Deidra (Dee) Kolman, Pelican State Prison Library
Candidate for Student Representative
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Biography
I have been working as a Library Technical Assistant (LTA), C.F., at Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP), in Crescent City, CA, for over four years (although I had been working at PBSP for several years before that). Since last year, I have been working on my Master’s in Library and Information Science, which I hope to complete by December 2023. As a LTA, my day-to-day duties primarily consist of providing legal reference materials and services to the inmate population. However, in conjunction with my MLIS studies, and being an avid Manga lover, I |
am also assisting with collection development duties to help expand the
graphic novel/manga selections in the PBSP Central Library.
Candidate Statement: As a prison LTA living in one of the northern-most towns in California, I have not had much opportunity to network or participate in too many “normal” library activities besides occasional attendance to the annual CLA Conference(s). As such, my current pursuit of the MLIS has definitely inspired me to “expand my horizons,” and I would welcome the opportunity to connect with and learn from those working in the field by being a “part” of CLA. Prison Libraries (and Librarians!) are often misunderstood and I would like to help correct some of the common misconceptions in a way that is accessible to the public.
I know how important and helpful it can be to share experiences with others and find new ways to think about challenges and issues. I believe that my involvement with CLA will allow me the opportunity to contribute not just to the inmate population at PBSP, but provide me with additional tools, support, and guidance to help support all prison library staff and the populations that are served.
Questions1. How do you define leadership?
Leadership is more than just day-to-day supervision of an organization or a group of people. The “best” leaders I have ever known are those who take the time, and make the effort, to foster good relationships their staff which, in turn, creates a better work environment. Ultimately, this provides opportunities for all persons involved to achieve their mission/vision/goals in a productive and positive way.
2. Why are you interested in this position?
Being relatively new to the library profession, I really want to learn more about the services and projects other libraries and librarians have to offer. I also endeavor to gain a better understanding of the personal and professional cultures faced by today’s libraries and their communities. I look forward to being able to communicate and work with other CLA members in supporting all California libraries and their staff.
3. How would you describe your personal leadership/communication style?
Communication is one of my greatest strengths. I lead by facilitating open communication, and trying to bring out the best in every team member.
4. What strengths would you bring to the position?
Flexibility, patience, creativity, enthusiasm, and a very unique perspective on the reading habits of the incarcerated.
5. What experience do you bring to this position?
I have been working as a LTA since June 2018, but have worked for the State of California/PBSP for over 12 years. I have been fortunate that my co-workers and colleagues from other institutions have assisted me in obtaining the skills and confidence needed to excel at my job duties, as well as supporting my efforts to get a MLIS.
6. What issues or trends are particularly informing your work at this time?
In the PBSP Law Libraries, we must constantly stay abreast of California Legislative bills that may have penological implications; e.g., California Senate Bill 483, which added new sections to the California Penal Code relating to court’s resentencing of inmates whose prison terms included additional time for certain enhancements. Subsequently, this created an “uptick” in inmates asking for information, forms, petitions, etc., specifically relating to that – and which were not readily available.
8. What do you feel are the most critical challenges and opportunities facing California libraries right now?
Working in a State-funded “special” library, I know, all too well, that trying to obtain funding for ANY service and program is a nightmare. The process to procure equipment, supplies, and books is complicated enough, but we also have to deal with limited assistance for technology and maintenance issues. Library and librarian roles have drastically changed over the years, and the COVID-19 pandemic
9. Describe your network of connections with library professionals and library stakeholders in California.
Again, I live and work in a very small and very remote part of California with very few libraries or librarians. Thanks to technology, at least, I am able to participate in Microsoft Teams trainings and messaging with other prison library staff, as well as via email. I am looking forward to making new connections through
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