Alan is the Library Director at Word of Life Bible Institute in Pottersville, NY (360 FTE). He has been an ACL member since 1997.
Describe yourself using a book title: The Book of Psalms
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? The best thing is helping students with research and writing then watching their faces light up!
What are you currently reading? Silent Night, by Stanley Weintraub
Describe ACL in three words: Caring – Knowledgeable – Servant-hearted
How do you (or How have you), as an academic librarian, contribute to your campus? As a solo librarian, I serve students and staff in all aspects of the Ryrie Library, from administration to acquisitions, from cataloging to reference work, and from training to supervising student library staff.
I began my career as a librarian… in 1983 when I took a job as library assistant in the Norden Systems branch (where my Dad worked) of the United Technologies Corp in East Hartford, Connecticut. Then, in 1993, I served as circulation librarian at Moody Bible Institute while I completed my graduate degree in Master of Library and Information Science.
What do you value about ACL? I value the caring members and the very useful information and perspectives shared.
How were you introduced to ACL? During a library job search, I found out about ACL via some members who encouraged me to join.
How are you or have you been involved in ACL? I have done indexing for the Christian Periodical Index, submitted book reviews for The Christian Librarian, and attended at least 11 conferences. I also serve as the liaison to TRACS (an accrediting body) for the Bible Core Section.
Do you have any specific interests in the library world? I’m specifically interested in reference work, collection development, and cataloging.