Welcome to our eighth ALASC profile. This is a series of introductions of ALASC board members, SLIS students, and other information professionals who you may want to hear from. If you’re interested in being profiled, please message us! We’re proud to present an interview with Elaine Hall, our fearless leader and ALASC board chair. Read on to learn why/how to get involved in ALASC – elections for next year are coming up soon!
Introduce yourself! Where are you in the world? What do you do? What do you like to do? etc.
My name is Elaine Hall and I am now in my third year at SLIS with plans to graduate in May 2015. My academic interests include academic libraries, research, information literacy, and emerging technologies. Professionally, I spent the last ten years working for a non-profit organization in Seattle where I managed membership recruitment and retention, educational programming, and fundraising events. I am currently working as a graduate student assistant for SLIS and do occasional side work in web design and contracted marketing projects. I live in Arlington, Washington (about 60 miles north of Seattle) with my husband of 13 years, my 8-year old daughter, and 7-year old son. To escape from my busy schedule, I enjoy gardening in my greenhouse and going on hiking excursions with my kids.
Why are you at SLIS?
This is such an interesting question! I am often asked “why did you choose to pursue a MLIS?” My answer has always been, “I didn’t choose this profession – it chose me!”
I can’t say that I’ve always wanted to be a librarian. In fact, until three years ago, I had never thought about it. I knew I wanted to write and get published someday and so I started my academic career pursuing journalism. In my undergraduate program, I became enthralled with new media and consequently changed my journalism major to communications. After graduating, I then spent the next 10 years working in the non-profit sector where I enjoyed working in an environment of helping people, professional advocacy, and developing educational programming. It wasn’t until one day after spending a quiet afternoon at the local public library that my husband turned to me and said, “you enjoy the library so much, have you ever thought of working for one?” I froze; I was speechless. The thought had never crossed my mind and yet in that moment, it seemed so clear and obvious. It was also then that I realized I had no clue what it took to become a librarian – let alone it would involve getting a master’s degree. Five months later, I was accepted at SJSU.
Why SJSU? With a full time job and as a mom of two young kids, I needed flexibility and knew that the only way I could attain the MLIS was through an online program. I applied to three online programs, and went with SJSU due to its affordability and the diversity of programming it offered. I am confident it has been one of the best decisions in my academic and professional pursuits.
What’s the best part of being a member of ALASC?
I remember being in my first professional job over ten years ago and after a team meeting brainstorming with a client (of which I remained silent in), the IT manager asked me to stay behind and to sit back down. I was terrified. He told me “Elaine, you need to find your voice”. He went on to say, “You have ideas and you need to have the courage in yourself to share them. Yes, 98%… maybe even 99% of your ideas will receive blank stares, be rejected and/or ignored but then you will have that one idea that hits the ball out of the ballpark. If you don’t speak up, you’ll never hit your homerun.” 10 years later, I would have to say that is the best part of being a member of ALASC – I found my voice. With the support of fellow board members and the tremendous support of ALASC’s advisor, Debbie Faires, I have not only offered up ideas, I have had the opportunity to run with those ideas and hit those homeruns.
I cannot say enough about the opportunities available by becoming a member of ALASC. Whether you decide to get involved in the leadership opportunities as a board member or engage with ALASC as a member (all SLIS students are automatically ALASC members), there is tremendous opportunity at all levels to connect with fellow students – both in-person and virtually – launch and participate in special programs and projects, and expand your SLIS experience far beyond the curriculum.
What advice do you have for new students? / What’s the best advice you’ve gotten recently?
Get involved extracurricularly here at SLIS! There are so many opportunities to go beyond just attaining your MLIS. No matter how busy you are, there is something you can do and the connections and rewards you will gain along the way will completely outweigh the sacrifices of time and energy. Join one or all the student chapters (there are many to consider), take on a leadership role, submit articles and research projects to the SLIS Research Journal, the Descriptor, or one of the various student chapter blogs. Build a module for the 23 Things for SLIS Students & Alumni: Essentials for Success program – or at least learn something new and engage with other students and alumni in the learning process. Most importantly, share your ideas and contribute to the conversation. In doing so, you will not only find mentors, you’ll mentor others; you will build evidence for your e-portfolio and extend your learning experience; and you will develop friendships beyond what is possible via the classroom.
