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.
Gina is the Associate Dean of Technology and Special Collections for Louisiana State University Libraries in Baton Rouge, LA.
- What has Core brought to your career, and what would you bring to Core were you elected to this position?
I have been a part of Core since its inception, and before that, I was a member of both LITA and LLAMA. The merger of the three divisions inspired me to become more active and to attend the annual forum. I have worked with two wonderful Core Forum planning committees for the past two years and have already signed up for a third! I hope to model collaboration, humility, and enthusiasm in a Core leadership role. - Member engagement is critical for the life and health of the Core Division. How do you plan to sustain and grow Core’s membership?
Core programs and events are great because of the people involved in them. In Minneapolis last year, it was gratifying to work the registration table and hear from first-time attendees who had “found their people” in the various sessions, workshops, and social events at Core Forum. My response was often: that’s so wonderful; now go tell all your friends about Core! But seriously, I think that Core has the right combination of quality programming and a welcoming environment that we can all build upon as our membership grows. - How will you pursue collaboration between sections of Core, and across ALA?
ALA is a large organization with an overwhelming number of opportunities for library workers. In all the variety out there, I think Core is positioned well to collaborate across different sections and with other divisions. Committee collaborations, task forces to address broad issues, and integrated programming can all add value to members’ experiences, which is especially important for those of us who must be selective about our professional development and service commitment priorities. - 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 is central to our profession, and so much work must be done, especially as core tenets of diversity and inclusion are being challenged worldwide. My professional areas in archives, special collections, and technology are often the most challenged with recruiting and retaining employees from traditionally underrepresented groups, so I’m acutely aware of the disparities. Perhaps Core can collaborate with the NMRT Membership, Promotion, Diversity, and Recruitment Committee to develop a natural pathway for library workers to take for division-level membership and service. - 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?
Core is great at communicating all that is available to members, which is vital to demonstrating value and relevancy. Remaining flexible and open to member ideas and potential collaborations will ensure that Core is an attractive home for ALA members. My experience with Core has been positive, and I see so much evidence that the Core leadership team is committed to working across the division and addressing member needs.
Gina’s Personal Statement
I have been an ALA member most of my career, but I found community when I joined Core. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of being a member of the Forum planning committee. It’s been great to see how the group coalesces and works together as a team to accomplish so much in a relatively short amount of time. Of course, we would be lost without the amazing Core staff! What I love about Core is the diversity of ideas and backgrounds and how welcoming the division is to new members. There is so much potential for the future, and I would be honored to continue working with Core as a member of the Board of Directors. Thank you for the nomination!
Thank you, Gina!
