Jeremy is the Assistant Dean of the Library at Biola University in La Mirada, CA (6095 FTE).
Describe yourself using a book title: Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? I love to serve people. As I work to help students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, I play a role in equipping them to bless others.
What are you currently reading? Combat Record of the Sixth Armored Division in the European Theatre of Operations: 18 July 1944-8 May 1945 by the United States Army, Iron John: A Book about Men by Robert Bly, and A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul E. Miller.
Describe ACL in three words: Friendly / Instructive / Collaborative
How have you, as an academic librarian, contributed to your campus? My hard working colleagues paved the way for me to step into invigorating campus engagement when I began at Biola. As a member of the general education core curriculum revision committee, I led the development of a university-wide information literacy learning outcome which will be embedded within six required course selections. I coordinated a comprehensive revision to the promotion process for library faculty. I have also had the privilege of serving in a faculty role for a student-led group.
I began my career as a librarian . . . without knowing it. I began a part-time job running the public services of my little seminary’s library after hearing about it at my new student orientation. My inauspicious start as a career librarian formally began with an unexpected job offer to serve students through four small seminary libraries spread out across the Northeast.
What do you value about ACL? I value the relationships that I have made with amazing librarians.
How were you introduced to ACL? When I first heard about ACL, it was merely another acronym with a website to hunt for employment as my school closed. I discovered additional benefits of the organization after I found new employment through an ACL job listing.
How are you or have you been involved in ACL? I attended my first ACL conference in June. I have written book reviews for the The Christian Librarian, and I enjoy the frequent emails from members which support my ongoing education on so many topics.
Do you have any specific interests in the library world? Strategic planning excites me as both a conceptual and pragmatic exercise. I draw inspiration from other customer-centric industries outside the library world in my musings on how to deliver constantly-improving service to students and faculty.