Tamika Barnes McCullogh
Good afternoon! I would first like to thank the nominating committee and the Board for this candidate experience. It is truly an honor.
I must admit that after getting the call asking me to run for Director, I immediately took an emotional roller coaster ride. A ride that had me shocked then excited. I reached the top of that excitement---and you roller coaster riders know what happens next. The “BIG” drop and you think, what in the world am I doing.
Fortunately, I ended the ride with excitement. This allowed me to then begin to reflect. Reflect on my experiences with this organization and why I was ready and willing to take this challenge.
Over the last six years, it seems as if I am always asked either “what is SLA?” or “why do you as an academic reference librarian belong?”
Most, not all of the time, the question of “what is SLA?” is asked by students I come in contact with while teaching at North Carolina Central University. This is something that I can rectify quickly.
However, the one that still catches me off guard and the question that I even got not too long ago. The question of why a reference librarian at a university would be a part of SLA. When I in turn ask them what do they know about the organization, by their answers I quickly realize that they have a narrow view of who we are and what we do as an organization.
You and I know that SLA is an organization that is meeting the needs of those that work in a variety of environments. However, somewhere along the way that communication to others in the industry and library schools is being lost.
So what do I them to demonstrate the value?
Why SLA?
- I tell them that SLA awarded me a scholarship which helped me pay for library school
- I tell them that my professor, advisor and mentor got me active early by assisting him with committee work for the organization. He did not allow us to use being a student as an excuse for not being active.
Why SLA?
- I tell them that I am proud to belong to an organization that appreciates and strives for diversity and creating an inclusive environment
- The local and association programs have provided me with new ideas that I can and have applied to my day to day work
- Finally, SLA has provided me with leadership opportunities on the local, division and association levels. These opportunities I feel have had a direct effect on my career advancement.
This is my message of value and I am sure you have your own. My message, your message and our collective message of who we are, the values we share and the advantages of belonging to SLA needs to be communicated. Communicated often, proudly and maybe even loudly to attract and retain new members.
So, I hope to continue to ride the SLA roller coaster as your Director. A ride that may have some twists, turns and maybe even some ups and downs, but a ride that will always have me coming back for more.
Thank you!
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