Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Voices Carry: Perspectives from the WVU Libraries Diversity Residency Program
Session Abstract or Summary
In 2015, West Virginia University Libraries created a new residency program designed to provide new librarians from traditionally underrepresented groups the professional and leadership skills needed for success in academic research libraries. After a year of researching library residencies, planning the program, and conducting a nationwide search, three resident librarians joined the faculty of WVU Libraries. At the same time the WVU residency program was being developed, the Diversity Alliance was formed. This collaborative partnership includes WVU, as well as the University of Iowa, Virginia Tech and American University, all schools that were also committed to implementing new residency programs at their libraries. The residency programs and the Alliance aim to promote diversity and foster inclusiveness in our profession, as well as in our institutions and communities.
This panel discussion will give an overview of the development, design, special considerations, and future goals WVU Libraries Residency Program. It will also introduce the concept and activities of the Diversity Alliance. In addition to the program specific details, each of the three resident librarians will speak about their experiences in the residency so far. They will share their interests, ideas, and goals and how the WVU Libraries Residency Program and Diversity Alliance will prepare and support them as they begin their careers in librarianship. Least but not least, they will discuss their perspectives on West Virginia and Appalachia as new voices in the region.
Presentation #1 Title
Considerations on Building a Unique Diversity Residency Program and Professional Partnership
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
As Chair of the WVU Libraries Residency Planning and Implementation Committees, I led the research and planning efforts to develop a unique program for librarians from underrepresented groups. My presentation will review the landscape of library diversity residencies, discuss the factors that were determined to be essential to have a successful residency, and provide an overview of the design of the WVU program. It will examine efforts to promote and assess the work so far, offering practical advice for implementing diversity initiatives. It will also discuss the creation of the new Diversity Alliance and how this partnership with American University, the University of Iowa, and Virginia Tech is critical to the success of our resident librarians. Although the residency program is library specific, the information shared in the session should be applicable to any discipline that is interested in creating opportunities for new voices.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Lori Hostuttler is the Digital Projects and Outreach Archivist at the West Virginia and Regional History Center at West Virginia University Libraries. Lori holds degrees in social studies education, history, and library science. She has worked for WVU Libraries for over ten years at both the WVRHC as well as at the WVU Health Sciences Library. She has experience in special collections, research services, and access services.
Presentation #2 Title
A Yankee in Morgantown
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
While hailing from Boston, Ms. Coren also has roots in Mississippi and Georgia. An archivist and librarian, she is excited to learn more about the history and culture of Appalachia and looks forward to working with the academic and local communities of the region.
Ms. Coren is a part of the WVU Library Residency Program, a rare opportunity for early career librarians. The Residency recognizes the importance of recognizing diversity in all forms. One of the greater challenges for the residents is to reconcile their personal challenges with access and opportunity with issues going on within the state of West Virginia, particularly in regards to education.
Through her past work with underrepresented high school and college students, she has become well aware of the importance of fostering research and study skills between the ages of 14-18, and seek to alleviate the education gap though her work as a librarian. She looks forward to becoming more confident and effective as an educator, and believes this position will help achieve these goals.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Ashleigh Coren was previously a part-time reference librarian at Emerson College and the High School/College Success Initiative AmeriCorps Advisor for Steps to Success, an academic achievement program that works with students from low-income families. She received her Master’s in Library and Information Science, Archives Management Concentration, from Simmons College in August 2014. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Art and Visual Culture from Bates College.
Presentation #3 Title
The Wind Blows Hard Against This Mountain Side: WVU Resident Learns to Sustain Rural Libraries
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
While I am new to West Virginia and this region of the country, I am also at home. My ancestors lived their lives nestled in the tropical mist-wreathed mountains of Puerto Rico. Every summer I would return to my ancestral home and assist my relatives with the family farm. I have long been accustomed to sinuous and treacherous roads, and I have been steeped in mountain culture. Even though the languages are different, and tropical trees have been replaced by aspen, mountains are mountains, and the problems are still the same. I bring to this program a similar perspective from a different angle, and I wish to utilize the skills I have gleaned from West Virginia University to benefit mountainous regions all over the country.
The Residency Program at WVU will place me in a leadership position where I can reach out across vast mountain ranges and deliver knowledge and information resources to towns and villages that are in dire need of them. My goal is to be able to help rural libraries assist their diverse patrons to access portions of their collections. Another goal is to aid rural libraries secure grants in order to sustain their programming. The Diversity Alliance has helped to ground and center my goals and to see things from all possible facets. It is through the WVU Residency Program and the Diversity Alliance that I will be able to hone my abilities and become a well-rounded aid to rural libraries regardless of geospatial location.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Lisette Hernandez received her B.A. from the University of Florida in 2008. In 2013, she earned a minor in Information Sciences from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and returned in the fall of that year to attend UTK’S School of Information Sciences. Lisette earned her Master’s degree in the summer of 2015. Following graduation, Lisette was hired as a Resident Librarian at West Virginia University.
Presentation #4 Title
The Road Less Traveled: Branding and Marketing Information Centers
Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary
With extensive experience in marketing and communication, an academic interest in transpersonal psychology and contemplative pedagogy, and a professional passion for modern archives, to say Chanelle's interests are varied would be an understatement. This variety defines the new "diversity," which extends beyond race, ethnicity, and gender. The sum of an individual's traits, values, and experiences must also be considered. With this in mind, Chanelle is using her time as Resident Librarian at WVU to encourage a mindful investigation of how both internal and external stakeholders define and utilize information centers in this time of rapid change. She will discuss how inclusive conversations impact the way we develop and market our services to increasingly diverse populations.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Chanelle Pickens earned a master's in Library & Information Science, with an Archives & Records Management focus, from San Jose State University in 2014 and a B.S. in Communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2004. She is a certified archivist and intends to conduct meaningful research related to library instruction during her time at WVU. She hopes to eventually be in a position with the ability to positively influence how we think about information centers and their lasting importance to our society. It is important to her to create new ways for engagement with and interpretation of the vast amounts of information we deal with on a daily basis. When she isn't causing a ruckus in the library, Chanelle practices yoga and develops her skills as an amateur photographer.
Considerations on Building a Unique Diversity Residency Program and Professional Partnership
As Chair of the WVU Libraries Residency Planning and Implementation Committees, I led the research and planning efforts to develop a unique program for librarians from underrepresented groups. My presentation will review the landscape of library diversity residencies, discuss the factors that were determined to be essential to have a successful residency, and provide an overview of the design of the WVU program. It will examine efforts to promote and assess the work so far, offering practical advice for implementing diversity initiatives. It will also discuss the creation of the new Diversity Alliance and how this partnership with American University, the University of Iowa, and Virginia Tech is critical to the success of our resident librarians. Although the residency program is library specific, the information shared in the session should be applicable to any discipline that is interested in creating opportunities for new voices.
