Member of the Month

Joshua Achipa – 09/2016

Joshua Achipa is a Reference Librarian at Southern Nazarene University (FTE: 2000) in Bethany, OK. He has been a member of ACL for 21 years (since 1995).

Describe yourself using a book title: Eternity in their Hearts by Don Richardson

What’s the best thing about being a librarian? The best thing about being a librarian is working with people of different backgrounds and assisting them in their needs for information.

What are you currently reading? The Relationship Project: Moving from “You and Me” to “We” by Bill Strom

Describe ACL in three words: Christian, Professional, Group

How do you, as an academic librarian, contribute to your campus? In addition to my regular reference service, I usually teach professional studies classes on Information Literacy as well as other regular traditional student classes. I sometimes participate in new students mentoring program with other faculty members and I also serve on different faculty committees. In addition, I assist on a diversity panel every semester whenever we have a diversity seminar for student teachers.

I began my career as a librarian..​.when I worked as a student worker in a college library. I started my professional career here at Southern Nazarene University in 1997 after completing my graduate studies at Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

How were you introduced to ACL? I was introduced to ACL by my former librarians and mentors at Liberty University.

What do you value about ACL? I value the professional information we share as well as Christian fellowship and freedom to express faith. We also have opportunity to professionally participate in knowledge sharing through the annual conference, The Christian Librarian or ACL discussion list.