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Biography
Jené D. Brown, MLIS, is the Associate Director (Principal Librarian) of Engagement & Outreach at Los Angeles Public Library. She oversees, directs, and supports the Library’s community engagement program, including LAPL’s Street Fleet,
the volunteer services department and special administrative projects and initiatives. She began her career as a children’s librarian and now has over 23 years of library management experience. Jené is passionate about innovative public
service that informs, enriches and empowers diverse communities. She launched LAPL’s Diversity and Inclusion Apprenticeship Program, based on Public Library Association’s Inclusive Internship Initiative (III), and is also a PLA Leadership
Academy alum. Jené holds association memberships with ALA, BCALA, CLA, the California Librarians Black Caucus and the Los Angeles Association of Black Personnel, Inc. Jené was recently appointed as the Library’s Racial Equity Officer,
and she leads Changing Tones, LAPL’s core team working on the Cultivating Racial Equity and Inclusion (CREI) initiative. |
To maintain her health and wellness, Jené practices mindful awareness
and relaxes by letting the ocean kiss her toes or knitting gifts for
babies.
Candidate Statement
It has been said that there are three kinds of people in the world. Those who watch things happen. Those who let things happen, and those who make things happen. I am part of the latter. This year, 2020, has been full of unexpected situations, challenges and tremendous social injustices coming to light. While I cannot deconstruct centuries of injustice and mistreatment of Black, Indigenous and People of Color, I can do my part. Instead of just wishing for change, I can be an influencer, an example, an agent for change who leads the California Library Association forward. This is achieved by applying a racial equity and inclusion lens, in other words, keeping in mind who benefits and who is burdened by our library policies, decision-making, programs and services. Let the healing begin with me.
Questionaire
1. How do you define leadership?I define leadership as having and communicating a vision. Leadership is being decisive and compassionate. Leadership is the ability to to constantly shift and adapt to situations.
2. Why are you interested in this position?
The time is now to step up and make my mark. Instead of expecting someone else to impart change, it’s my responsibility to be the change I wish to see. I am excited to lead the California Library Association in the next phase of its evolution. It’s time for me to blaze a trail and leave a legacy. Lastly, I’d like to continue the CLA tradition of extraordinary leadership.
3. How would you describe your personal leadership/communication style?
My leadership/communication style depends on the situation at hand. As a leader I recognize there are times when I will stand in front (guide), stand behind (support) or stand beside my organization’s members (listen). At times I am a coach who provides constructive feedback and other times I am a cheerleader who celebrates the team’s success. When critical decisions are necessary, I shift to an authoritative communication style. And when it’s valuable for all voices to be heard, I employ a democratic style of leadership.
4. What strengths would you bring to the position?The strengths I bring to the position are compassion, insight, and the ability to view issues with empathy. I enjoy managing and mobilizing teams and bringing projects to fruition. I am a visionary, an organizer and a planner. I will bring an equity and equality lens to the position. I take great pride in ensuring that all voices are included and considered.
5. What experience do you bring to this position?
My library experience is varied and extensive. I have worked (or interned) in academic, school, special, and public libraries for over 25 years as a support staff member and currently as a department head of a large public library system. My previous service as the president of the California Librarians Black Caucus-Greater L.A. chapter has prepared me to serve as the leader of CLA. I completed the African American Board Leadership Institute (Class #13) and learned the principles of board governance and leadership. I have successfully directed special projects and events at Los Angeles Public Library. Recently, I was appointed as the Library’s Racial Equity Officer.
6. What issues or trends are particularly informing your work at this time?
Currently, racial equity and equality is informing the Library’s workforce, collections, operations, and programming. We are in the midst of a racial reckoning. The focus is on providing equitable opportunities and access to people of all races while restoring balance to systems that have been out of balance. There’s a healing that needs to happen.
Inserting mindful awareness into work activities, such as mindful breathing before a staff meeting, is informing my work at this time. Practicing self-care helps one manage feelings of being overwhelmed.
7. Who are the thought leaders (in libraries or in other fields) who interest you?E.J.
Josey (activist librarian), Stacey Abrams (voting rights activist),
John Lewis (human/civil rights activist), and Jason Reynolds (author
activist) are the thought leaders who immediately come to mind. Each of
these change agents have faced challenges that made them tenacious and
resilient. I admire their confidence and conviction; intelligence and
insightfulness. I share their willingness to speak the truth and take
action, especially to right the wrongs.
8. Who are the regional and statewide stakeholders libraries need to be in communication with?
Libraries need to communicate with our young people as they are the future. We must do a better job of informing them of the roles they can play in our institutions. Students from diverse backgrounds must be introduced to our profession. We must listen to their ideas and solicit feedback on the services, resources, and programs we provide.
Library advocates and volunteers such as Friends of the Library are major stakeholders who we must remain in contact with.
Local, regional and statewide legislators are another vital group we must remain connected to.
9. What do you feel are the most critical challenges and opportunities facing California libraries right now?
In my humble opinion, the most critical issues facing California libraries today are ensuring equal opportunities and access to all and placing racial equity at the center of workforce development, library policies, services and operations. We must realize that equity, diversity, and inclusion is not a single concept. Achieving racial equity requires us to change policies, practices, and procedures at our institutions.
10. Describe your experience serving on Association committees and/or interest groups.I enjoy giving back to an Association that awarded me an Edna Yelland Scholarship over 20 years ago. I have had the distinct honor of serving on CLA’s Begun Scholarship Committee to support a new generation of youth librarians. I have served twice on the CLA Conference Program Committee. I have also served on the CLA Nominating Committee and Leadership Development Committee. In all of these positions, I was meticulous and completed assignments in a timely manner. For the last few years, I have served as chairperson of the African American Librarians Interest Group. I facilitated the Interest Group’s annual conference meetings as well as the Group’s participation in the Interest Group Fair at conferences.
11. Describe your network of connections with library professionals and library stakeholders in California.
The activities I enjoy most at conferences and with committee work are nurturing relationships and remaining connected with colleagues across the state. I have met library directors, other professionals and city officials while attending the League of California Cities conference, Serving with a Purpose conference (Friends/Foundations), and the Color of Leadership workshop. My most recent connections have been fostered with northern and southern California cohorts participating in the Cultivating Racial Equity and Inclusion (CREI) initiative.
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