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In this Issue:
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Welcome to the North Carolina Library Association’s monthly eNewsletter! A production of the NCLA Marketing Committee, the eNewsletter is devoted to highlighting professional events and programs, librarians making exceptional differences in their communities, and how the association is working to serve YOU! Please subscribe and your feedback is always welcome. |
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Change is in the air. We’ve been talking about changes coming for months and now we are here with some and waiting for other changes to occur soon. I know change can be scary, and sometimes that is just the fear of the unknown. Change can be good, but also, depending on your point of view, unpleasant. Some people don’t like to change as it is more comfortable to know what to expect and not have to think about something different. Change happens for a reason—it’s human nature and part of an evolving culture of improvement. Change can be associated with new technologies or ideas, process improvements, fresh starts, or just gaining a different perspective. As NCLA undergoes this change process, as with the new membership software, a new website, and a new conference website, recognize that other changes to processes and activities might change as well. These changes all have the intended benefit to make us stronger, more efficient, and more effective in providing services and professional development to our members. Please embrace the positive side of these changes and learn to adapt to any discomforts or negative feelings of change that you may or may not have. In the long run, these changes will make NCLA a better association to be a part of and we want you to be part of US. With that said, last Friday was an Executive Board meeting in which we spent some time training board members on some of the features of Wild Apricot, our new website platform. As we roll out these new components, please make sure your contact information is up-to-date so that you will be in the loop of getting information. Over the next several months, you will get more information on the website and conference activities in particular. Conference is coming and will be a wonderful show! Please plan to join us in October. Have a great May, summer is finally coming!!! Mike |
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Anne Mavin Branch Leader Mint Hill Branch; Charlotte Mecklenburg Library 1. What was the first library job you had that made the little voice in your head go, “Yes—I have found the profession for me!” My first library job was as Media Specialist for a K-5 private school. I was given full rein since no one in the school (principal included) knew what the librarian actually did. From the way the previous librarian left the library – the answer to that question would be “very little”. There were over 500 uncatalogued books, a very outdated collection, the purchasing being done on a subscription basis and a very uninviting library environment. I walked in a week before school started, discovered the mess that was left and said “Yes—I have found the profession for me!” 2. What part of your job keeps you going to work every day? How do you continue to find inspiration and passion in the library field? This may sound cliché, but my staff keeps me motivated and inspired. I have been very blessed to work with very intelligent, creative and dedicated professionals at CML. These colleagues inspire me with their passion and the energy given to their jobs. I LOVE being told by my staff members: “I love my job!” Or “I can’t believe I get paid for doing what I love!” Managing a team like this is the best. My library colleagues are extremely diverse in personality, backgrounds, and knowledge. I’ve worked with Peace Corp veterans, film professors, opera singers, social workers, lawyers, teachers, and IT specialists who all now call the library their home. The dynamics of working with these individuals inspire me to go beyond the stereotype of “librarian” and work towards creating our exciting future. 3. Who are your library heroes in North Carolina and beyond? My heroes are the librarians I worked with at the beginning of my career at the Main Library Charlotte. Barbara Gwynn was the master of handling difficult customers and finding humor in everyday life. Mimi Curlee knows the answer to absolutely everything and challenged me to keep up. Sam Shapiro’s easy going style and endless facts about film and history never ceased to amaze me. Jan Rimmel was the epitome of the quiet, unrufflable librarian. These people and others trained me and instilled in me my love of library. 4. Tell us a little about your interests and hobbies outside of the library. Since marrying a Frenchman last year, I have become a full-fledged Francophile. I have always enjoyed baking, but now am attempting difficult French patisserie (sometimes with success). While I’ve always appreciated a nice glass of wine, I now can order intelligently, smell, swirl and taste like an aspiring expert. On the flip side, I’ve created a hiker out of my city boy, forced him into strange looking yoga poses, have him excited for the next book club and appreciating Midwestern sensibilities. Life is good! |
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Algorithms of Oppression:
How search engines reinforce racism
by Safiya Umoja Noble
In Algorithms of Oppression, Safiya Umoja Noble challenges the idea that search engines like Google offer an equal playing field for all forms of ideas, identities, and activities. Data discrimination is a real social problem; Noble argues that the combination of private interests in promoting certain sites, along with the monopoly status of a relatively small number of Internet search engines, leads to a biased set of search algorithms that privilege whiteness and discriminate against people of color, specifically women of color.
Through an analysis of textual and media searches as well as extensive research on paid online advertising, Noble exposes a culture of racism and sexism in the way discoverability is created online. As search engines and their related companies grow in importance—operating as a source for email, a major vehicle for primary and secondary school learning, and beyond—understanding and reversing these disquieting trends and discriminatory practices is of utmost importance.
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North Carolina Library Association
265 Eastchester Drive
Suite 133, #364
High Point, North Carolina 27262
(919) 839-6252www.nclaonline.org/ |
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