We asked candidates for Core Director-at-Large to answer some questions before the spring election opens on March 9, 2026. Voting will close April 1. Directors-at-Large are elected to three-year terms, 2026-2029.
Sammie is Director of Wilberforce University Rembert Stokes in Atlanta, Georgia.
1. What has Core brought to your career, and what would you bring to Core if you are elected to this position?
While I have not yet served directly within Core, the division’s work in leadership, collections, technical services, and metadata has shaped the professional standards and best practices that inform my daily work as a library leader. Core’s professional development offerings, publications, and thought leadership have supported my understanding of operational excellence and strategic library management.
If elected, I would bring senior-level administrative experience, a collaborative leadership style, and a strong commitment to mentorship and organizational growth. As a servant and transformational leader, I focus on developing people, building sustainable systems, and aligning strategy with mission. I would contribute a practical administrative perspective, a strong understanding of academic library operations, and a deep commitment to strengthening the professional pipeline for emerging leaders within Core.
2. Member engagement is critical for the life and health of the Core Division. How do you plan to sustain and grow Core’s membership?
Sustaining and growing membership begins with value, visibility, and voice.
I would focus on:
- Strengthening pathways for early-career and mid-career professionals to engage meaningfully in committees and projects.
- Expanding mentorship and leadership development opportunities within Core.
- Promoting flexible, virtual engagement options to meet members where they are.
- Elevating the voices of members through spotlight features, collaborative projects, and cross-section initiatives.
- Ensuring that Core clearly communicates the tangible benefits of membership professional growth, networking, leadership development, and advocacy.
Retention grows when members feel seen, valued, and impactful. I would work to ensure that engagement opportunities are accessible and intentional.
3. How will you pursue collaboration between sections of Core and across ALA?
Collaboration requires intentional structure and shared goals.
I would encourage:
- Joint programming between sections on overlapping themes (leadership, preservation, assessment, metadata, access).
- Cross-section task forces focused on emerging issues such as AI, digital preservation, or workforce development.
- Coordinated communication across Core and other ALA divisions to reduce silos and amplify collective impact.
- Strategic partnerships with divisions focused on public services, equity, and advocacy to ensure Core’s operational expertise informs broader conversations.
As an administrator, I regularly work across departments and institutions, and I understand the importance of breaking down silos to achieve institutional success. I would bring that same mindset to Core.
4. 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 ensuring equitable access to information, opportunity, leadership pathways, and decision-making spaces. It means examining policies, hiring practices, vendor relationships, metadata practices, and leadership structures through an equity lens.
Within Core, EDIA should be implemented through:
- Inclusive leadership development pipelines.
- Accessible professional development programming.
- Diverse representation in committees, leadership, and speakers.
- Equity-centered conversations around technical services, preservation priorities, and resource allocation.
- Transparent and equitable governance processes.
In broader advocacy efforts, Core can model how operational excellence and equity intersect particularly in areas like description practices, access policies, and digital preservation priorities.
5. What’s one thing you think Core is doing particularly well and that you intend to support or enhance? What should the division change?
Core is doing an excellent job of integrating multiple legacy divisions into a unified professional home focused on leadership, collections, and operational excellence. The division has created a strong foundation for professional development and cross-functional dialogue.
I would support and enhance:
- Leadership development programming.
- Visibility of member expertise.
- Cross-sectional collaboration.
One area for growth is expanding outreach to professionals who may not see themselves as “Core” members yet particularly administrators, emerging leaders, and those working in evolving hybrid roles. Clearer messaging about how Core supports leadership at every level could broaden its reach and impact.
