Each month, we feature a Core member for an interview profile called #IAmCore. This month, meet Masha Stepanova, Chair of Core’s Cataloging Management Interest Group. Masha is Head of Cataloging at Ohio State University.
Describe yourself in three words
- Patient
- Creative
- Collaborative
Describe Core in three words
- Community
- Expertise
- Support
What do you value about Core?
All the professional development opportunities. There is such wealth of expertise that is being constantly shared by its members. I also value the community it provides for Technical Services people.
How long have you been a Core member?
I’ve been a member of ALCTS and Core off and on for the last 10 years or so, depending on my job responsibilities.
What drew you to and continues to attract you to the Core Community?
Originally what drew me to then ALCTS as an early career Catalog Librarian with service and scholarship requirements was service opportunities. I found it easy to find interest groups that welcomed me as a member and a leader. What continues to attract me to the Core community is the variety of opportunities for learning, sharing, leading, and being a part of a supportive community
What are you working on now that you’re excited about?
This past year has been consumed by my institution’s migration to Alma that we have been preparing for as a consortium for about 2 years. For the last 7 months I’ve been a co-project lead at my institution. While not always exciting, it is very rewarding to look back even a few months ago and see how far we’ve come and how fast we continue to learn.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching/making?
I usually read several books at a time, but currently the one I’m enjoying the most is “The Discarded” by Colin Hamilton. I knew about it because Colin is a friend of the family and the premise of the book includes a librarian “rescuing” withdrawn books in his library and using them to build a collection in the basement of the library. I couldn’t resist the premise and discovered what may become my new favorite book. It is wonderfully written in the style reminiscent of Jorge Luis Borges where each book is a different genre, subject matter, time period, and has its own chapter. It’s many books in one and each more enjoyable than the last.
What advice can you share with others for a fulfilling and beneficial Core experience?
Don’t be scared by the size of Core or intimidated by the number of different interest groups. Get involved in one and build your community. In my experience, any group or committee will welcome you with open arms.
Anything else you’d like to share?
One of the best things about Core is the variety of benefits of being involved, even if it’s just taking advantage of learning opportunities.
Join an interest group or check out Core’s healthy mix of free and paid professional development opportunities if it suits you! Also, give me a shout through ALA connect if you’ll be at Core Forum in Denver or ALA 2026 in Chicago, and I can probably teach you something you didn’t know before.
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.
