The submission period for 2021-2023 ArLiSNAP Co-Moderator candidacy has closed, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to start voting!
Before voting, be sure to read about the candidates below. Cast your vote by June 20 using this form. Please feel free to send any questions to arlisnap.na@gmail.com.
Candidates
Jessica Craig
Lindsey Jackson
Alison Quirion
Learn more about each candidate before voting
Jessica Craig
Library Reference Assistant, UCLA Arts Library
Tell us a little about your background with art librarianship and/or ARLIS.
Like many, I became interested in art librarianship ever since I learned there is such a thing. My experience started in 2017 while earning a B.A. in Art History. I was working at a public library and I volunteered at a small community art archive on the weekends. I was incredibly inspired by the act of documenting and preserving collective artistic expressions and stories. Once I started my MLIS program in 2019, I became more intentionally focused on art librarianship. I joined the UCLA Arts Library as a Reference Assistant and have worked there since. When I’m not fielding reference inquiries, I develop arts-based research guides, provide instructional workshops, and dabble in creating digital art exhibits. After I graduate with an MLIS degree this June, I will start work with the Getty Research Institute in September, where I hope to continue growing my knowledge of art librarianship as I enter the field.
Beyond my professional work, I have loved engaging with ARLIS/NA community. I received the 2021 ARLIS/NA Gerd Muehsam award for my paper, “Computer Vision for Visual Arts Collections: Looking at Algorithmic Bias, Transparency, and Labor.” I was fortunate enough to present this paper at the 2021 ARLIS/NA Annual Conference, alongside many other incredible presentations in the New Voices in the Profession session. I will also be publishing it in the ARLIS/NA Art Documentation journal this upcoming Fall.
I am also looking forward to learning more through my engagement with ArLiSNAP and the many exciting opportunities that come with being part of this community. When I met some of the current ArLiSNAP volunteers during the last annual conference, I felt incredibly welcomed and supported as a new member. The kind and fun spirit of the group meant very much to me. Simply meeting others from ArLiSNAP helped to ease my nerves as a first-time conference presenter. Now, looking back on their kindness, that experience is the primary source of motivation for me to apply to this Co-Moderator position.
What merits / experiences do you bring to this position?
I am dedicated to promoting opportunities and engagement among students and new professionals. For example, during my MLIS education, I served in leadership roles for two student organizations. I was a Co-President for the UCLA student chapter of the Special Libraries Association after I had served as the Activities Chair for the previous year. I was also the Secretary and Web Chair for two years for the UCLA student group, Artifacts, an organization for students interested in arts librarianship, visual resources, and museum informatics. My involvement with these student associations was driven by my interest in collaborating with others to enhance student learning opportunities.
I have also branched out from student groups by working with the broader professional library network as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Southern California Technical Processes Group. I have always been interested in the technical services aspects of art librarianship, so this was my opportunity to merge both of those curiosities. I believe my past involvement with both student and professional organizations will allow me to contribute meaningfully to ArLiSNAP. I have learned what it takes to commit to leading and supporting the members of robust and growing organizations. I have enjoyed participating in outreach and programming, along with other administrative duties, such as creating documentation, planning internal meetings, providing website maintenance, and more. Most importantly, I have learned how to collaborate, adjust, listen, and promote a supportive learning environment for all of those involved.
If elected, what would be your biggest goals for ArLiSNAP?
As a Co-Moderator, I would work with my fellow volunteers to continue the existing mission of the group while collaborating to develop new initiatives and opportunities for all. There is a lot this group has to offer – from promoting knowledge to sharing resources, fostering dialogues, growing an inclusive network, and creating a lasting community. My goal would be to strengthen this supportive environment by introducing new programming, enhancing outreach strategies, and promoting meaningful engagement among members.
For programming, we could develop co-sponsored events, such as workshops and webinars that focus on emerging trends, equitable service, professional development, and building the confidence of early-career students and professionals. Additionally, planning events purely for fun, like happy hours, watch parties, gaming events, etc., so there is a focus on connecting with people, in addition to learning, too.
For outreach, I would aim to center the group’s initiatives to welcome any and all who are interested. The unique nature of this membership base, being entirely composed of students and new professionals, provides an advantage and should be embraced while building our community. It allows for wide-open gates for entry and participation by those who may or may not have a background in art librarianship but certainly have an interest in learning more about it. I find that to be a really encouraging quality of this group and could help overall growth in membership.
In addition to programming and outreach, I would love to create opportunities for active engagement among members. By promoting active knowledge sharing, fluid communication, open contribution opportunities, a welcoming environment, and ways to learn more about each other, we could help foster meaningful and consistent engagement.
Overall, I would hope to continue the incredible work that has already been started while working with others to contribute new ideas that would benefit everyone.
Lindsey Jackson
Senior Library Specialist/User Services Associate, University of Texas Fine Arts Library
Tell us a little about your background with art librarianship and/or ARLIS.
I stumbled upon art librarianship and ARLIS early into my time in library school. I was lucky that the regional ARLIS/NA Texas-Mexico Chapter were having their 2018 meeting in my city of Austin, so I went and met a lot of lovely professionals and looked at some amazing art. I was able to attend the 2019 regional conference as well. At the regional meeting I volunteered for be on the planning committee for ARLIS/NA 2023 conference in Mexico City. I looked forward to attending the ARLIS/NA 2020. But that was thwarted by the pandemic, so I look forward to attending someday.
In 2019 I began working at the University of Texas Fine Arts Library in access services and the student workers supervisor. This library houses an impressive maker space along with its’ impressive collection of fine art and music materials. I love working in this environment which encourages artistic exploration, and offers tools to pursue it.
What merits / experiences do you bring to this position?
I have experience being a good virtual and in-person team member, and have experiences in project management and event planning. I am on the board of a performing arts nonprofit called Honk!TX, which puts on an annual brass band festival, with the last two years being virtual festivals. This position requires a lot of communication with band leaders, volunteers, and committee groups. I really enjoy working with this organization, because creating access to live music is something I’m passionate about. Our festival is free, in various neighborhoods around Austin, and is a spectacle.
In 2019, I volunteered for the New Members Round Table Midwinter Social Planning committee. Along with 6 other volunteers, we met virtually to plan a social event at ALA’s Midwinter conference in Philadelphia. I reached out to venues, created social media content and signage using Canva, and I came up with ideas for event programming. I enjoyed working on this project for the opportunity to collaborate with other new up-and-coming professionals.
I am also a trombone player for a local brass band. We have 12-16 mostly female-identifying members, which requires a lot of communication to confirm gigs, schedule events, maintain our social media platforms. I moved us away from endless email chains to using Slack, which has been a great way for us to communicate. This is my favorite team that I am on, all of my bandmates are amazing people and we get stuff done (and have a lot of fun).
I believe all of these experiences, would make me a good co-moderator for ArLiSNAP. I graduated with my MLS in December 2020 and was glad that I had started networking and being professionally involved while still in school. I want to make the process of being involved less intimidating. I think by fostering a good community with new professionals and seasoned ones, through outreach, events, and even just a solid Instagram post, is vitally important for the profession.
If elected, what would be your biggest goals for ArLiSNAP?
Continuing to make ArLiSNAP a good resource and community for new professionals. Right now there may be a need for more help with resumes and interviews while many more people are looking for work.
Alison Quirion
Library Assistant I, Orange County Public Libraries
Tell us a little about your background with art librarianship and/or ARLIS.
My background with art librarianship is limited to what I learned during my MLIS program. I did not even think that art librarianship was a feasible career option for me until I took an Art Librarianship course with a wonderful instructor, Maggie Murphy, who opened my eyes to the options and possibilities for people like me who love art and librarianship but don’t have an art or art history background. Since taking that course, I have joined ARLIS and VRA, have overcome my insecurities to apply for every possible scholarship and internship related to art librarianship, and hope to find my dream job now that I have graduated.
What merits / experiences do you bring to this position?
While art librarianship is completely new to me, I have many years of experience working in entertainment marketing and dealing with creative individuals. I have led teams, collaborated with diverse groups, built relationships and trust with key stakeholders, made presentations to groups large and small, and I love learning. During my last two semesters at San Jose State, I was the Chair of the student chapter of the Society of American Archivists, and contributed to raising awareness for the group, improving member experiences during the pandemic, and building a sense of community. I plan to bring my entire toolkit to the ArLiSNAP co-moderator role and look forward to drafting off all the hard work and accomplishments of Alex and being a great partner for Chaun.
If elected, what would be your biggest goals for ArLiSNAP?
If elected, I would first focus on the results of the most recent member survey, identify key priorities, and draft a plan to address member needs. I would also want to increase outreach to members who are less active to find ways to get them engaged and ensure that they continue to value their membership in the group. I would like to continue the work that has started on increasing diversity as well as exposing members to exciting work being done in critical librarianship. Past co-moderators have done a great job of evaluating services and activities, keeping what works, getting rid of what doesn’t, and adding new ways to serve members. That is something I would continue to do as a co-moderator. I would also want to make sure that our goals are aligned with the broader goals of ArLiS/NA, and that we maximize all opportunities to connect ArLiSNAP members with the entire association.
