Member of the Month

Rodney Birch – 3/2023

Rodney is the Instruction Coordinator & Research Services Librarian at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID (1577  FTE). Rodney has been an ACL member for 24 years.

Describe yourself using a book title: The Pursuit of God

What’s the best thing about being a librarian? Helping people find the information they need.

What are you currently reading? Courage to Teach and Teaching to Learn 

Describe ACL in three words: Collaborative, Educational, Welcoming

How do you (or How have you), as an academic librarian, contribute to your campus? Engaging people from around campus in identifying the information need, and then evaluating and using the sources and information they access. It is fun hearing how they apply their skills beyond the office and classroom.

One thing I wish I had known as a beginning librarian… how much instruction or teaching would be part of my daily responsibilities. I would have pursued additional development opportunities in designing assignments and instructional methods.

What do you value about ACL? I value the friendship and support, as well as the enriching development opportunities through the Annual Conference.

How were you introduced to ACL? The late Dr. Susan Rose introduced me to ACL. She was volunteering at the small Bible college where I started my career. She kept talking to me about this organization and encouraged me to join. I believe she may have even paid my first year’s membership dues.

How are you or have you been involved in ACL? I have been involved in a variety of ways. I started my involvement by serving on the Financial Advisory Team, then started indexing for Christian Periodical Index. I have also served on the Liberal Arts Section leadership team, and on the Board of Directors as a Director at Large, Vice-President, and currently, Treasurer.

Do you have any specific interests in the library world? Collaborating with various departments across campus, and archives.