|
Education Background:
Antioch University, BA/TC, University at Buffalo, MLIS
What was your professional background before your current position?
I attended Antioch University, Seattle WA where I earned a combined Bachelors and teaching certificate. I took a long term substitute position with library duties at a private elementary school. That experience qualified me for a job at the Missoula Public Library where I worked first in the Children's Department and later as a Reference Technician. I moved back to my home town of Binghamton, NY, and was hired at the Binghamton University Libraries in Access Services. As member of UUP, the space available program enabled me to take courses and earn my MLIS online. I worked for a decade over multiple library departments at Binghamton and then spent five years with the Advancement team in Libraries Development. I have been in my latest role for a little under a year.
Describe your current position and what do you like best about it:
My current position is a good fit. I get to use my diverse library services background and my philanthropy experience to develop special projects in cooperation with the Libraries Dean and Executive Leadership Team. I like that when I complete a project I get to learn from it and start fresh on something new.
What has been your biggest professional challenge?
At this time my biggest challenge is chairing three search committees simultaneously for three separate Postdoctoral Associate positions but the Binghamton University Libraries have a hardworking staff with varied expertise so when any of us are presented with a challenge, there is always a colleague willing to lend a hand in addition to the campus support available.
Have you seen any shifts towards sustainability in the workplace that you think would be useful in other libraries or institutions?
Binghamton University has a Sustainability Communities (MS) program and an Office of Sustainability to build awareness about campus initiatives and support community action plans like Binghamton 2 degrees. The Libraries acknowledge the changing global environment and provides a place for related activities and discussion at the Libraries' Sustainability Hub to empower people through education and lifestyle choices.
How are you supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in your work environment?
The Binghamton University Libraries have a dedicated Decolonizing Collections initiative which is extended through our Remediation of Harmful Language Statement. The Cataloging and Metadata unit has removed 105 outdated or inaccurate terms and replaced them with 80 more accurate, community-informed alternatives this year. Additionally, the Libraries are participating in SUNY's Prodig+ program as part of our commitment to diversifying our faculty/staff. The Libraries' were awarded Insight Into Diversity Magazine's Library Excellence in Access and Diversity Award in 2025.
What other organizations are you involved with?
Outside of work, I've served for four years on District Senator Lea Webb's Education Issue Council. Soon I will begin serving on her Environmental Issue Council instead. I volunteer with various local Democratic candidates seeking election. I am a member of ALA and serve as a member of the Philanthropic Advisory Group.
What advice would you give to someone new to the field?
I really took SR Ranganathan's 5 laws to heart and truly believe that "A library is a growing organism."
Are there any tips you would like to share that help you get things done?
Start fresh every day. A good cup of coffee, a positive attitude and check lists!
Favorite web tools or websites:
NPR, IFLA and https://www.binghamton.edu/libraries/
What are you most proud of?
The Data Mural on the 3rd floor of Bartle Library designed by Pentagram is one of my favorite learning experiences to date. https://www.pentagram.com/work/suny-binghamton-libraries-installation
What is one thing you would you like to learn?
I have been trying to teach myself how to fly fish for the last five years or so. I am naturally impatient so I think it is something I will be practicing for the rest of my life.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to a successful year-close at work and a little R&R at home with my family.
Thank you Carrie!
| 
