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Biographical Statement
I have been Digital Curation Librarian for DC Public Libraries Special Collections since 2013, where I manage creation, preservation, and access for digital local history collections. I proposed and supervised the National Digital Stewardship Residency project that created the DCPL Memory Lab, a public digitization preservation lab and resource and am now part of the team bringing the Memory Lab model to other public libraries across the country thanks to a National Leadership Grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services. I also work on the DC Punk Archive. I hold a M.S. of Information Studies and C.A.S. in Preservation Administration from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as a B.A. in Journalism from Indiana University, and am a member of the Academy of Certified Archivists. I previously worked at the National Gallery of Art's Gallery Archives and the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at UT Austin.
Candidate Statement
I believe that public library archives and special collections are an important bridge between the public and the archives profession and are well positioned to advocate for the importance of local history and culture in everyday life. However, I also believe that we are not well represented in archival professional organizations, conferences, and publications and thus profession is missing out on our insights, questions, and challenges. We have different needs, audiences, workflows, and resources that should be part of the conversations defining our field’s current state and its future.
Biographical Statement
My name is Patricia Delara and I am running for the position of Vice Chair for the Public Library Archives / Special Collections section. This section in particular drew me in because of my current background in public library archives as well as in special collections. I currently work as an Adult Services and Archives Associate at my local public library in Upland, California, and have been working closely with the managing and promotion of our local history archives. I also have experience working at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona’s Special Collections library, in which I handled their audiovisual materials. Although I am new to the Society of American Archivists, I have been involved in my state’s archives organization, the Society of California Archivists, as part of the Communications and Outreach Committee. I want to continue to be involved in organizations that advocate for the archives as it is something that I am especially passionate about.
Candidate Statement
I am excited for the opportunity to become PLASC’s Vice-Chair because in the past year, I have experienced first-hand how archives within public libraries are not only proved useful within their communities, but have also helped to bridge the appreciation and understanding of an entire community’s history. With the rise of awareness of public library archives, it is crucial now to maintain the relationships archivists have established with librarians in ensuring the care and accessibility of their collections. As someone who is a strong advocate of both librarianship and archives with a background of promoting public library archives successfully, if elected I will ensure continued collaboration not just between the two fields but with other disciplines in order to truly allow a sense of proficiency and grasp of why archives are fundamental in today’s society.
Biographical Statement
In my current role as Director of Georgia HomePLACE, I serve as a liaison between two statewide entities, the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) and the Digital Library of Georgia (DLG). In this capacity, I work with public libraries across the state to propose, support, and encourage digitization projects that will be included in the DLG, one of the earliest DPLA hubs. I began my library career with the New York Public Library as an Information Specialist and later Senior Librarian II. After moving with my family to Georgia, I served as Heritage Room Librarian at the Athens Regional Library System, and was promoted to Head of Archives and Special Collections. I have my B.A. in English and Women's Studies from Fordham University (NY), my MLIS with a certificate in Archives, Preservation, and Records Management from Queens College (NY), and received my Digital Archives Specialist certification from SAA in 2016. I am an active member of the Society of Georgia Archivists and the Athens Historical Society. My full C.V. is available at http://angelastanley.wixsite.com/portfolio.
Candidate Statement
In my ongoing travels to the 259 counties that collectively comprise the 63 public library systems in the state of Georgia, I have been fortunate to work with many incredible public library staff and collections. It is my hope to extend the observations, support, and outreach I provide in Georgia to the PLASC section. Public library archives and special collections are complex and unique, and frequently contain diverse, hyper-local materials that tell little-known stories. It is my goal to see the PLASC section grow not only as a trusted resource for its members--offering real-world examples of archival best practices adapted for public library environments--but also as a leading advocate to both internal and external stakeholders. As Vice-Chair, I would work with the steering committee, past chairs, and, most importantly, membership to seek ways to involve, support, and advocate for public library archives and special collections concerns.
Biographical Statement
Suzanne Im recently started her post as the Metadata Librarian at the Los Angeles Public Library's Digitization and Special Collections department. She has worked in various public service and technical services capacities in public and academic libraries. Suzanne previously served as Secretary Pro Tempore for the Librarians' Association of the University of California at Santa Barbara during her time as Library Resident at the UCSB Library. She hopes to transfer these skills to Secretary of the Public Archives/Special Collections Roundtable.
Candidate Statement
As a new member of the Society of American Archivists, I want to become involved and enable my colleagues expand their professional knowledge and network. I will put my communication and organizational skills to good use as I record and distribute the minutes and agendas of the Steering Committee and prepare the annual report with the Chair. I have been a professional librarian for six years after working my way up from humble beginnings as a Library Technician. My experience working in special collections in both the academic and public arena has given me insight into the unique challenges these institutions face. I look forward to being a more active part of the future direction of PLASC as a voting member of the section.