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Dolly Goyal

 
 

Dolly Goyal, San Mateo County Libraries

Candidate for Board-At-Large


Candidates for President Elect
Candidates for Treasurer
Candidates for Board At-Large
ALA Chapter Councilor Candidate

Biography

Dolly Goyal has worked in public libraries since age 15, before she knew she would be a librarian. She received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Northeastern University. She moved to California with the intention of working in academic and special libraries, but her first position as a Page at Santa Clara City Library steered her toward public libraries and specifically, teen services. After graduating from San Jose State University with a Master of Library and Information Science, she started working in youth services and adult services in the Santa Clara

County Library District. She obtained her first full-time position in teen services at San Mateo County Libraries where she later became a Branch Manager. Dolly was the Director for Los Gatos Library from 2016-17 before returning to San Mateo County Libraries as the Library Services Manager for Youth and Families. In her free time, Dolly loves to be outside in California beaches and redwood forests, with her husband and canine rescue, Lois Lane.

Candidate Statement

The California Library Association (CLA) is the lead agency that is the eyes, ears, and voice for California Libraries. During my time as the 2018 CLA President, I was involved with all of the ongoing projects that the Board and Association were working on to ensure a better future for California Libraries. I learned so much during that time and felt more connected to the professionals in our community libraries. I was able to further understand needs in rural library communities as well as tap into the network of new professionals who were entering the field to learn where they could most use support. The CLA Presidency, while a three-year term, is certainly not enough time for hands-on involvement, and I would like to continue dedicating time and energy toward creating support channels for our library communities, especially during this time of crisis and uncertainty. As your CLA Board member, I will work hard to represent what CLA stands for and keep open lines of communication with both members and non-members. I enjoy working collaboratively in teams, am open to all ideas, solutions focused, an active listener, and most of all, I like to keep a positive spirit and make work fun. I would be honored to have your support as we move CLA into the future.

Questionaire

1. How do you define leadership?

Leadership is the ability to inspire others to achieve a common goal. A leader employs active listening, political astuteness, and is invested in the big picture when considering how goals are achieved. A leader is compassionate but can also make those hard decisions when necessary. A leader is also a forever experiential learner, growing along with their team.
 

2. Why are you interested in this position?

As a past CLA President, I valued working with an engaging Board of Directors and knew that each voice mattered for the future of the organization. I have a better understanding of the level of commitment and work required to serve on the Board and am able to positively contribute while managing my regular work schedule. I truly value this organization; it has given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally allowing the pride and love I have for EVERYTHING LIBRARIES to flourish. I also want to continue to be part of cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusiveness within the Association and profession.

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

I believe in building teams and being transparent with the bigger picture goals of an organization. Communication is a key piece of all successful relationships, and I like to provide opportunities for teams to collaborate to learn together, but also gain a better understanding of who each are as professionals and their contributions to the organization. Establishing a clear organizational culture where ideas are valued and respected is also an important part of leadership. I believe in addressing any concerns right away and my communication style is direct with an empathetic lens.

4. What strengths would you bring to the position?

Resiliency, responsiveness, and a genuine desire to support California Libraries and staff. I also have developed an extensive network of library colleagues through work in CLA, REFORMA, YALSA, ALSC, and ALA, where I can gain various perspectives and news ideas on services and initiatives occurring in libraries in the nation. I bring a positivity, humor, and creativity to any work I am involved in.

5. What experience do you bring to this position?

I served on the CLA Board in 2017 as the President-Elect, in 2018 as President, and in 2019 as Outgoing President. I also have served on task forces for President programs in ALSC and YALSA. Additionally, I have experience in running both Library Board and Community and Senior Services Commission for the Town of Los Gatos. Finally, I am currently the co-chair for the 2021 CLA Conference planning team.

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

As the Library Services Manager for Youth and Families at San Mateo County Libraries, the greatest issue is our current state of distanced learning at home and supporting families through this challenging time of virtual learning. Connectivity and equitable access to technology as well as the skills needed to bridge the digital divide are also a part of shaping the services we are offering to youth and families at this time.

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

In libraries, I am admittedly a fangirl of Susan Hildreth, Skye Patrick, Robert Karatsu, and Michael Lambert!

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

Libraries should be in communication with stakeholders that support the efforts in moving forward educational, civic, and social interests in their communities, as the library can be a partner in these efforts. Stakeholders can range from local city/town entities such as council members, governing boards, schools, parks and recreation departments, social service, and health agencies, to the State Governor and local Congressional members. It is imperative to always have a seat at the table to demonstrate our libraries’ values, creativity, and flexibility to address community and statewide challenges.

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

The global pandemic is at the forefront of current challenges to libraries as our operations are affected both internally and externally, and we have had to reshape budgets, staffing models, and services to the public. This has created a noble opportunity for libraries to take on supporting government agencies in a new way, such as providing staff for contact tracing, food security, creating testing sites, and even supplying personal protective equipment. We are also unfortunately amidst a tragic state of wildfires affecting all of the West Coast, which creates a different kind of stress, panic, and fear for everyone, and impacts staff health and home lives, newly implemented curbside services, and even physical buildings in threatened areas. Through all of this, we have had to pivot services in a new virtual medium, expand e-collections and services, teach the community how to use technology (some for the very first time), and provide various options for accessibility of our services to all.

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

I am currently the co-chair of the 2021 CLA conference and served as the CLA President in 2018. I am also working on the ALSC Presidents Program for the 2021 Annual ALA conference. I am a member of local REFORMA chapter Bibliotecas Para La Gente, having served as the Webmaster in 2018, and am a current member of the Bay Area Young Adult Librarians (BAYA). In 2016, through BAYA, I was part of the CLA Young Adult Services Award task force. I was nominated to serve on the 2015 Printz Committee and later the 2016 YALSA President’s Program Task Force. I am a 2014 American Library Association (ALA) Emerging Leader with a sponsorship from YALSA and a 2012 Eureka! Institute Fellow. I have also co-presented at various conferences including CLA, ALA and PLA on topics such as teen services programming, career leadership, management and the Outside the Lines library initiative. I have also participated in panels for librarians and educators at the San Diego Comic-Con International and Emerald City Comic-Con.
 

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

Throughout my involvement in the aforementioned association and other library-related work, I have built a great network of library professionals and advocates (through Library Boards and Friends groups). I try to make sure I can meet and learn from library staff in public libraries as well as academic and other types of libraries. Building such a supportive network of colleagues has been crucial for my personal and professional growth, and during these times of strife and uncertainty, for my mental health!