Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Brenda Hahn.
(Photo courtesy of Brenda Hahn)
1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?
I started working in libraries as a volunteer in the early 2000s. I did not know what I wanted to do, other than my original childhood plan, which was to be a gypsy. So, I thought working in a library was the next best thing. It was, and I have since worked in elementary, middle, high school, public and international libraries. When I actually ran into a roving band of gypsies on a deserted street in the Middle East, I realized that my original plan was probably not a good one, and I am glad I stuck with libraries.
2. Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?
I joined the ALSC because I think it offers a well-rounded view of what libraries offer. It includes something a former library director and mentor once said, about “…the serendipity of finding something good to read,” and this intangible is what librarians offer–modeling engagement in resources and information. It’s magical, really, with a strong set of best practice behind the magic.
Because of my global experience, I belong to the IRRT, and I am really excited about this resource. I am a member of their Peer/Mentor program: and through this program, I am collaborating with a university librarian from Spain. I also belong to the AASL and YALSA–both offer different perspectives that I include in my library program. I just accepted an AASL AAUP Book Selection Committee post today.
3. Are you a cat person or a dog person?
I am both. Books and fur. Fur and books. Perfect.
4. Do you remember a librarian from your childhood?
Even though we went as a family to the library every Friday night, and the librarians were nice, with twinkling, smiling eyes and friendly voices, I do not remember a specific librarian. I do remember, however, the quote the middle school librarian put in her showcase, “Winners never quit and quitters never win” by Vince Lombardi. It has stuck with me all these years.
5. E-books or traditional print?
Everything. The backs of cereal boxes. Labels. Digital signage. Graffiti. My phone, computer, Nook, print, E-book, notepad, lists. Everything.
6. What are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about developing discerning and creative global thinkers, who engage in and take responsibility for their own learning, who understand that failure just means a solution is still out there, who enjoy the process, and who grasp what it means to employ ethical use of information. I want my patrons to have fun. I will be right there with them, helping every step of the way.
7. Who is the last person you said “thank you” to?
My family, and my friends. I try to make sure they know how much I care.
8. If you had $100,000 to spend on your library, how would you spend it?
This is one of the things I think about at night. This, and the book I want to write, and the house I want to redecorate… but, back to libraries. I have read a lot of research and commentary on the future of libraries. I am currently in my fourth revamp of a library, and have opened three; I am pretty interested in the topic. Collective wisdom and expertise will keep libraries current in ways we have not yet imagined, and that is where the money will go. Resources, devices, technology, people, places and spaces will all change. It will not be about a space, as much as it will be about customer service on a global scale, while still maintaining individual connections. Right now, I am bridging the gap between our local public library and my school, and this is just a small step in what could be. The future holds a higher level of sharing, collaborating, cooperating, new knowledge and an influx of innovation, with a continual study of ethical use. I am not saying anything new, yet, it is good to put into words what my professional stance is, and I am sure it will change and grow. In a nutshell, learning will be global in every sense of the word, and that is where I am putting the money.
9. What’s the best reference question you’ve ever been asked?
This is not really a reference question, but it illustrates the wisdom of patrons. Several years ago, I worked in an Elementary school setting. My assistant wanted me to use shelf-markers with students. I prefer to teach students the Dewey Decimal System, and if they can’t figure out where to put books back that they are not interested in, either we can help them, or they can place the book on a designated cart. I prefer to teach students every day how to find books, use the online catalog, search a database, or cite sources–I want them all to know these skills very well, so the focus can be on what they are learning. Besides, not every library uses shelf-markers, and I want my students to walk into any library, prepared and ready to find what they need.
I decided to let the students choose.
The Question: “Should we use shelf markers?” “This is what they are for…” One of the students said, “But, if there are 5 shelf-markers on a shelf, we still won’t know where to put the books.” Exactly.
10. If you could enjoy a dinner conversation with any author – living or dead – who would it be?
There are too many. When I daydream about this (and I do), it is more about having a friend who happens to be an author, and enjoying a dinner conversation that way. It’s about that comfort zone of trust.
See you in the Library!
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Thanks, Brenda! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!
Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to alscblog@gmail.com; we’ll see what we can do!