 | BiographyBeatriz Preciado is the Programs Coordinator at OC Public Libraries (OCPL). In her current role she is responsible for the development and implementation of various system-wide program activities and grants. She is also the supervisor of OC Read/ Families for Literacy, OCPL’s adult literacy program. Beatriz is the current President of the Orange County Chapter of REFORMA. She is also a part-time staff member at the Anaheim Public Library.
Beatriz previously worked at the Santa Ana Public Library where she managed the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) project. The program enables at-risk youth to acquire the
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necessary skill and training to successful transition into the labor force, further their education and training. She earned her MLIS from San Jose State University and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Communications from California State University, Fullerton. Beatriz is an American Library Association Spectrum Scholar.
She is currently pursuing a Human Resources certificate at the University of California, Irvine.
Candidate StatementI have varied work experiences, which will offer a unique perspective to the position of CLA Chapter Councilor. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated the ability to recognize areas of potential growth within an organization and the creativity to bring that growth to fruition. As the CLA Board- Chapter Councilor, I would be a liaison between CLA and ALA.
I am committed to the Library and Information field. I was selected to participate in the Eureka Leadership Institute where I had the opportunity to further develop my leadership skills. I had the opportunity of implementing the Seeds to Trees program at the Santa Ana Public Library, which was awarded the National Arts and Humanities Award- the highest honor for after-school and out-of-school-time arts and humanities programs.
As the current President of the Orange County Chapter of Reforma I am continuing to promote library and information services to Latinos and the Spanish speaking. I also serve on other library boards such as California Center for the Book, Serving with a Purpose, and the CLA Latino Interest group.
I am prepared and enthusiastic to represent CLA as the Chapter Councilor.
Questionaire
1. How do you define leadership? Leadership is walking the walk and talking the talk. The best leaders are alongside with you in your journey, helping you develop professionally while meeting the goals of the organization. As part of leadership, great leaders help to grow others. A leader demonstrates passion, commitment, empathy, and helps fosters trust.
2. Why are you interested in this position? I am interested in helping to facilitate change, foster innovation, and share information that will support library professionals and the sustainability of the profession. I am eager to have the opportunity to give back to a field that has done so much for me personally and professionally.
As the Orange County Chapter REFORMA President, serving in this capacity would allow me to further my commitment to Spanish speaking communities by bridging the available services and resources of ALA, CLA, and REFORMA.
3. How would you describe your personal leadership/communication style? I can adapt my communication style and tailor the message to the intended audience. In communication interactions, I find common ground and focus on collaboration. I am enthusiastic and in discussions I make sure that everyone is included or has had the opportunity to voice viewpoints. As a leader, I offer clear expectations, provide resources, coaching/ mentoring as needed, and establish trust with the individual or team.
4. What strengths would you bring to the position? I am task oriented and goal focused. I have strong problem-solving skills and one of the ways I like to approach things is to identify or offer solutions to the issue at hand. I am determined and detail oriented. Also, I have worked for a county and city system, which has introduced me to different processes and procedures. In my current role, I collaborate effectively with library and non-library staff to ensure the success of library programs and grants.
5. What experience do you bring to this position? I am part of the Administration Team at OCPL. Being a part of the Administration Team involves decision making, strategic planning, and budget considerations. As the Programs Coordinator, I collaborate with various staff members, county departments, partners, stakeholders, and the community at large to share programs and identify opportunities. I balance several projects and grants simultaneously. I have supervisory experience, program planning and design, workforce development, and have established a strong network of library leaders and stakeholders.
In my role as the Orange County Chapter REFORMA President, I collaborate with other chapters and members to ensure the mission and vision of the organization is being met. I discuss and check in with various members to confirm that I am considering various perspectives and historical knowledge of the chapter.
6. What issues or trends are particularly informing your work at this time?Equity in the areas of social, racial and technology access. Distance learning is also an opportunity for libraries to support children and families.
7. Who are the thought leaders (in libraries or in other fields) who interest you?In no particular order these are the people who have inspired me, continue to support me, and motivate me to be the best library professional I can be:
Sherry Toth (OCPL), Jill Patterson (Retired OCPL), Milly Lugo (SAPL), Michelle Perera (Pasadena Public Library), and Robert Karatsu (Retired Pasadena Public Library).
Also, I am not a basketball fan, but I recently watched the Michael Jordan documentary: The Last Dance. His work ethic and determination are admirable. I want to be the Michael Jordan in anything I do!
8. Who are the regional and statewide stakeholders libraries need to be in communication with? Libraries need to be strategic in their communications with regional and statewide stakeholders. As libraries we need to know city and county officials and be active in our communities. This will help establish relationships and advocating of our libraries. Moreover, this will help the library position itself as a valuable institution in their community- as library professionals we know this. On a state level, it is important to be in communication with the California State Library and also look at states with similar demographics to see how they are conducting library operations.
9. What do you feel are the most critical challenges and opportunities facing California libraries right now? The most critical challenge and opportunities facing California right now is providing access to technology for our communities. Also, in many densely populated communities, students have lost a space conducive to learning and studying. When we are able to re-open our doors, library spaces can be used creatively.
10. Describe your experience serving on Association committees and/or interest groups. I have served on the Orange County Chapter of Reforma board as Secretary, Vice-President, and the current President.
I am a member of the Serving with a Purpose Committee (SWAP). SWAP is a conference designed exclusively for library advocates and board members and the staff that supports them. I have been a member of the committee for over two years and provide conference support.
I have the opportunity of being part of the California Center for the Book Advisory Council. The council members are interested in improving programming for adults and intergenerational groups in California. The members also strive to improve professional development for librarians focused on outreach, programming, and partnerships.
The Latino Services Interest group provides a venue to share ideas for Latinos and the Spanish Speaking. I am a member of the interest group and also a part of the program planning subcommittee.
Forthe 2019 CLA Conference, I had the opportunity to serve as co-chair of the Membership committee. The committee was responsible for planning activities that would help to highlight membership benefits.
11. Describe your network of connections with library professionals and library stakeholders in California. I have contacts on the various boards I serve on. I also participated in the EUREKA Leadership Institute. I keep in contact with a wide variety of professionals whom I have met though my work on committees and grants.
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