Submitted by Dawn Hackman; edited by Elizabeth Hinton.
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Institution: San Jose State University
Title: Health and Human Services Librarian
Brief description of responsibilities:
I am a liaison to the Valley Foundation School of Nursing, as well as to the doctoral programs in Audiology and Occupational Therapy. As a liaison, I do reference and instruction, one-on-one consults, and mediated searches. I also participate in systematic reviews.
Why is MLA important to you?
MLA provides the networking and professional content most relevant to me as a health sciences librarian. I’ve sampled other national library associations, but their content tends to be too broad for my purposes.
What was your first library job or first professional position?
My first professional position was as a Research and Education Librarian at the University of North Dakota’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
What is your advice to someone taking on a new role in leadership in MLA, or other capacity?
Find a mentor. Ask for help and guidance. Your first time in a leadership position can feel overwhelming, but your friends and colleagues have been there and can help you find your way.
What do you consider to be the most pressing issues or trends in librarianship?
The most pressing issues and trends are equity, accessibility, anti-ableism, anti-racism, and climate justice.
What do you do in your spare time, for fun, or to relax?
I mostly play video games and binge-watch sitcoms.
What is the best thing you’ve read/watched/listened to recently?
Rutherford Falls and Our Flag Means Death.
Describe yourself in five words:
Introspective, empathetic, enthusiastic, and lover of all animals.