Each month, we feature a Core member for an interview profile called #IAmCore. This month, meet Anne Slaughter, Director of Technology Services at the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS). Anne is the Chair of Core’s Technology Section.
Describe yourself in three words.
Collaborative, fun, persistent.
Describe Core in three words.
Dynamic, accessible, evolving
What do you value about Core?
As a longtime manager in technology-related library services, the past 10 years of which have been in a consortial organization, I’ve worked in and overseen areas that touch on all six of Core’s sections, so the division’s formation has cohesively drawn these areas together in a way that maximizes my division membership. Involvement in committees and attending informal events helps me connect readily with others who are doing work that’s aligned with mine. I’m also so impressed with the progress that has been made in establishing Core’s identity, thanks to strong leadership at all levels – wading through the other side of an organizational merger is an adventure!
How long have you been a Core member?
Since the beginning. I was a member of LITA and LLAMA previously.
What drew you to and continues to attract you to the Core Community?
As a member, I love to connect with and learn from others in the field who are doing similar work. As a volunteer, I appreciate that there are many opportunities for meaningful involvement and enjoy getting to collaborate with Core staff and so many dedicated volunteer leaders.
What are you working on now that you’re excited about?
With the historic levels of federal funding currently going toward expanding broadband access and supporting digital equity in all US states and territories, I’ve been focusing a lot of my attention on ensuring that libraries in the many underserved and unserved Illinois communities can benefit from this investment and better support their patrons. I feel strongly about the importance of these efforts, and the work itself is also fun for me – lots of collaboration and partnerships with other stakeholders within and outside the library industry, active advocacy for capacity-building, and learning new things in a constantly emerging and evolving landscape.
What are you currently reading/ listening to/ watching/ making?
Reading: too many books at once
Listening: new-to-me music from my Music League “team”
Watching: “The Bear” and as many of the Euros and Copa America matches as my schedule allows
Making: knitted washcloths and amateur watercolor paintings
What advice can you share to others for a fulfilling and beneficial Core experience?
This is a great time to get involved and help shape Core’s identity at many levels, so explore the committees and interest groups and throw your hat in the ring if you see somewhere you’d like to help out. Volunteer leadership can be challenging, so don’t forget to reach out to your built-in network of liaisons and counterparts when you get stuck. And don’t be shy about coming to Core Happy Hour and other fun informal events at ALA Annual and Core Forum – the “corridor track” of a conference outside of sessions can be incredibly fruitful for your learning and networking.
