We asked candidates for Core Director-at-Large to answer some questions before the spring election opens on March 10. Voting will close on April 2, with results announced on April 7.
The Directors-at-Large are elected to three-year terms, 2025–2028.
Jennifer is the Government Relations Specialist for the Ramapo Catskill Library System in Middletown, NY.
- What has Core brought to your career, and what would you bring to Core were you elected to this position?
I have been a member of the Continuing Education Committee within Core. I have also attended a variety of programs and meetings. As a Board member, I will continue the innovative and exceptional work conducted by the current and past Board as well as look to strengthen and create connections within the profession and, where appropriate, beyond while ensuring fiduciary responsibility. - Member engagement is critical for the life and health of the Core Division. How do you plan to sustain and grow Core’s membership?
It is important to meet the needs of the current membership. Through feedback and evaluative measures, we will be able to sustain the current membership base of Core. Growth can be curated in library types that are not as prevalent in the Core membership such as public libraries. - How will you pursue collaboration between sections of Core, and across ALA?
Collaborations make the profession only stronger. I will pursue collaboration through listening, learning, and then offering a symbiotic collaboration that will mutually support those who are involved as well as the great library profession. - What does equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) mean in your professional life, and how should these be implemented within Core and in larger advocacy efforts?
EDIA in my professional life means having self-awareness of current situations as well as the who/why regarding who has a seat at the table. I strive to have this awareness and insight at the forefront of any initiatives put forward and will do so in the same manner with Core. As for as larger advocacy efforts, as the Government Relations Specialist of a public library system, EDIA is always a focal point in budgetary and legislative priorities. - What’s one thing you think Core is doing particularly well and that you would intend to support or enhance? What should the division change?
As a Board member, I will continue the innovative and exceptional work conducted by the current and past Board as well as look to strengthen and build the membership base.
Jennifer’s Personal Statement
Having worked in a variety of types of libraries, I look forward to bringing my experience and knowledge to serve on the Core Board. The profession is facing a number of hardships: censorship, resiliency, financial instability, political unrest, climate change, and more. However, as information professionals, librarians have showcased we are willing and able to address them head on through strong partnerships, coalitions, and strategy—all which I intend on supporting as a member of the Core Board. By supporting staff and administration through these hardships (and successes) via professional development opportunities, support, and transparency, the profession will only grow stronger. As a Board member, I will continue the innovative and exceptional work conducted by the current and past Board as well as look to strengthen and create connections within the profession and, where appropriate, beyond while ensuring fiduciary responsibility.
Thank you, Jennifer!
