In honor of back-to-school season, we are dedicating September to featuring students and early career librarians as the Member of the Week! Interested in becoming a student member of ACRL for only $5 a year? Learn more here.
Danielle M. Cowles is a MLS student at Texas Woman’s University in Denton. Danielle has been a member of ACRL for 2 years and is your ACRL member of the week for September 16, 2019.
Describe yourself in three words: Intelligent, creative, advocate.
What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device(s)? I usually read several books at a time, including audiobooks. I am reading Afghanistan: A Short History of Its People and Politics by Martin Ewans and A History of Witchcraft: The study of magic and necromancy through the ages by Dr. Susan Greenwood. Additionally, I am listening to The Library Book by Susan Orlean.
Describe ACRL in three words: Advancement, learning, leadership.
What prompted you as a student to join ACRL? As a MLS student I know that having connections to professional organizations, such as the ACRL and the ALA, will help me understand the qualities of librarianship and aid me in learning more about the field and helping me to make relationships that will help me throughout my career
What are your career goals? How might ACRL help you achieve those goals? My main career goal is to help others. Working within a library, especially an Academic library will allow me to help others. I want to advocate for those that need it. Working with first-generation and non-traditional students would be the ideal way for me to engage with my community and assist individuals who are seeking higher education but that may need other resources to succeed. That is where I come in.
In your own words: As I approach my graduation in December, I become more aware of the responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of all librarians. It is daunting. I was fortunate enough to perform my practicum at the University of Texas in San Antonio (UTSA) at the John Peace Library (JPL) under the tutelage of Natasha Arguello, Head of Research and Education Services. Through my experience, I learned how valuable the resources that Academic libraries provide. I was able to interact with students and observe my colleagues as they educated the students, many of whom are first-generation, or non-traditional. These students may have a different baseline with which they approach higher education, thereby their needs may be different. It is the job of Academic librarians to ensure that ALL students have access to the resources that the library provides. I look forward to helping students gain the access they need, teaching them about resources and using the new technologies, that have yet to be created, to assist the next generation
Editor’s Note: Are you an ACRL member? Would you like to be featured as ACRL Member of the Week? Nominate a colleague? Contact Mary Jane Petrowski at mpetrowski@ala.org for more information.