Heather Cousin, Thousand Oaks Library

Candidate for President-Elect

Candidate Statement

Heather Cousin has the privilege to work alongside staff of the Thousand Oaks Library as the Director. Before working in Thousand Oaks, she was fortunate to work in a number of other libraries in Southern California, learning from some of the best staff and leaders in the field. 

She was encouraged to get involved in CLA early in her career and was glad she did. She met enthusiastic, hardworking people from around the state. After attending conferences, she started serving on committees --  Summer Reading, the Beatty, conference planning, and others. she was even lucky enough to get to learn from exceptionally talented mentors when she got to be a Eureka Fellow. In addition to her work with CLA, Heather collaborates with a number of partners on the local, state and national level including serving on committees for ALA and PLA.

When not at work, Heather and her husband like to cook and travel.  

Candidates for President-Elect

• Jayanti Addleman
• Heather Cousin

Candidates for Board At-Large

• Susan Broman
• Madeline Bryant
• Brandy Buenafe
• Jeanette Contreras
• Brian Edwards
• Dana Vinke

Candidates for Student Representative

• Mayra Fuentes
• Danny Thien Le

 Questionnaire

1. Why are you interested in this position?

For those of us working to serve our communities, we know, first hand, the impact our libraries make. Through legislative work, leadership and professional development, CLA has been a large part of making that possible. As President, I want to continue the great work that’s been done in recent years by both staff and several Boards to create a more vibrant and diverse organization. Thanks to their contributions, our organization is more financially sound and structurally sustainable, capable of surviving in the long term.

2. How would you describe your personal leadership/communication style?

I lead by consensus and want to hear all voices – but also know that sometimes leadership means making the tough call all by yourself. We have a large State, but I’m committed to visiting as many libraries and staff as I can (members or not), because I think the best ideas are often the ones you hear when you’re just having a casual conversation, face to face…sometimes not even about the library. 

3. What strengths would you bring to the position?

Perspective, resilience, humor, humility, and commitment.

4. What experience do you bring to this position?

I’ve held every position in the library world, from Page to Director. More importantly, I’ve watched staff move through those positions and supervised those areas. When you supervise people in those areas and have the opportunity to coach people, you not only want to see them succeed, but you see how their success will ultimately make the whole organization successful.

5. What issues or trends are particularly informing your work at this time?

Leadership development, developing awareness of the needs and cultures of other government agencies and organizations so that we can partner/advocate more effectively, Census, data – security, ownership, and management.

6. Who are the thought leaders (in libraries or in other fields) who interest you?

There is so much innovation and thought regarding leadership, organizational management, stakeholder development, design thinking, and nonprofits I think these are the trends we should be watching. For this, I’m looking at magazines like Fast Company and Medium and listening to podcasts from Freakanomics, Hidden Brain, and GovLove. I also like to pay attention to ELGL, who does a lot at the local government level.

7. Who are the regional and statewide stakeholders libraries need to be in communication with?

There is tremendous value in more of us working with other legislative and advocacy partners. I want to challenge our membership to consider coming together with other organizations like the League of California Cities, International City/County Managers Association, Municipal Management Association, and other similar organizations. We have had great success working with our familiar and trusted partners, like those in education, and many of us have reached out to governmental organizations with some success. If elected, I would make it a priority to insure these and other influential governmental advocacy groups not only hear our story but help us champion it.

8. What do you feel are the most critical challenges and opportunities facing California libraries right now?

Our greatest opportunity is that we are the most trusted government entity, period. No other department or agency enjoys as much support or good will as the library. However, support and good will only goes so far when faced with systemic challenges. Currently our biggest challenges are, trying to assist patrons in crisis and with trauma while not always equipped to do so, traditional resource gaps, lacking a seat at the decision-making table with a legal mandate, and a consistent, stable funding source for all California libraries.

9. Describe your experience serving on Association committees and/or interest groups.

I have been a CLA Board member for three years; served on the Conference planning committee; helped start the Adult Services Interest Group; co-managed the Management Interest Group with Betty Waznis; Summer Reading Program Committee member; and organized the resume review and mock interview sessions at the CLA conference.

10. Describe your network of connections with library professionals and library stakeholders in California.

I have worked in libraries for almost 20 years and participated in CLA for almost as long. Although my work experience has been in Southern California, I have been fortunate to serve on committees or been chosen for projects that put me in contact with amazing library staff in Northern and Central California and beyond.