I am proud to be a California librarian. Our state is diverse and progressive, and our library association works to reflect that. CLA has a wonderful momentum of positive change and growth. As a board member, I would continue to steer us toward new ways of inclusive, pragmatic support for library work and workers. I would be diligent about listening to and reporting the concerns of members. I would also work to seek out and include more voices, from both inside and outside the field.

Libraries are in a state of transformation. CLA has been responsive to changes in our field, but we can do more. Libraries need the tools, support, and funding to continue our work of community engagement and empowerment. CLA gives us the opportunity to pool our wisdom and our voices. As a board member, I would work avidly to reframe CLA processes and procedure to reflect current library needs. I would use my position to champion California libraries.

I am service-oriented, and hardworking. I value fun, kindness, and creative thinking. I respect traditions but am interested in new ways of doing things, both for the sake of creativity and for the sake of hearing new voices. I would be honored to work for you, the innovative, passionate and dedicated library workers of California, as a member of the CLA Board.

Questionnaire

1.  How do you define leadership?
   Leadership is the provision of both vision and community development or empowerment. A leader is good at sharing their ideas of how current needs can be answered by future initiatives. A leader encourages others to develop, share, and execute their own visions.
2. Why are you interested in this position?
   I am looking for deeper involvement in CLA. I’ve benefited from CLA’s training, advocacy, and networking opportunities. I’ve participated in planning conferences and leadership initiatives. I would like to give back to the organization. My hope is to help simplify processes and sharpen our advocacy to include more voices, from both inside and outside the field.
3.  How would you describe your personal leadership/communication style?
   I aim for clear, honest communication that builds consensus. Teams work best when everyone contributes per their strengths and interests. I value fun, kindness, and creative thinking. I respect traditions but am interested in new ways of doing things, both for the sake of creativity and for the sake of hearing new voices. “Let’s try it and see what happens” is a good general approach to new ideas.
4.  What strengths would you bring to the position?
   I am creative, service-oriented, and hardworking. I am good at listening to, encouraging, and collaborating with others. I’m not afraid to try new ways of working.
5.  What experience do you bring to this position?
   I have been a Californian for all but four years of my life.
   
   I have worked in libraries for 8 years, so have a solid body of experience but still a relatively fresh perspective. My library experience includes time in public libraries (Oakland, Mountain View, San Jose), an academic library (Stanford Math), a special library (California Academy of Science’s Naturalist Center), and as a research assistant (for Professor Luo at San Jose State).
   
   I have been involved with the California Library Association for several years, through service on committees and attending conferences and training.
   
   Prior to working in libraries, I was a grocery store manager and a circus school student. Those experiences inform my ability to be creative and my understanding of maintaining an effective organization.
6. What issues or trends are particularly informing your work at this time?
   The housing crisis is the most critical issue for our patrons; I’m interested in identifying and meeting the needs of our patrons who are homeless or in insecure housing situations. I’m also interested in improving our services to re-entry populations.
   
   In terms of professional approaches, I recently completed a Community Engagement Bootcamp at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History and interested in using this strategy to improve library service. I’m a member of Oakland Library’s Race and Equity Team and am learning more about how using an equity lens can create a better library.
7. Who are the thought leaders (in libraries or in other fields) who interest you?
   Nina Simon
   Jessamyn West
   Congressperson Barbara Lee
   Mister Rogers
   (I don’t know if I would necessarily classify those last two as thought leaders, but they inform and inspire my professional (and personal) values)
8. Who are the regional and statewide stakeholders libraries need to be in communication with?
   It feels a little obvious to say, but our most important communication is with our patrons. Patrons can include both those who live or work in our jurisdiction/neighborhood, and those who are just passing through.
   
   Within that same regional sphere, it is important to have connections with organizations and individuals who support or serve our patrons. This can include parents, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, churches, and many other groups.
   
   Finally, libraries need to have excellent relationships with their regional and statewide governing bodies, both elected and operational. We need to make sure our elected officials understand and can communicate about the valuable services provided by libraries. We need to be aware of statewide initiatives, both for our patrons and for libraries.
9. What do you feel are the most critical challenges and opportunities facing California libraries right now?
   In the Bay Area, but also more generally in California, the lack of affordable housing is devastating for not just our patrons but our staff - for their health and happiness, and for our ability to hire a diverse workforce.
   
   Funding, including both the need for supermajority to pass many of our measures and the reaching and lingering effects of Prop 13, is an on-going critical challenge for libraries
   
   Mistrust in government, including challenges to unions and pensions, lack of representative staffing, and general doubts about efficiency, hinders our ability to fully serve our communities. This is compounded by the Federal government’s threats to populations such as immigrants, people of color, and the LGBTQIA community.
   
   The changing nature of library work in the age of information continues to be an amazing opportunity. We can experiment with exciting new and innovative projects as we work to redefine libraries and library service. We can find better ways to serve our communities and meet the challenges listed above.
10. Describe your experience serving on Association committees and/or interest groups.
    - California Library Association (member 2009 to present): Conference program committee, 2016 and 2018 (chair), Conference marketing and promotions committee, 2017. I was also a 2015 Eureka fellow and participated in visioning for new leadership initiatives in 2016.
    - American Library Association (member 2009 to present): NMRT Membership, Promotion, Diversity and Recruitment Committee member, 2013-14, PLA-NMRT Liaison 2014-2015
    - Public Library Association (member 2011 to present): 2014-2015 Membership Advisory Group
11. Describe your network of connections with library professionals and library stakeholders in California.
    While my strongest connections are with folks I have worked with directly here in Oakland and in my previous position at the Mountain View Public library, I also have connections from other professional and personal activities. I co-created the Biking Librarians Facebook group and have organized several rides. I have contacts from my time in library school at San Jose State (class of 2011). I have strengthened connections with colleagues at Conferences and trainings (e.g. CLA, Future of Libraries, Adult Services Symposium). My time as a Eureka fellow (2015), gave me a great network of other folks interested in leadership, and opened doors for me to be more involved in CLA’s shaping of leadership training. Working in regional initiatives such as Pacific Library Partnership’s Fake News Workgroup or Silicon Valley Grows (a coalition of seed libraries), have allowed me to share ideas and work with others to create excellent library services for our communities.