Friday, May 02, 2008
Training for diversity
I've spent more time training in the water than on land over the past seven months, but that's about to change--now! Martha and I have both signed up for the New Jersey State Triathlon. She's a veteran triathlete, while I'm an absolute novice, but we're both up to the challenge of the Olympic distance (1.5K swim, 23 mile bike, 10K run) event.
One of my primary reasons for registering for the triathlon is to raise monies for the American Library Association's Spectrum Scholarship. As a public librarian, I am mindful of the pressing need to develop collections that reflect the interests of diverse communities. And I am especially aware of the need to recruit more ethnic librarians (i.e. Native American, Asian, Native Alaskan, African American, Latino, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students) within the profession.
On Sunday, July 27, 2008 I will swim, bike and run in honor of three dynamic library and information science educators: Kay Cassell, Assistant Professor, Rutgers University; Kathleen de la Peña McCook, University of South Florida; and Andrea Japzon, Adjunct Faculty, University of Maryland. Individually and collectively, Kay, Kathleen and Andrea have inspired many of us to be proactive, inclusive and compassionate library leaders. Through their daily work, they remind us to lift as we climb.
One of my primary reasons for registering for the triathlon is to raise monies for the American Library Association's Spectrum Scholarship. As a public librarian, I am mindful of the pressing need to develop collections that reflect the interests of diverse communities. And I am especially aware of the need to recruit more ethnic librarians (i.e. Native American, Asian, Native Alaskan, African American, Latino, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students) within the profession.
On Sunday, July 27, 2008 I will swim, bike and run in honor of three dynamic library and information science educators: Kay Cassell, Assistant Professor, Rutgers University; Kathleen de la Peña McCook, University of South Florida; and Andrea Japzon, Adjunct Faculty, University of Maryland. Individually and collectively, Kay, Kathleen and Andrea have inspired many of us to be proactive, inclusive and compassionate library leaders. Through their daily work, they remind us to lift as we climb.
