT scholar is:

De'Ivyion Emonne Drew, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

The Spectrum Scholarship Program is additionally grateful to Library Associations across the country which offer support to Spectrum Scholars with additional grant funding, registration to conferences, inclusion in publications, and much more.

The Illinois Library Association (ILA) has committed to the support of Spectrum Scholars in Illinois since 2003 through the establishment of the Sylvia Murphy Williams Award. The award offers registration to the ILA conference of the scholar’s year, recognition at 91��ý Annual Conference, and article feature in an ILA publication. The 2024-2025 ILA Scholars are:

Citlalli Cardenas, Dominican University
Bethany Hill, University of Tennessee
Leslie Lopez, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Katherine Mendoza-Gonzalez, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Anita Sharma, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Hilda Vásquez Medina, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Daniel Vesurai, Valdosta State University

The New England Library Association (NELA) offers a supplemental grant of up to $1,000 for Spectrum Scholars residing in New England. This year’s NELA scholar is:

Kaylee Danielle Paul, Simmons University
Kai Miyabayashi McGinn, Simmons University
Annabelle Hiu Ying Ho, Valdosta State University
Leia Carman Barrow, Simmons University
Mateo Leon Caballero, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign
Nebraska Chatham, Simmons University

The Spectrum Scholarship Program is additional grateful to the eight ODLOS affiliate organizations which offer complimentary membership to their organization for Spectrum Scholars for the duration of their scholarship year. Due to ongoing support from the National Association of Librarians of Color (NALCo), and Outreach affiliate groups, Spectrum Scholars are offered a year of membership to the American Indian Library Association (AILA), Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (AP91��ý), Black Caucus of the 91��ý (BC91��ý), Chinese American Librarians Association (C91��ý), REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, Association for Rural & Small Libraries, Inc. (ARSL), and Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS).

To learn more about the Spectrum Scholarship Program, please contact 91��ý’s Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services at spectrum@ala.org or visit www.ala.org/spectrum. The application period for 2024 Spectrum Scholarships is open until March 1, 2024.

About the 91��ý
The 91��ý (91��ý) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91��ý has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org. 

AJAIN Fri, 12/13/2024 - 11:19

Awards (Scholarships & Grants)

Contact:

Anjali Jain

Program Officer, Community Engagement

ODLOS

spectrum@ala.org

Scholar Spotlight: Cindy Hohl (2016) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee

AJAIN — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 19:13:41 +0000

Scholar Spotlight: Cindy Hohl (2016) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee AJAIN Fri, 12/06/2024 - 13:13

The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and 91��ý. Spectrum Scholarship Alumni are part of what makes this program successful -- we are thrilled to highlight Cindy Hohl (2016 Scholar), director of policy analysis and operational support at Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library, and 91��ý President, to talk about the Scholarship, as well as current work. This interview was conducted via email with Spectrum Advisory members, Kay P Maye, and Ramon Garcia in November, 2024.

What area(s) of librarianship have you worked in thus far?

I started my library career at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library and moved over to the Kansas City Public Library where I have worked since 2017. In my work as 91��ý President, I have the pleasure of meeting library staff working in various library types all over the world.

What are some current projects that you're really excited about right now?

We are creating a toolkit to share information about Missing, Murdered, Indigenous Women and People to bring awareness to this issue. Thousands of people go missing and the national database does not include everyone that is missing. We need to create awareness about this health information matter and correct the data disparity. Ultimately, we need to share information so that more people can understand and hopefully get involved to help us find more people before it is too late. This is important for Americans so that everyone is safe in society.

What has the Spectrum community provided you with in the years since you've graduated library school?

As the first Spectrum Scholar elected to 91��ý President, it is my duty to make sure that I am not the last. Our Spectrum community is everything to me as a library leader and I strive to help colleagues on their journeys. Our Spectrum family helps me feel like this is where I belong in the field, in community with my esteemed colleagues.

How do you carry that sense of camaraderie and connection forward to others in the LIS profession?

In traditional Dakota beliefs, we are all related, and I carry that knowledge with me to help build sustainable relationships. It is my goal to make sure that everyone feels seen, and I strive to create a spirit of belonging for all no matter where I go.

Working in libraries can sometimes take us far from home. What are some favorite regional foods that you look forward to getting if you ever return for visits? Alternatively, what are some favorite dishes that you discovered along the way?

I enjoy cooking for my family and we enjoy frybread, soup, and wojapi.

Intersections

Spectrum Scholarship Program

KTHORNTON — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:59:25 +0000

Spectrum Scholarship Program

KTHORNTON Tue, 12/03/2024 - 09:59

About the Spectrum Scholarship Program

Through the Spectrum Scholarship Program, the 91��ý affirms its commitment to diversity and inclusion by seeking the broadest participation of new generations of racially and ethnically diverse librarians to position 91��ý to provide leadership in the transformation of libraries and library services.

Applications for the program open on September 1st, and close March 1st of each year. Common questions about the scholarship and more information about the application process can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Donate to the Spectrum Scholarship Fund

Contribute to 91��ý's national diversity and recruitment effort designed to address the specific issue of under-representation of critically needed ethnic librarians.

Make a difference

Spectrum News

Spectrum Scholarship Program announces Sponsorships for the 2024-2025 Scholarship Cohort

The 91��ý's (91��ý) Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services awarded Spectrum Scholarships to 70 exceptional MLIS in 2024, thanks to generous donations from sponsors, 91��ý groups, and community members.

Scholar Spotlight: Cindy Hohl (2016) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee

91��ý announces 2024-2025 Spectrum Scholars

The 91��ý's (91��ý) Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services awarded 2023 Spectrum Scholarships to 70 exceptional students pursuing graduate degrees in library and information studies.

Scholar Spotlight: Luisa Leija (2020) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee

Scholar Spotlight: Jerrell Jones (2021) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee

Scholar Spotlight: Iliana Burgos (2019) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee

Tuliao Swims Again to Support Spectrum

Miriam Tuliao has announced that she will swim Grimaldo's Mile, a one mile open water event in New York City, on July 9th to raise funds for 91��ý’s Spectrum Scholarship Program. This is Tuliao's 15th consecutive year organizing an annual fundraiser for Spectrum.

New 91��ý endowment honoring Satia Marshall Orange to benefit Spectrum Scholarship Program

From 1997 to 2009, Satia Marshall Orange guided what is now the 91��ý’s (91��ý) Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS), working on behalf of underserved populations and promoting diversity within the field of librarianship. Now, on the occasion of her 80th birthday, her work is being honored with the establishment of the Satia Marshall Orange Spectrum Scholarship Endowment Fund.

91��ý announces Spectrum Doctoral Fellowship Program and informational session

CHICAGO - The 91��ý (91��ý) is pleased to announce the return of the Spectrum Doctoral Fellowship Program. Building off the success of the Spectrum Scholarship Program which provides one-year academic funding for LIS students who identify as American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, the Spectrum Doctoral Fellowship Program seeks to recruit diverse LIS faculty members.

91��ý Awards Spectrum Scholarships for 2021

CHICAGO — Today, the 91��ý's (91��ý) Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services awarded the 2021 Spectrum Scholarships to 60 exceptional students pursuing graduate degrees in library and information studies.

Tuliao swims again to raise funds for Spectrum and honor BC91��ý President Burns-Simpson

Q&A: April M. Hathcock (2012), Dr. Antonia Olivas (2002), Lalitha Nataraj (2005), Sofia Leung, and Jorge López-McKnight of Knowledge Justice are interviewed by Mimosa Shah (2020)

This interview was conducted via email with Sofia Leung and Jorge López-McKnight, co-editors of the recently published Knowledge Justice: Disrupting Library and Information Studies through

2021 91��ý Elections: Spectrum Leaders

The Spectrum Advisory Committee has compiled this list of Spectrum Scholars standing for office in the 2021 91��ý Elections. We encourage you to support the

Candidate Q&A: Interviews with candidates for 91��ý President 2022-2023

The Spectrum Advisory Committee compiled topics from the Spectrum community and created three questions to pose to the candidates for the 2022-2023 91��ý Presidency: Stacey

Q&A with Javier Barrios, interviewed by Tommy Vinh Bui (2015)

Javier Barrios is a librarian for the Writers Guild Library in Los Angeles, California. The Writers Guild Library is the world’s only library and archive

91��ý announces 2024-2025 Spectrum Scholars

RAGARCIA — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 15:52:32 +0000

91��ý announces 2024-2025 Spectrum Scholars

CHICAGO — The 91��ý's (91��ý) Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services awarded 2024 Spectrum Scholarships to 70 exceptional students pursuing graduate degrees in library and information studies. Since 1997, 91��ý has awarded more than 1,600 Spectrum Scholarships. In the most recent application cycle, the Spectrum Scholarship Program received four times as many applications as there were available scholarships, and the majority of this year’s applicants were deemed highly fundable. A prestigious committee of jurors selected this year’s Spectrum Scholars based on their commitment to community building, leadership potential, and planned contributions to making social justice part of everybody's everyday work in LIS.

The 2024-2025 Spectrum Scholars are:

Alia Suad al-Ghabra, San Jose State University

Akua Serwaa Amponsah, Pratt Institute

Mikayla Aviles, Louisiana State University

Deleon MW (Wilson) Awill, Louisiana State University

Ana Lizeth Balen, San Jose State University

Louis Kelly Curtis Banks IV, Simmons University

Karla Barreiro, San Jose State University

Leia Carman Barrow, Simmons University

Sarah A. Meihui Bernstein, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Charmaine Branch, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Shanika Nicole Brown, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

Mateo Leon Caballero, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Reyna Campuzano Scarfo, San Jose State University

Citlalli Cardenas, Dominican University

Guadalupe Castillo, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Nebraska Chatham, Simmons University

Sarah Dababneh, University of Michigan

De'Ivyion Emonne Drew, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Rachel Erskine, Emporia State University

Maricela Garcia Serrano, San Jose State University

Lupita Gonzalez, University of Oklahoma

Amy Guerrero, University of Maryland

Tyler Aidan Hernandez, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Jasmarie Hernandez-Canuelas, University of Puerto Rico

Giselle Herrera, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Bethany Hill, University of Tennessee

Annabelle Hiu Ying Ho, Valdosta State University

Alayna Sofia Jasso, Catholic University of America

Gabriela Jasso, San Jose State University

Armaan Singh Kalkat, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Euncho Ko, University of Alberta

Tamika Lynn Lax, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis

Maryan Ali Liban, Kent State University

Amy Lim, University of Alberta

Leslie Lopez, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Diana Iridian Manriquez-Rivera, San Jose State University

Ana Laura Martinez, San Jose State University

Sandra Martinez, University of Washington

Melissa McCall, University of Washington

Kai Miyabayashi McGinn, Simmons University

Katherine Mendoza Gonzalez, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Vanessa Mondragon, Valdosta State University

Aliyah Muhammad, San Jose State University

Kathia Perez-Enriquez, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Varinthorn Punakananda Nakkeow, San Jose State University

Indira Nauth, San Jose State University

Nyakundi James Nyambane, Drexel University

Dalia Ortiz Pon, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Amaobi Kenechi Otiji, Rutgers University

Erica Owan, University of Washington

Grace J. Park, University of British Columbia

Maria Guadalupe Partida, University of Texas - Austin

Kaylee Danielle Paul, Simmons University

Kizuwanda Raines, Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Vanessa Lizette Rodrigson, San Jose State University

Ina Marie Samuel, San Jose State University

Isabella Marie Sanchez, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Bryn Shaffer, University of British Columbia

Anita Sharma, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Michelle Sosa, San Jose State University

Emily Chen Taina, San Jose State University

Elizabeth Tibebu, University of Maryland

Jennie Margaret To, University of Washington

Kate Uesugi, San Jose State University

Hilda Vazquez Medina, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Daniel Vesurai, Valdosta State University

Grace Villanueva, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Lia Warner, San Jose State University

Ian Anthony Wheeler, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Phoebe Yip, San Jose State University

The Spectrum program funds scholarships through its endowment and the generous contributions of individuals and organizations whose donations support named scholarships in the Spectrum Family of Funds. For 2024–2025, scholarships have been awarded in honor of the following supporters: Leo Albert, the Calloway family, Louise Giles, William R. Gordon, Satia Marshall Orange, Miriam Tuliao, and Dr. Betty J. Turock.

Scholarships have also been awarded from sponsoring organizations including ProQuest, Part of Clarivate; OCLC (OCLC/Core Scholar); Northern California & Nevada Medical Library Group; National Library of Medicine; the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL); the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC); Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA); and the Rainbow Round Table (RRT) of the 91��ý.

91��ý offers thanks to the 2024 Spectrum Scholarship Jury for their work:

Nia Lam – Co-Chair (Media Studies Librarian at University of Washington Bothell & Cascadia College Library ), Alicia Zuniga – Co-Chair (Public Health & Science Librarian at California State University, Sacramento), Saegan Anderson, Megha Bamola (Youth and Family Outreach Specialist at Oak Park Public Library), Bradley Bibbs (Adult Services Librarian at Aurora Public Library District), Monica Boyer (Senior Manager of Children’s Services at Aurora Public Library District Library), Emma N. De Vera (State Library Programs Specialist at Minnesota State Library Services), CJ Garcia (Research and Instruction Librarian at A.T. Still University), Meera Garud (Instructor and School Library Coordinator at University of Hawaii at Manoa), Christy Hogan (Collection Development Librarian at University of Alabama at Birmingham), Jasmine Kirby (Assistant Librarian at the University of Utah), Bradley Kuykendall (Floater Branch Manager at Dayton Metro Library), Anthony Martinez (Student at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), Ida Teresa Martinez (Science Librarian at Wayne State University), Angelica Mejia (Librarian at Carlsbad City Library) Margaret Puentes, Anjelica T. Rufus-Barnes – Lead Juror (Reference Librarian at Prospect Heights Public Library District), Conrrado Saldivar (Outreach and Development Librarian at Wyoming State Library), Joy Shioshita - Lead Juror (Former Supervising Librarian at Berkeley Public Library), Isabel Soto-Luna (Business Librarian at University of Nebraska Omaha), Julia Stone (Open Scholarship Librarian at Portland State University), Jasmine C. Sykes-Kunk (Head of Research Services at John Hay Library, Brown University),

RAGARCIA Thu, 08/01/2024 - 10:52

Awards (Scholarships & Grants)

Public Awareness

Contact:

Anjali Jain

Program Officer, Community Engagement

Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS)

ajain@ala.org

Scholar Spotlight: Luisa Leija (2020) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee

AJAIN — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 20:33:18 +0000

Scholar Spotlight: Luisa Leija (2020) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee AJAIN Fri, 01/26/2024 - 14:33

The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and 91��ý. Spectrum Scholarship Alumni are part of what makes this program successful -- we are thrilled to highlight Luisa Leija (2020 Scholar), Senior Librarian at the Long Beach Public Library, to talk about the Scholarship, as well as current work. This interview was conducted via email with Spectrum Advisory Co-Chairs, Kay P Maye, and Ramon Garcia in January, 2024.

What area(s) of librarianship have you worked in thus far?

As a Spanish-speaker and first-generation Xicana, I have brought my cultural skillset to the forefront to serve our large Latinx population in Long Beach, CA. I have worked in Youth Services, Adult Services, Community Services, Multilingual Collection Development, led internal transformation work around DEI, and Culturally Responsive Programming.

What are some current projects that you're really excited about right now?

I am currently working on establishing a Tagalog collection in our library system in collaboration with Filipinx colleagues and community stakeholders. We want to build a collection for the Filipinx-American Resource Center that will be housed at the Harte Neighborhood Library on the west side of Long Beach, later this year.

Apart from being the Multilingual Collections subject matter expert, I am also the first Senior Librarian of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at LBPL. I am very excited to continue establishing the framework for this work in a public library setting.

What has the Spectrum community provided you with in the years since you've graduated library school?

It hasn’t been too long since I’ve graduated but thus far, the Spectrum community continues to open doors and provide access to a wealth of resources, opportunities, and a large network of colleagues invested in seeing BIPOC library workers flourish. Our gifts, talents, and perspectives are vital to shaping the future of the field. When I find another Spectrum Scholar at a conference or even here at work, immediately there is a kinship and an unspoken understanding that we will support one another, if only in that moment and at best, for the longevity of our careers.

How do you carry that sense of camaraderie and connection forward to others in the LIS profession?

I carry that sense of camaraderie and connection forward to others in LIS by demonstrating a genuine desire to see others succeed and fostering an atmosphere of inclusion. One of the ways I do that is through bringing people into conversations, listening, and meeting people where they are at. If I can provide them resources to support them in their professional journeys, I do. If I can introduce them to new concepts around social justice in LIS, I do that as well.

Working in libraries can sometimes take us far from home. What are some favorite regional foods that you look forward to getting if you ever return for visits? Alternatively, what are some favorite dishes that you discovered along the way?

I’m from the Bay Area and one of the things I miss most about living in Oakland is eating delicious Ethiopian food! Whenever I find it outside of Oakland, it’s a must try!

Intersections

Scholar Spotlight: Jerrell Jones (2021) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee

AJAIN — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 19:29:47 +0000

Scholar Spotlight: Jerrell Jones (2021) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee AJAIN Fri, 12/22/2023 - 13:29

The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and 91��ý. Spectrum Scholarship Alumni are part of what makes this program successful -- we are thrilled to highlight Jerrell Jones (2021 Spectrum Scholar) who currently works at Rice University Library to talk about the Scholarship, as well as current work. This interview was conducted via email with Spectrum Advisory Co-Chairs, Kay P Maye, and Ramon Garcia in December, 2023.

What area(s) of librarianship have you worked in thus far?

I am now four months into my first position as a librarian, contributing as a Digital Initiatives Coordinator at Rice University. My work entails providing digital project facilitation, project management, and focused consultation to faculty, staff, and students. I have worked in the digitization and digital libraries realm for over 11 years in several staff roles. I remember beginning my work in digitization back in early 2007 and finding my way into the field through my experience as a photographer. A lot has changed from those early days of slow SCSI scanners, fuzzy optics, questionable color reproduction, and clunky digital library interfaces. When I think back on most of my roles over the years, there has always been some element of customer service and maintenance of partnerships. In digital libraries, it has been a combination of educating people about the work I do, the true time and expense of that work, and the necessary complexities of carrying digital projects through to completion. I have always been interested in that “human element” of library service - using libraries as a means to connect people not only to the information they seek but to each other as well. Overall, I think this is an exciting time to be a new librarian because of how libraries are evolving towards inclusion. The road to true, sustainable inclusion in libraries is frustratingly non-linear but I take joy in watching the profession improve for future librarians.

What are some current projects that you're really excited about right now?

I am excited about a collaborative research and teaching program that is hosted by my library, The Fondren Fellows program. This program provides a paid opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to research while collaborating with the teaching faculty, our librarians, and fellow students on impactful projects. I especially appreciate the mentorship model and exposing students to project management. These students are doing some amazing work and providing them a stage to confidently flex their strengths while making a positive mark on the university is great stuff. The students refer to our library as “Fondy” and to know that it is a place they love and rely on is a good feeling as a librarian.

Additionally, I have been consulting on a project to establish a large-scale digitization and archives program in Barbados that will prepare the nation to undertake a massive effort to arrange, digitize, digitally preserve, and provide access to Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and genealogical records. In the wake of global warming and other forces that threaten physical archives, nations traditionally left out of the digital archiving process are showing an increased interest in digitizing their content. It is an honor to have a seat at the table to advise and empower other countries to prioritize their history through digital means, on their terms.

What has the Spectrum community provided you in the years since you've graduated library school?

The Spectrum community has provided me with a sense of belonging that is genuine, refreshing, and pure.

I exist in a society that was not made for me. I have entered rooms that my ancestors dreamed of entering and I do not take that for granted. Some rooms are built for me, some welcome me, others tolerate my occupation, and others won’t allow me entry until I prove myself worthy of entry. I speak about rooms because when you live your life knowing that rooms are by default, not yours for unconditional entry, it can exhaust you in ways that are hard to recognize. The 2022 91��ý Spectrum Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. provided a room I have not forgotten. There was a ballroom full of LIS students and new librarians of color supporting each other. The feeling was nothing short of electric.

The level of acceptance and peace was palpable. Person after person stood up and recited personal anecdotes about their lives and tables of strangers cheered for each other from across the ballroom. Those beautiful individuals are working and will work in libraries across the country and that alone is a cause for celebration because their talents and transformative power will bolster the profession for years to come. That room lives through positive text messages, encouraging and celebratory emails, and smiling embraces at conferences. Spectrum collectively provides a message of “I see you, I celebrate you.” It is like a candle that the Spectrum community keeps lit - one that can’t be extinguished.

How do you carry that sense of camaraderie and connection forward to others in the LIS profession?

I know how impactful it can be to be celebrated so I spend time making sure people feel seen, heard, and supported. I do my best to spread the word about Spectrum and all of the resources in the LIS community that are available for BIPOC individuals in library school. I believe that LIS programs can do a better job of at least being familiar with the landscape of BIPOC resources in the LIS field. I believe carrying camaraderie and connection forward means showing up when and where it counts. Internally asking things like “How do I show up for this person, based on what they have going on?” or “What does showing up mean in this context?” or “What work do I need to do to be a better ally?" can help support this community, especially those new to libraries. I also think that the power of providing a true listening platform can’t be underestimated. Many of us are programmed to listen to respond instead of listening to understand and I’ve seen some amazing things happen when people truly feel heard. Libraries are notorious for being siloed so camaraderie and connection can easily fall through the cracks. Forced camaraderie and connection can cause another set of challenges. I try to check in with my colleagues, read the room, and respond with action that makes sense. Overall, I try to keep it consistent and genuine because the alternative is no good, and unfortunately, all too common.

Working in libraries can sometimes take us far from home. What are some favorite regional foods that you look forward to getting if you ever return for visits? Alternately, what are some favorite dishes that you discovered along the way?

I have been lucky to work close to home and my family for most of my career, so I have easy access to my favorite dishes. My family is from Louisiana, so Cajun food is something I prioritize when being away from home for a while. As such, I have very strong opinions about what does and does not go into gumbo. I am based in Houston, Texas, and so I am a big fan of the Southwest area of the city which is a prime destination for food from all over the world. It is a nondescript-strip-mall heaven of deliciousness. Yes, I will take that hot and delicious Ethiopian teff injera that is 24 inches in diameter. Thank you, Houston. I sometimes take for granted how easy it is to get decent Vietnamese food without traveling far in my city. I recently traveled to Baltimore and I did enjoy the seafood and serious crab cakes quite a bit. I will now gladly make an excuse to put Old Bay on something. Thank you, Baltimore. When traveling for conferences, I try to venture off from the city center to places where the locals eat. Always grateful for library travel and the great experiences along the way.

Scholar Spotlight: Iliana Burgos (2019) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee

AJAIN — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 17:35:30 +0000

Scholar Spotlight: Iliana Burgos (2019) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee AJAIN Fri, 11/17/2023 - 11:35

The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and 91��ý. Spectrum Scholarship Alumni are part of what makes this program successful -- we are thrilled to highlight Iliana Burgos (2019 Spectrum Scholar) who currently works at Cornell University Library to talk about the Scholarship, as well as current work. This interview was conducted via email with Spectrum Advisory Co-Chairs, Kay P Maye, and Ramon Garcia in November, 2023.

What area(s) of librarianship have you worked in thus far?:

I'm currently the Emerging Data Practices Librarian (read: a data and digital scholarship librarian) at Cornell University Library. Previously, I've held outreach and engagement roles at the University Libraries at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Carolina Academic Library Associate fellow and at the Wilmington Institute Free Library (DE) before going to graduate school.

What are some current projects that you're really excited about right now?

I'm serving as a co-editor on an upcoming volume, to be published by the Association of College & Research Libraries in 2025: Text and Data Mining Literacy for Librarians. The volume features over thirty chapters on perspectives and practical discussions regarding text and data mining topics. Shout-out to my co-editors, Whitney Kramer and Evan Muzzall, and all the contributing authors! In collaboration with the Library Freedom Project, I'm also serving as a co-PI on a project called "Open Educational Resources (OER) on Algorithmic Literacy," generously funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services as a planning grant under the Laura Bush 21^st Century Librarian Program. We are conducting research on the needs and interests regarding algorithmic literacy among adult learners at academic and public library settings and building OER prototypes to meet those needs. Shout-out to project co-PI Reanna Esmail (2022 participant of the Minnesota Institute for Early Career Librarians), as well as our awesome team of collaborators: Hebah Emara (2019-20 OCLC/LITA Spectrum Scholar), Scarlet Galvan and Andrea Puglisi!

What has the Spectrum community provided you in the years since you've graduated library school?

I'm grateful that there's been at least one Spectrum Scholar colleague at every library I've worked in up and down the east coast. They, along with other amazing library workers of color, help me feel supported, visible, and human as I pursue the day-to-day work. From check-ins to professional collaborations, the Spectrum community has been a constant source of encouragement to me.

How do you carry that sense of camaraderie and connection forward to others in the LIS profession?

I try my best to stay in touch with Scholars and encourage aspiring librarians of color to apply to the program. The experiences of entering a graduate program, completing it, entering (and staying in) the profession to pursue work of importance can be demanding. We need to continue advocating for each other as we bring important vision and genius to the field. I do what I can to extend mutual support and solidarity as we experience inequities individually and as collective communities. Spaces for authentic connection, mentorship (both as a mentee and a mentor) as well as straight-up friendship are powerful bonds that help fuel the work.

Working in libraries can sometimes take us far from home. What are some favorite regional foods that you look forward to getting if you ever return for visits? Alternately, what are some favorite dishes that you discovered along the way?

Too many foods to name! From Connecticut, I miss New Haven pizza and the pastelerías in New Britain. I have great memories of eating dim sum in Philadelphia. And North Carolina barbecue!

Tuliao Swims Again to Support Spectrum

MLCHAPMAN — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 14:23:55 +0000

Tuliao Swims Again to Support Spectrum

To support Tuliao’s fundraising efforts, please visit https://ec.ala.org/donate to make your gift and select the Spectrum Scholarship Program as the fund you wish to support. Upon checkout please select the “Add a tribute or memorial to my donation” option on the top and include in honor of the Tuliao Fundraiser and acknowledgement going to Miriam Tuliao in the fields provided.

Each year, in addition to raising funds for Spectrum, Tuliao pays tribute to librarians who have made an impact on her and on their communities. “Librarians of color are in many ways ambassadors in their communities. They are our links to language, culture, to the collections and service, and they can extend their role to [the] families of users in their community, broadening the reach of service.” shares Tuliao.

This year’s swim honors:

Priscilla Chin O'Carroll, Reference Librarian, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Gennie Perez, formerly Capital and Maintenance Operations Manager, The New York Public Library
Wayne Roylance, Adult Materials Coordinator, BookOps
Victor Simmons, Jr., Auburn Avenue Research Library Administrator, Fulton County Library System
Candice Walcott, formerly Supervising Librarian, BookOps
Kelly Yim, Supervising Librarian, The New York Public Library

Tuliao is a library marketing manager at Penguin Random House. Before joining the publishing world, she served as the assistant director of selection at BookOps, the shared technical services organization of New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library.

Tuliao cites a Filipino saying—utang na loob—which means “a debt of the soul.” It’s why she says she feels a strong debt to colleagues and is inspired to help “provide new librarians an opportunity to fly.”

Last year and in 2016, Tuliao also participated in the Grimaldo's Mile Swim as part of her fundraising efforts for Spectrum. In 2020, Tuliao raised over $6,500 for Spectrum through her 125 mile run, which honored 125 current and former NYPLers who have dedicated their lives in service to New York City.

Tuliao is a United States masters swimmer who has participated in several long-distance open water events, including the Big Shoulders 5K Swim in Chicago in September 2007 - her first annual Spectrum Fundraiser. She has raised funds for Spectrum through participating in the New Jersey State Triathlon; the 5.85-mile Little Red Lighthouse swim; two United States Masters Swimming two-mile Cable Open Water National Championships; a 1.2-K race swimming around the Statue of Liberty, the IGLA Championship Open Water Swim, the Annual Lake Erie Open Water Classic, the Steve Belson Memorial Ocean Mile Swim, the Foster Lake Cable Swim, and the Washington DC Sharkfest Swim.

Support Tuliao's efforts by contributing to 91��ý at ec.ala.org/donate, selecting Spectrum, and making your gift in tribute to Miriam Tuliao. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Through the Spectrum Scholarship Program, 91��ý advances racial equity by connecting new generations of racially and ethnically diverse librarians with a network committed to mutual support, advancing one another’s leadership, and making social justice part of everybody's everyday work. The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students. To learn more about the Spectrum Scholarship Program, please contact 91��ý’s Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services at spectrum@ala.org or visit www.ala.org/spectrum.

MLCHAPMAN Fri, 06/17/2022 - 09:23

Contact:

Monica Chapman

Program Coordinator, Coretta Scott King Book Awards and ODLOS Round Tables

ODLOS

spectrum@ala.org

New 91��ý endowment honoring Satia Marshall Orange to benefit Spectrum Scholarship Program

SZALUSKY — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 03:15:32 +0000

New 91��ý endowment honoring Satia Marshall Orange to benefit Spectrum Scholarship Program

CHICAGO – From 1997 to 2009, Satia Marshall Orange guided what is now the 91��ý’s (91��ý) Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS), working on behalf of underserved populations and promoting diversity within the field of librarianship.

Now, on the occasion of her 80th birthday, her work is being honored with the establishment of the Satia Marshall Orange Spectrum Scholarship Endowment Fund.

The endowment was created through a planned gift from Dr. William Michael Havener, former dean of the University of Rhode Island School of Library and Information Studies.

Dollars raised through the fund will benefit 91��ý’s Spectrum Scholarship, which actively recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and 91��ý.

Gifts will go toward a goal of $67,000 to establish an endowment and two scholarships to be given this year. Donations can be made at ec.ala.org/donation/DIV-9187-SMOFND.

91��ý Executive Director Tracie D. Hall, who was part of the first cohort of Spectrum Scholars more than two decades ago, stated, “I commend Dr. Havener’s generosity, and can think of nothing more fitting than the creation of this endowment to honor Satia’s tireless efforts on behalf of equity, diversity, and inclusion in librarianship. Much of what 91��ý champions today is the result of her dedication and pioneering work. The scholars supported by this fund will stand as a monument to her legacy.”

Orange, who retired from 91��ý in 2009, grew up the child of librarians. Her father, A.P. Marshall, was an 91��ý councilor and director of libraries at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. She told American Libraries magazine in 2018, that her father would come home for dinner and then return to the library at 9 or 10 p.m. “doing budgets.”

She said, “I was pulled into the profession kicking and screaming.”

She began her career in education, teaching in Milwaukee in the mid-1960s. She was recruited into the library profession by Virginia Lacy Jones, dean of Atlanta University’s School of library Sciences and one of the only library schools at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Jones offered her a fellowship, promising Orange she would work with young children.

After attending 91��ý conferences, she realized that, as her father had told her, “This was a profession that has a national and international impact.”

As director of the Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS), OLOS broadened the association's support and celebration of traditionally underserved library staff and library communities, developed new 91��ý member units and increased participation in events and activities, including the initiation of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunrise Celebration. Orange was the driving force behind the inception of the Sunrise Celebration, as well as its continued observance as a revered tradition at Midwinter.

In addition to directing OLOS, Orange also served as the 91��ý staff liaison to the Social Responsibilities (SRRT), the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBTRT), and the Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange (EMIERT) round tables for over a decade.

Prior to her tenure at 91��ý, she was also the director of the Arthur Ashe J. Foreign Policy Library, TransAfrica Forum, coordinating lectures, special events, and receptions highlighting Africa and the diaspora and head of Children's Services at Forsyth County (North Carolina) Public Library.

Orange’s impact on the library profession was recognized in 2017, when she received the 91��ý Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT) Distinguished Librarian Award. The Distinguished Librarian Award recognizes significant accomplishments in library services that are national or international in scope and include improving, spreading, and promoting multicultural librarianship.

91��ý (91��ý) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, 91��ý has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.

91��ý announces Spectrum Doctoral Fellowship Program and informational session

AHAYES — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 19:16:50 +0000

91��ý announces Spectrum Doctoral Fellowship Program and informational session

“There have been many discussions about the lack of diversity in the profession, and that includes the classrooms as well,” noted Kevin Strowder, director of 91��ý’s Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services. “We are grateful that we are able to meet a need through this fellowship program.”

In partnership with the University of South Carolina, the University of Maryland, the University of Washington, Syracuse University and Emporia State University, the 91��ý seeks to recruit a cohort of 8-10 racially and ethnically diverse doctoral students focused on advancing racial equity and social justice in library and information science curricula.

The fellowship will develop future LIS faculty committed to fostering racial equity through teaching and research while also building capacity and cooperation amongst partnering LIS degree programs to expand social justice curricula and increase support for doctoral students and faculty in the field who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color. In addition to meeting financial needs, fellowship students will attend a two-day conference and be part of a professional cohort.

Applications open on November 8, 2021, and will be accepted via the 91��ý Scholarship Clearinghouse. Applications will close on December 10, 2021.

An informational session for prospective applicants will be presented on November 3 at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Participants must register in advance. The informational session will be recorded and made available on the Spectrum website the following week.

This fellowship program was made possible by grant funding from the Institute of Museum of Library Services (IMLS).

###

The 91��ý (91��ý) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, 91��ý has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.

Spectrum

Spectrum Scholarship Program announces Sponsorships for the 2024-2025 Scholarship Cohort

Scholar Spotlight: Cindy Hohl (2016) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee

What area(s) of librarianship have you worked in thus far?

What are some current projects that you're really excited about right now?

What has the Spectrum community provided you with in the years since you've graduated library school?

How do you carry that sense of camaraderie and connection forward to others in the LIS profession?

Working in libraries can sometimes take us far from home. What are some favorite regional foods that you look forward to getting if you ever return for visits? Alternatively, what are some favorite dishes that you discovered along the way?

Spectrum Scholarship Program

About the Spectrum Scholarship Program

Donate to the Spectrum Scholarship Fund

Spectrum News

91��ý announces 2024-2025 Spectrum Scholars

Scholar Spotlight: Luisa Leija (2020) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee

What area(s) of librarianship have you worked in thus far?

What are some current projects that you're really excited about right now?

What has the Spectrum community provided you with in the years since you've graduated library school?

How do you carry that sense of camaraderie and connection forward to others in the LIS profession?

Working in libraries can sometimes take us far from home. What are some favorite regional foods that you look forward to getting if you ever return for visits? Alternatively, what are some favorite dishes that you discovered along the way?

Scholar Spotlight: Jerrell Jones (2021) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee

What area(s) of librarianship have you worked in thus far?

What are some current projects that you're really excited about right now?

What has the Spectrum community provided you in the years since you've graduated library school?

How do you carry that sense of camaraderie and connection forward to others in the LIS profession?

Working in libraries can sometimes take us far from home. What are some favorite regional foods that you look forward to getting if you ever return for visits? Alternately, what are some favorite dishes that you discovered along the way?

Scholar Spotlight: Iliana Burgos (2019) in Conversation with the Spectrum Advisory Committee

What area(s) of librarianship have you worked in thus far?:

What are some current projects that you're really excited about right now?

What has the Spectrum community provided you in the years since you've graduated library school?

How do you carry that sense of camaraderie and connection forward to others in the LIS profession?

Working in libraries can sometimes take us far from home. What are some favorite regional foods that you look forward to getting if you ever return for visits? Alternately, what are some favorite dishes that you discovered along the way?

Tuliao Swims Again to Support Spectrum

New 91��ý endowment honoring Satia Marshall Orange to benefit Spectrum Scholarship Program

Related Links

91��ý announces Spectrum Doctoral Fellowship Program and informational session

Related Links