Bonnie Oldham is Information Literacy Coordinator at the University of Scranton Weinberg Memorial Library in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Bonnie has been an ACRL member since 2004 and is your ACRL member of the week.
1. Describe yourself in three words: Flexible, motivated, blessed.
2. What are you reading right now? I’m currently reading Last Rites by John Lukacs. He was one of my history professors when I was an undergraduate at Chestnut Hill College.
3. Describe ACRL in three words: Informative, collaborative, a great resource. (OK, that’s 5 words, but you can’t say “great resource” in one word!)
4. Why did you join ACRL? I know that I didn’t have to become an ACRL member to take advantage of the work done by ACRL, but I felt that it was important to belong to the division that supports academic librarians. Also, as an ACRL member, I am able to participate in conferences, webinars, and other events at a member rate.
5. What do you value about academic or research librarianship? I value my role as a member of an institution of higher learning. It’s energizing to be part of the ongoing scholarly conversation among academic faculty, librarians, and students.
6. In your own words:For me, being an academic librarian is a “dream” job. I enjoy getting up to go to work because I’m never quite sure what challenge the day will bring. Every day is unique. I like teaching students whether in class, at the reference desk, or virtually. I’m rewarded when I see a project that I have collaborated on come to fruition. And, I love the intellectual stimulation of doing research on a topic and then sharing the knowledge that I have gained by presenting at a conference or having a journal article published.
Note: The Member of the Week feature is taking a brief summer vacation. It will return the week of July 27.
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.