Tonya is the Director of Library Services at Grace College & Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, IN (2099 FTE). She has been a faithful member of ACL for 27 years.
Librarian Career
My professional career began…at the IIT Research Institute’s Library serving the Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis Center in Annapolis, Maryland.
Between the Pages: Getting to Know Our Member of the Month
Describe yourself using a book title: Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? Helping others.
What are you currently reading? Humility by Andrew Murray, The Peacemaker by Ken Sande, Tech Agnostic by Greg Epstein, and Faithful Politics by Miranda Zapor Cruz
How do you as a librarian contribute to your campus or community? Like most of our campuses, if you step up to help, you are welcome to serve in various roles! In my job responsibilities, I oversee the Library and the Learning Center, teach library classes, and serve on several committees, including the Committee on Faculty and chairing the Ad Hoc AI committee. My primary focus is to support and represent my wonderful colleagues in the Library and Learning Center across campus. I also have the privilege of serving on the Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) board collaborating with many librarians to strengthen our libraries in support of our students and faculty.
Do you have any specific interests in the library world? I have too many interests (that’s why I’m a librarian)! Recently, I have been particularly focused on the integration of librarianship and biblical faith, as well as supporting the ethical use of generative artificial intelligence in higher education.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? Sewing, boating (we do live on a lake), and spending as much time with our 7 grandkids (8 yrs and younger).
ACL Involvement
How were you introduced to ACL? When I was a student at Cedarville University, I was somewhat aware of ACL because of the involvement of Mr. Lynn Brock and Mr. Steve Brown, and was drawn to the Christian Librarian while perusing the CLIS stacks at the University of Maryland during library school. It was a great connection to my faith while in the middle of my program. When we returned to Cedarville, Jan Bosma made sure that I joined. Of course, it helped that my employer (Cedarville) paid the fee.
Describe ACL in three words: Supportive, Inspirational, Family
What do you value about ACL? The professional support and development for librarians and libraries grounded in biblical faith.
How are you or have you been involved in ACL? Conference presenter, Mentor, Nominations team, Conference planning teams (Cedarville & Huntington), ACL-PRO Program Coordinator, and ACL Board Director-at-large.