Third ALASC Profile: Lisa Nowlain

Third ALASC Profile: Lisa Nowlain

Welcome to our third 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!  This profile was originally published on our Facebook page in October.

For this profile, I am pleased to introduce myself! My name is Lisa Nowlain and I am the social media manager for ALASC.

Lisa Nowlain

Introduce yourself!
I am in my second year at SJSU SLIS, and very new to the librarian field, and hoping to graduate in May.  I’m working towards being a youth librarian – I’m flexible with children or teens (they’re all awesome, even the tweens!).  I currently work in a school library in Oakland.

I have an arts background – I studied studio art in college, lived in Laos for a year doing art projects, and love art with all my heart.  However, I also love libraries – I felt excited by the exciting intersections between information, community, and connections that libraries AND art can share.  This year I’m an Emerging Arts Professional fellow, working to see how arts and libraries can work together.

I live in Oakland and was recently married (this very semester!), it was fun!  I have a cat, I love hiking, rock climbing, ultimate frisbee, and making zines.


Why are you at SLIS?

At first, it was because it was a grad school experience that required very little changes to my life – just working less at a job, and more on school. I didn’t have to move, or commute, the application was pretty simple, etc.  And now, it’s for the excellent people, interesting classes, and exciting opportunities.  I chose to become a librarian very recently, and the way that I am making it happen is by going to SJSU.

What’s the best part of being a member of ALASC?

It’s been great to work with a team of other SLIS students and think of ways to connect with each other.  Such a funny aspect of the online school for me is a desperation to network, which has been very positive.  I can feel very lonely as an online student, and have really enjoyed the extra push to network. When I meet a fellow librarian or SLIS student, I have that extra kick to chat it up!  ALASC also produces a great newsletter, blog, and has great events that bring SLIS students together.

What advice do you have for new students?
I echo Shelli’s sentiments – get involved! It’s really amazing how things can snowball. I’ve felt very lucky in the ways that one thing leads to another.   Don’t be afraid to apply to positions in student government, student chapters, etc.  Email professors and say hi, and see what conferences they are going to – and then you go too!  I had a great experience when I volunteered for the graduation ceremony last year, because I met all the professors and they all tried to sell me their classes.  I felt very important. Don’t be afraid to creep on local students in your classes and try to make them have tea with you.

Other advice is to follow what you’re really interested in. I am interested in way too many things, but so far in the librarian world that has been a blessing, and it has led to great things.

What are some great SLIS classes that you recommend and why?

I’m taking the Hyperlinked Library right now with Michael Stephens, and it is awesome!  All the things I want in a class – exposure to exciting new ideas and projects, great format, good interaction with other students. I’ve also really enjoyed Beth Wrenn-Estes’ Storytelling class – a great way to practice an important library skill!

If students want to meet you in person or ask more questions, how can they reach you?
I will be at CLA this year, or I am in Oakland and LOVE study buddies.  Or just buddies!  You can find me at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.nowlain.  I’m also the new CLA Student Representative, so I hope to be interacting with you all in a new way soon.