Blog

Amy Rice – 10/2022

Amy is the Library Director at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID (1689 FTE). Amy has been an ACL member for 16 years. You can find Amy on Twitter: @amy_librarian78

Describe yourself using a book title: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

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Mental Weeding – 10/2022

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2 NIV)

Renewing our minds as Paul asks can be difficult. Unwanted negative thoughts can come into our minds at any time, so we need to “weed” these thoughts to regain our focus. Weeding our gardens and lawns every spring is important. As librarians, we also know that weeding is an important part of collection development, to prevent overfilling our libraries with obsolete or worn books.

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Ezra Choe – 09/2022

Ezra is the Theology and Philosophy Librarian at Baylor University in Waco, TX (20,626 FTE). This is Ezra’s first year as an ACL member.

Describe yourself using a book title: Confessions

What’s the best thing about being a librarian? The best thing about being a librarian is building relationships with patrons and helping them in their intellectual journey.

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Time is Running Out – 09/2022

“Be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15–16 NASB)

My undergraduate college had a tradition of assigning secret pals to encourage one another with gifts and messages. One year my creative secret pal covered the door to my room with Time Magazine covers and a sign that read, “Time is running out…” I enjoyed looking at my door decoration as the end of the semester with term paper deadlines and final exams approached. The door decoration reminded neighbors in my dormitory of all the work they had to do.

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Julie Russell – 08/2022

Julie is a Library Assistant at Boise Bible College in Boise, ID (85 FTE). Julie has been an ACL member since 2020.

Describe yourself using a book title: Smart but Scattered

What’s the best thing about being a librarian? The best things change with any given day. I suppose that in itself is at the top of my list.

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Caleb May – 07/2022

Caleb is the Director of Library Services at Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, KS (170 FTE). Caleb has been an ACL member since 2021. Follow Caleb on Twitter: @calebhmay

Describe yourself using a book title: There and Back Again

What’s the best thing about being a librarian? I love helping students and other patrons find the resources they need to be successful.

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Linda Poston – 06/2022

Linda is the Library Director at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA (2368 FTE). Linda has been an ACL member for 25 years.

Describe yourself using a book title: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (current covid environment and unexpected opportunities!)

What’s the best thing about being a librarian? Having such a variety of things I can learn, do, and share! As part of an academic community I have opportunities to collaborate with faculty and other departments, to attend stimulating presentations and author talks, to use assessment to make a difference for students, and to help create an inviting destination for connection and growth.

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Transformed by the Holy Spirit – 06/2022

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 NIV)

As I reflect on the past two years, listen to any news broadcast, or read any newspaper, I am reminded of the world crisis so many have experienced and the heartache and pain many have endured. We have made it through some unprecedented times, and we can surely thank God who has been faithful. Being a librarian in today’s environment is full of challenges that can be heartbreaking and painful. As we look toward the work of our next seasons, what better way to prepare for this new season than with the desire to be transformed by the Holy Spirit!

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Craig Kubic – 05/2022

Craig is the Dean of Libraries at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX (2,500 FTE). Craig has been an ACL member for 15 years.

Describe yourself using a book title: To Kill a Mockingbird

What’s the best thing about being a librarian? The best thing about being a librarian are the opportunities for growth and service. Each day is a learning experience as we engage our students and faculty.

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Tell Your Story – 05/2022

“All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable.” (Matthew 13:34 ESV)

I have always loved stories. Stories are told through music, literature, biographies, and in many other ways. I teach children’s literature in our college’s education department, and my favorite genre is historical fiction. I love how it connects fictional characters and fictional scenes to create an exciting story that, for the most part, authentically reflects history. Even events such as the Olympics or the Super Bowl include the stories of the athletes and their families.

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