Brandy Buenafe, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Candidate for Board-At-Large
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Candidate Statement
While trapped at the dentist recently, a hygienist expressed disbelief that Brandy Buenafe worked in a prison for seven years: “But you seem so nice!”
A 2007 graduate of San Jose State University (MLIS) and 2018 graduate of National University (MBA, Organizational Leadership), Brandy is the Library Services Administrator for the California Department of Corrections of Rehabilitation, a position she has held for the past five years. For the seven years before that she did in fact work in correctional libraries. In her present role, Brandy provides support to staff at 35 adult institutions across the state. She also works with public libraries, academic institutions, and government agencies, to advocate for collaborative services for correctional library patrons, the vast majority of which will return to the community. These conversations have highlighted for her the need for a diversity of voices in library conversations.
Brandy is presently a Governor-appointee to the California Library Services Board, representing institutionalized persons (term ending December 2019), and for the past several years has served on the
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California Library Association committee for the PRExcellence award. She has also worked with the National Institute of Corrections on Evidence Based Correctional Librarianship, with prison library staff from across the country, and provided a library voice in evaluating literacy plans from organizations receiving Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Grants.
Brandy lives in Sacramento with her husband and an assortment of pets. She is, prison notwithstanding, nice.
Questionnaire
1. Why are you interested in this position?
I have worked in correctional librarianship for almost 15 years, and in that time I have realized how similar we are to public and academic libraries, and how misunderstood the field is. As I look at the makeup of the California Library Association Board, I see that the vast majority of the membership is representative of public libraries. In my years on the California Library Services Board, it is has been similar. There is a perspective missing when services to the incarcerated are not taken into consideration. I’m passionate about working with new librarians and library techs, committed to honoring the diversity of all Californians, knowledgeable about the funding process in California, and willing to speak up on behalf of the profession.
2. How would you describe your personal leadership/communication style?
In addition to my MLIS, I have a MBA in Organizational Leadership, and my focus is on transformational leadership. I focus on being a role model, inspiring others, encouraging creativity, and mentoring individuals. My goal is to help individuals be and do their best, knowing that will elevate any organization.
3. What strengths would you bring to the position?
As the head librarian for the California prison system, I regularly communicate with members of the library community, including public, academic, and special librarians, along with library students in MLS and paraprofessional programs. These conversations have allowed me to build relationships and learn about the issues of interest to the California library community.
4. What experience do you bring to this position?
I have served as a member of the California Library Association Board for 3 years, representing Institutionalized Persons and appointed by Governor Brown, since Spring 2016. I have also served on the CLA PRExcellence Award Committee for the past several years under the leadership of Sharon Tani.
5. What issues or trends are particularly informing your work at this time?
In a full employment economy, how do we attract new folks to librarianship? How do we continue to bring the library to people where they are (library as services not space)?
6. Who are the thought leaders (in libraries or in other fields) who interest you?
Currently knee deep in Erica Spiegelman’s book “The Rewired Life”; also deeply interested in Robert Lavigna’s ideas in “Engaging Government Employees”. I also read and watch broadly, describing myself often as “favorite fluid”, interested much more in an idea than who it came from.
7. Who are the regional and statewide stakeholders libraries need to be in communication with?
Business and political leaders are key, along with schools, sports, and medical groups. Frankly, any group can be a stakeholder, as libraries touch everyone. This is a conversation libraries are frequently having with their communities, and even within the specialized community of correctional librarianship, it is one we have with other parts of the prison, to remind them how collaboration with the library can help both of us.
8. What do you feel are the most critical challenges and opportunities facing California libraries right now?
I am in my 40s, no children. My peers often express the feeling that the library is not for us. Libraries are for students or for people with kids. That feeling, that library is space not services, needs to be directly challenged. Opportunities abound with ways to reach every segment of the community, from those institutionalized, unhoused, and yes, even in their 40s without children.
9. Describe your experience serving on Association committees and/or interest groups.
I have served for several years on the PRExcellence Committee, which recognizes public relations campaigns in both print and electronic media for libraries throughout California. This has been a great way to meet other folks active in CLA, and is one reason I’m excited to serve on the board.
10. Describe your network of connections with library professionals and library stakeholders in California.
I have professional relationships with library folks up and down the state and the library hierarchy, from Greg Lucas, the State Librarian, to Cindy Perry, a recently retired school library aide from Tulare. I make it my business to meet and speak to library people. I know how important what we do is, and I’m excited to transition from the California Library Services Board to the California Library Association Board as a member At Large. I appreciate this opportunity.
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