Kendra recently served as librarian at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia. She is now the Child & Youth Librarian at West Grey Public Library in Durham, Ontario, Canada. She has been a member of ACL for 5 years.
Describe yourself using a book title: A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God’s Love by Milton Vincent
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? Helping people find something they need or love to read.
What are you currently reading? I always read multiple books. Right now I am reading the Bible, A Woman and Her Workplace by Rosemary Flaaten, The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard, Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin, and The Martian by Andy Weir.
Describe ACL in three words: Global / Library / Family
How have you, as an academic librarian, contributed to your campus? When I was serving in Zambia, I had the privilege to take the library from boxes to bookshelves. I assisted my coworkers with information searches and compiled a list of free online resources.
I began my career as a librarian...thinking I wanted to spend my life working in international Bible school libraries. After spending two years cataloguing a library internationally, I realize that I enjoy the public services and reference aspects of libraries more than the technical services. Now I am back in Canada and am working in two small public libraries. I am able to use both public services and technical skills in my day-to-day duties.
How were you introduced to ACL? I volunteered at Word of Life Bible Institute in the summer of 2008 and Alan Capella told me about ACL. I joined ACL the next year as I finished up my Library Tech training. When I had the opportunity to go to Zambia to serve with the African Christian University in 2014, I rejoined and made sure to get a copy of The Librarians Manual. It was a very helpful resource.
What do you value about ACL? I am thankful for a supportive network of Christian Librarians. Serving internationally, the ACL discussion list gave me a sounding board for various issues I came across. Working in the public library, I am faced with the onslaught of this world’s philosophy. It is wonderful to know that God’s people are faithfully serving in this profession.