Each month, we feature a Core member for an interview profile called #IAmCore. This month, meet Debbie Ehrman, Co-Chair of the Core Forum Planning Committee!
Describe yourself in three words.
Connector, collaborative, curious.
Describe Core in three words.
Relevant, committed, fun.
What do you value about Core?
I value Core’s commitment to bringing together public, academic, and special library professionals around the seven areas of interest that impact the work of its members. The Core Forum provides an opportunity to meet colleagues, to learn and explore new ideas in an easily accessible conference format with relevant content. I have been involved in planning forums since 2022 and have seen how each forum has built upon each other focusing on meeting the needs and interests of Core membership.
How long have you been a Core member?
5 years.
What drew you to and continues to attract you to the Core Community?
I regularly attended LLAMA sessions at the ALA annual conference, especially the women in library leadership sessions. I was also interested in Buildings and Operations as my role expanded and changed at my library. Core is such a natural fit for both of those areas of interest and my personal desire to ramp up my professional development.
What are you working on now that you’re excited about?
I currently serve as the Chief Operations Officer at the Salt Lake City Public Library and we’ve been working on two impactful construction projects over the last three years. I’m looking forward to the grand re-opening of the Main Library’s public rooftop garden and a new mini-branch library location with a focus on experimentation driven by community input–Ballpark (SLC neighborhood) Library Lab, both open in late May.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching/making?
I’m currently re-reading Brené Brown’s Braving the Wilderness. It is a relevant book for our current time.
What advice can you share with others for a fulfilling and beneficial Core experience?
Be involved–join a committee, attend Core Forum, and continue to support a division that supports you!
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m winding down a 40 year career at the Salt Lake City Public Library on June 30. It’s been an honor and privilege to work for my community and for an outstanding library organization. I also value the many friends and colleagues that I’ve gained through my work with Core.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about the people of Core. If you would like to nominate someone or self-nominate, please fill out this Form.
