In this regular feature, we profile ALSC Board members. We hope to offer information about the people who work to guide the organization so that you can feel more comfortable in reaching out to them with your concerns, questions, or comments. To continue this series, we invite you to meet 2019-20 ALSC Board Vice President/President Elect, Kirby McCurtis.
Why did you join ALSC? How long have you been a member? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?
I joined ALSC to connect with other youth service professionals, discuss children’s literature, collaborate on projects and initiatives that serve children, and give back to this community. I am so grateful for a number of long time ALSC members that have mentored me including Past President Ellen Fader, Katie O’Dell, and Vicky Smith.
In addition to ALSC, I’m an active member of Black Caucus (BCALA) and EMIERT.
What strengths do you bring to the ALSC Board of Directors?
I am passionate about library services to children—I got into public librarianship because it felt like a way to continue my social activism work. I was a youth librarian for over eight years and my transition to management has allowed me to hone my advocacy skills as I work to ensure the youth services staff at my location have all they need to best serve the young people in our community. I am organized, thoughtful, outgoing, and have an attention to detail that is essential in association work. I value transparency, input from all stakeholders, and am committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition to my ALSC service, I have held leadership roles in others areas of ALA, including President of New Members Round Table (NMRT), Secretary and board member of BCALA, ALA Emerging Leader, and ALA Councilor-at-Large.
What have you learned while serving on the Board?
My term has just started and I am already learning so much including how hard ALSC staff work. I am learning about different partnerships, projects, and collaborations as well our amazing progress on the work of the Strategic Plan.
ALSC members should reach out to me if…
Frankly, I would love to chat with members about anything ALSC related! I’m excited to connect with you all as I serve in this leadership role over the next three years. If you have thoughts or ideas about ways to connect with members–let’s connect! We are a large body and I know it’s hard to hear all voices. I would also love to chat with you about your committee experience–how does the application work for you? Where do you struggle with it? What did you love about the committees you served on? Would you change anything? Let me know in the comments below or by emailing me at kirbyalsc@gmail.com.
This post addresses the following ALSC Core Competencies: Administrative and Management Skills