Each month, we feature a Core member for an interview profile called #IAmCore. This month, meet Shannon Tennant, Coordinator of Library Collections and Associate Librarian of Belk Library at Elon University. Shannon is Chair of the Member Engagement Coordination Committee and is a Core web course instructor. She is a brave soul and offered to be the first in the #IAmCore series! Thank you, Shannon!
Describe yourself in three words.
Fun; smart; reliable
Describe Core in three words
Supportive; smart; dedicated
What do you value about Core?
That it brings together so many of the parts of my work. My job has changed from “just” cataloging to include acquisitions, e-resource management, human management, technology. And Core has grown with me and has resources for all of that and more. And I love the people – not just the other members but also our amazing ALA staff who keep it all organized!
How long have you been a Core member?
As soon as I “graduated” from New Members’ Round Table, I came to Core (or rather ALCTS, one of the precursor groups.) Back in 2006 – heavens, that’s almost 20 years!
What drew you to and continues to attract you to the Core Community?
I’ve been able to learn so much as well as share what I’ve learned. I truly feel like I’m helping my colleagues, especially through the Core Fundamental class I get to teach. I’m the only cataloger in my library, and I love hanging out with other people who know what I’m talking about!
What are you working on now that you’re excited about?
In partnership with library and teaching faculty colleagues, we’ve got a grant to infuse content about information privilege into first-year instruction. I’ve been able to introduce students to concepts of ‘critical cataloging’ – especially subject headings and classification – and how that combined with algorithms influences the information they can find and access.
What are you currently reading/ listening to/ watching/ making?
I went to Australia for the first time over the holidays, and I’m reading Australian history and novels and nature works. It would probably make more sense to research BEFORE I visit a place! But I find that I have to go somewhere first and get context, and then I want to read about it. I love international mysteries, both in novels and television shows. There’s a great streaming platform called MHz that has mystery shows from all over the world!
What advice can you share to others for a fulfilling and beneficial Core experience?
I think Nike already copyrighted my advice – “Just do it.” There really is something in Core for everyone, no matter your type of library or job duties or background. Maybe start with the Interest Groups, and then try out serving on a committee. You’ll meet great people, learn a lot, and help other librarians. And it’s fun!
