Recent interview with Kate Larson for Demco
When Kate Larson reached out to ask if I wanted to be interviewed for Demco’s Ideas & Inspiration Blog, how could I say no?
“It’s systemic. It’s not just the environment — it’s how we treat people. It’s how we spend money. It’s the choices we make every single day in almost every area of our lives.” –Rebekkah Smith Aldrich
You can read the full interview here. Thanks Kate!
My latest column for Library Journal features the new New Canaan Library
My latest column for Library Journal features the work of Lisa Oldham and Micaela Porta at the New Canaan Library (the newest member of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative!) who are doing amazing work to ensure that no materials used in their construction project were created with forced or slave labor. They are partnering with Design for Freedom to contribute to a database to surface ethical manufacturers to help other building projects do the same.
You can read the full article here.
The American Library Association’s Public Programs Office has chosen our latest book for their book club!
ALA has announced the “Libraries and Sustainability” Virtual Book Club, a series of three virtual, interactive conversations about incorporating sustainability into librarianship to be held in November and December 2022.
Library workers who would like to be considered for one of the 100 available spots should apply online by August 19.
Participation is free but limited to 100 participants. Participants will receive a free print or ebook copy of “Libraries and Sustainability: Programs and Practices for Community Impact,” edited by René Tanner, Adrian K. Ho, Monika Antonelli and Rebekkah Smith Aldrich (ALA Editions, 2021).
Participants will be expected to attend each of the three virtual book club sessions listed below and read the three corresponding chapters in advance. Sessions will not be recorded.
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by September 5. Sessions will take place over Zoom; the link will be provided to participants once their registration is confirmed.
“Libraries and Sustainability: Programs and Practices for Community Impact” offers an easy-to-digest introduction to what staff at a range of libraries have accomplished in incorporating sustainability into their decision-making and professional practices. In addition, a discussion about the role of economics and sustainability will challenge readers to stretch in new ways to positively impact their communities.
The book club series consists of three 90-minute virtual book clubs. Each session will feature one chapter from “Libraries and Sustainability,” and will offer a live conversation with the chapter’s authors, small-group breakout discussion, and Q&A time with the authors.
Sessions will include:
Monday, November 14, 2022, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. CST
“Libraries in the Doughnut Economy,” with Monika Antonelli, René Tanner, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich and Adrian K. Ho
The current challenges brought on by climate change require bold thinking and action to turn the tide. The authors will introduce the concept of “Doughnut Economics” and explore how library leaders can supercharge a just transition to an economy that is less extractive and puts the well-being of our fellow humans at the center of decision-making.
Participants in this session will:
Thursday, December 1, 2022, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. CST
“Walking the Path to Sustainable Library Certification,” with Jill Davis, Jennifer Ferriss and Lisa G. Kropp
Being a sustainable library means using the triple bottom line of sustainability — environmental stewardship, social equity and economic feasibility — to guide decision-making at your library. From large decisions (e.g., how to operate your building sustainably or achieve buy-in from staff and stakeholders) to small decisions (which copy paper to buy), libraries can demonstrate leadership in the area of sustainability. Using this methodology makes for a library that lives its values out loud, treats its workers well, and is a strong community co-creator to ensure that residents thrive.
Participants in this session will:
Wednesday, December 14, 2022, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. CST
“Rapid Library Disaster Response and Recovery for Community Resiliency” Michele P. Stricker
A key element to successfully responding to a major disaster is the overall preparedness of individual citizens, families and the community as a whole. This session will provide an overview of tools to help library leaders overcome challenging disaster scenarios, mitigate risk, and focus on helping libraries rebound quickly from a disaster so their communities become more resilient.
Participants in this session will:
Thanks Public Libraries Magazine!
My latest column for Library Journal shines a light on the incredible work of libraries becoming certified through the Sustainable Libraries Initiative’s Sustainable Library Certification Program
“On Earth Day 2022, Suffolk County, NY, Executive Steven Bellone announced a $12 million investment in electric vehicle charging stations. He chose the Lindenhurst Memorial Library (LML) as the location for the press conference. “That’s why we’re at the Lindenhurst Library today, because they have been in the lead. I want to thank them for their vision, their leadership…. We truly appreciate Lindenhurst being out in front on such an important issue.”
LML was the second library in the country to be certified under the Sustainable Libraries Initiative’s Sustainable Library Certification Program, a program Library Director Lisa Kropp has credited not only with catching the eye of the county executive but also one that helped the library staff to prepare for one of the biggest disruptions to modern life as we know it, COVID-19. “I’m convinced that because our library was involved in sustainable work over the past two years (prior to the pandemic), we were ready to bounce back from this social disruption—and show our grit and resiliency in the face of adversity.”
The award-winning Sustainable Library Certification Program, the first of its kind in the world for libraries, helps library leaders tackle what has proven to be a massive challenge: how to run our libraries and develop strategies that combat climate change while building community resilience.
The program provides methodology for helping a library’s leadership build buy-in and make progress on the topics surrounding sustainability in their organization using the triple bottom line definition of sustainability. The goal of the work is to influence the mindset of library leaders—at all levels of the organization—to ensure that as we make decisions, large and small, we do so through this framework of considering not only the cost, but also the environmental and social impact…”
Read the full column here.
“Sustainability in Libraries: A Call to Action” released by the American Library Association’s Council Committee on Sustainability
Climate change is the single greatest threat to global health and this generation’s grandest challenge, but many library leaders feel overwhelmed, even paralyzed about where to start. “Sustainability in Libraries: A Call to Action,” a new briefing from the ALA Council Committee on Sustainability, is here to focus attention on how the library community can accelerate their understanding and action, in the areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Readers will learn:
ALA President Patty Wong focused on sustainability during her presidential year, noting in her kickoff American Libraries column about this topic, “This is the time to stand together in solidarity…to meet the enormous challenges of the climate crisis and summon the effort to deal with its impact. Climate change is a unifying issue for libraries across the globe, and we must commit to doing all we can to prepare our communities for its effects.”
The authors of the briefing, members of the new ALA Council Committee on Sustainability, represent public, school and academic libraries and have strong ties to the ALA Special Task Force on Sustainability, the Sustainability Round Table, the Sustainable Libraries Initiative and the Executive Board of ALA.
This briefing is free to download through the new LibGuide on Sustainability, curated by ALA Librarian & Archivist, Colleen Barbus.
In the digital age, essays play a pivotal role in the evolution of libraries, acting as both a medium and a resource for the ongoing transformation of how libraries serve their communities. As digital platforms become more integral to research and education, essays are increasingly viewed as essential tools for not only academic success but also for fostering the growth of digital literacy and information access.
The traditional function of libraries has always been to provide access to books and physical resources, but with the rise of digital content, libraries have had to evolve. Today, essays are frequently used in libraries to teach vital research skills, provide examples of proper citation, and guide students through the complexities of digital information. Libraries offer access to a wealth of online essay databases, academic journals, and digital archives, all of which support students and researchers in developing their writing and critical thinking skills.
Furthermore, the role of essays in modern libraries extends beyond simply offering access to research materials. Library professionals now curate a wide range of educational essays, reports, and scholarly articles, which assist in developing digital literacy. These essays, which can be found both in digital formats and print, are integral in promoting a deeper understanding of research methodologies and writing techniques. With the constant expansion of online resources, essays serve as a bridge between traditional research practices and modern digital tools, enabling library users to access and engage with the latest academic trends.
Libraries also provide crucial support for students and professionals by assisting with essay writing. They offer services like research workshops, writing consultations, and access to citation guides, all designed to help users improve their writing skills. Whether it’s academic writing for school assignments or more complex essays for professional development, libraries offer the tools and resources necessary to craft high-quality content. For those struggling with essay writing, there are services available to offer expert assistance, ensuring that everyone can access the support they need to succeed.
In this context, our expert essay writing service can be a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their skills or complete a specific writing project.
Watch out library school students, they let me write a chapter in your textbook…
A BIG thank you to Sandy Hirsch for inviting Michele Stricker and I to partner up on a chapter in the new edition of “Information Services Today: An Introduction.” We had a blast working together, as always!
Recent blog post on Massachusetts Library System’s Blue Marble Library Blog
I was recently invited to write a blog post for the Massachusetts Library System’s Blue Marble Library blog on the Sustainable Libraries Initiative’s Sustainable Library Certification Program and you know I jumped at the chance! Thanks Gabrielle!
My post can be found here.
1. Structure: Use a Skills-Based Format
Rather than focusing primarily on work experience, the skills-based resume emphasizes your capabilities and knowledge areas first, which is ideal for research-focused positions where specific competencies are crucial. Begin with a header that includes your name, contact information, and a professional title aligned with your career goal (e.g., “Research Analyst,” “Educational Policy Expert”).
2. Key Skills Section
Directly below your header, create a “Key Skills” section to showcase the abilities that make you suited for knowledge-centric roles. Skills like “Quantitative Analysis,” “Literature Review,” “Data Interpretation,” and “Technical Writing” are impactful choices for research-driven careers. Keep each skill bullet point concise yet specific; aim to demonstrate each skill with measurable results when possible.
3. Professional Summary
A strong professional summary is essential for knowledge-based fields, as it provides a quick overview of your expertise, values, and achievements. This section should emphasize your experience, but focus on your contributions to research, project insights, or specialized methodologies you’ve used. Aim for 3-5 sentences that illustrate your unique value. If you’re interested in professional help, our professional resume writing services offer tailored support to create effective summaries for knowledge-driven roles.
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5. Certifications and Professional Development
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6. Technical Skills
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If you have publications, significant projects, or presentations, create a section for “Publications & Projects.” List any notable works, reports, or presentations that demonstrate your expertise. Publications in academic journals, project reports, and public speaking engagements can greatly enhance your resume’s credibility.
8. Include Soft Skills
Soft skills are also crucial in knowledge-based careers. Qualities like “Critical Thinking,” “Collaboration,” and “Problem Solving” often determine success in research environments. Highlight these skills within your professional summary or experience section, as they are key for roles that require analysis and teamwork.
Creating a skills-based resume requires careful selection of the right skills, accomplishments, and projects to make your experience shine. If you need assistance, our resume service can help you create a powerful, tailored resume that captures your expertise and potential.