Karina is the Library Director at Vanguard College in Edmonton, Alberta Canada (150 FTE). She has been a member of ACL since 2019.
Librarian Career
My professional career began…by the grace of God! I started at the local public library as a page in high school, shelving books, and worked my way up through various summer programming, bookmobile, and customer service desk positions. I attended Vanguard Bible College thinking I would become a worship and/or youth pastor. God had other ideas. After graduating, the Library Director phoned me to ask if I would come work here part-time. Within a year of working here, he asked if I’d ever considered going to library school. The University of Alberta was launching a new online MLIS program so I applied and miraculously got in (without any upgrading of my theology undergraduate degree!). I took one course at a time, a couple of maternity leaves, slowly increased my role to full-time library assistant, and finally finished my degree in 2019. The Library Director retired in 2020 and I took over during one of the craziest times to be a librarian, but that’s a story for another time.
Between the Pages: Getting to Know Our Member of the Month
Describe yourself using a book title: Yes Please by Amy Poehler
What’s the best thing about being a librarian? Helping students research interesting topics without having to write the paper myself after.
What are you currently reading? Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate: Crafting a Hand-Made Faith in a Mass Market World by John Joseph Thompson; AND Texas Promise Series by Naomi Rawlings
How do you as a librarian contribute to your campus or community? For most students the library is a hub for community, a first place for information inquiry, a safe place for conversation, a fun place to gather and learn together. I also support faculty, staff, and administration with assessment and planning for the institution.
Do you have any specific interests in the library world? Information seeking habits of young adults and information (esp. AI) literacy
What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? Swimming, biking, watching movies, board games, and Pokemon
ACL Involvement
How were you introduced to ACL? My Library Director told me I needed to join as soon as I graduated, and encouraged me to try and attend the conference at least every 3 years if possible.
Describe ACL in three words: Community – Supportive – Encouraging
What do you value about ACL? Fellow members, the Member Discussion Group, the Solo Librarian Interest Group, devotionals, spiritual encouragement team’s prayers, the conference, CLC discounts and student award
How are you or have you been involved in ACL? Bible Core Section Secretary (current), BCS member-at-large (past), presenter at conference