Amy is the Library Director at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID (1689 FTE). Amy has been an ACL member for 16 years. You can find Amy on Twitter: @amy_librarian78
Describe yourself using a book title: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? Helping people find what they need.
What are you currently reading? Either a cozy mystery or something for my Ph.D. program
Describe ACL in three words: Supportive, Friendly, Educational
How do you (or How have you), as an academic librarian, contribute to your campus? My elevator speech goes something like this: “Librarians help people identify an information need, find and evaluate information, and ethically use the information.” Of those things, I think evaluation and ethics are critically important to help students and faculty navigate the flood of information they encounter daily.
One thing I wish I had known as a beginning librarian… is how much teaching is involved. Had I known, I may have tried to pursue more professional development opportunities to develop skills and knowledge on teaching.
What do you value about ACL? Sharing information, developing friendships, and great conferences
How were you introduced to ACL? When I was attending library school at Simmons College in Boston, one of my assignments was to interview a library director. I interviewed Susan Watkins at Eastern Nazarene College, and she told me about ACL and encouraged me to join.
How are you or have you been involved in ACL? I used to do some indexing, I regularly write book reviews for The Christian Librarian, I have presented at various conferences, and I have been a member of the Liberal Arts Section leadership team for several years.
Do you have any specific interests in the library world? Mostly administration and the ways librarians collaborate with other departments, such as the writing center.