Gwendolyn is the Director of Library and Archives at Charlotte Christian College & Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC (140 FTE). Gwendolyn first joined ACL in 2021.
Describe yourself using a book title: What Do You Do With a Chance? by Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom and his other book What Do You Do With an Idea? I would describe myself as being inspirational. Sometimes something amazing happens and my confidence grows, oftentimes a chance comes my way and I have an opportunity to do something with it.
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? The best thing about being a librarian is having an opportunity to encourage others to be lifelong learners and avid library patrons.
What are you currently reading? I always keep a book with me and I’m currently reading two…If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg and Soar! Build Your Vision from the Ground Up by Bishop T. D. Jakes.
Describe ACL in three words: Awesome, Christian, Leadership
How do you (or How have you), as an academic librarian, contribute to your campus? In my role as Director of Library and Archives, I not only lead as a library administrator but manage the archival collection as well. I served as a department chair for the General Studies Department until a replacement was hired and taught several classes as a faculty member. I serve on the Strategic Planning Council and the Administrative Council for the seminary. I mentor library interns from library schools in the areas of library administration and publishing strategies.
My professional career began… as a classroom teacher who used the school library and encouraged my students to do the same. At the end of three years, I was encouraged to attend graduate school and pursue librarianship. I attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s School of Library Science. I was immediately hired upon graduation as a school library media specialist and served for many years until retirement. I transitioned into academic librarianship by serving as Director of Library Services at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. During that time I served as a SACS/QEP library reviewer for accreditation and reaffirmation in the academic library. I attended the prestigious Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians at Harvard University and the Transformation of the College Library Program sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges. I am interested in theological librarianship and in developing a platform for encouraging library students to consider seminary librarianship.
What do you value about ACL? I value being a part of an organization that provides professional development within a community of believers with Christian ethics. I will always value my first ACL virtual conference.
How were you introduced to ACL? I was introduced to ACL by my president as membership is a requirement for my employment.
How are you or have you been involved in ACL? I am involved with the Spiritual Encouragement Team.
Do you have any specific interests in the library world? My interests include cataloging, archive work, and library administration. My newest interest is in theological librarianship.