Why did you choose URI?
When I finally decided to pursue my Masters in Library & Information Science (MLIS), I already had six years of library experience. This meant that I didn’t want a generalized library school experience but rather that I wanted to be able to specialize and take more in-depth classes. I also really wanted to be able to combine my love of social justice & advocacy with my library work and found the perfect match in the Information Equity, Diverse Communities, and Critical Librarianship program track. Once I attended an open house and spoke to both Dr. Karno and Melissa Franco (the student support representative in the grad school), everything came together for me to be a Rhody Ram.

How did you come to choose your major?
I always say I’m a little stubborn, so when everyone tells me I should do something, I tend to resist…even when it’s extremely obvious. I began thinking about getting my MLIS in 2018, for example, but the final push was losing my mom in early 2022. Losing her made me think about all the things I said I wanted to do and going after those things felt like the best way to honor her. I know she’d be very proud of my time at URI.

What was your favorite class, and/or professor? And how did they inform your time at URI?
It’s hard to pick a favorite! I really liked Social Justice in Children’s and Young Adult Literature & Critical Disability Approaches in Library and Information Studies both taught by Dr. Villa-Nicholas. Both classes aligned with my interests, but the latter resonated in part because I’m deaf. We read a lot of critical disability theory and it was really enlightening to have an academic viewpoint on such a personal topic. While it was one of the last classes I took in the program, Leadership in Information Professions with Dr. Mandel made me re-examine all the instances of leadership I’d shown in the past and how to be the kind of leader that I admired. I really appreciated Dr. Mandel’s level of involvement in her classes – it can be challenging in an online setting – but she participated in the forums and gave detailed feedback. She encouraged me to keep to the high standard I’d set myself and created a space where we could reflect and learn from others. 

What is your current job?
Currently, I’m on the job hunt and taking the time to focus on professional development while I can. I was recently accepted into the American Library Association’s (ALA) class of Emerging Leaders for 2025! Emerging Leaders is a leadership development program and networking opportunity for newer library workers where I’ll be meeting other library workers from around the country and working on different projects for ALA. I’m really excited to get going with that in January. Otherwise, I’ve also been working on submitting to library-themed academic journals and writing book reviews.

What steps did you take to get the job you have now?
Getting a masters degree was certainly part of the work, but one of the biggest steps I took towards these opportunities was reaching out and asking for help. Part of the application process for Emerging Leaders is asking for recommendation letters and reaching out to people to write those can be scary at times! I also have a mentor through ALA & being able to sit down and talk through things with her has been incredibly helpful. I also can’t stress the importance of checking your email enough; there’s good stuff in your inbox!

What are your hopes for your professional career in the future?
I’m hoping to be able to combine my love of social justice with libraries, especially in a world where book censorship is increasingly on the rise. I’d like to work in a public or university library, specifically in the field of user experience and focusing on disability experiences in the physical and digital library spheres. Libraries are community spaces, yes, but how do we create that community intentionally? I can’t say if this work will lead to library leadership but I hope wherever I end up that I can create opportunities for leadership.

Advice for others looking to get into your field?
Volunteer in a library! It’s a great way to learn the ins and outs of your local library and can help you figure out what you want from library work. Don’t be afraid to ask librarians how they got their start. We love to talk about libraries. Give yourself some time before you go for that MLIS – experience is so important. And no, you will not read all day (but I wish!).