- About
- Advocacy
- School Library Services >
- Re-envisioning >
- Presentations & Conferences >
- TASL Talks: Legislative and Advocacy for YOU
- Texas Association of School Librarians WEBINAR, October 2016
- Texas Library Association 2016
- GUEST BLOG: Consider the Source: In Search of Stellar Nonfiction
- New Jersey Assn. of School Librarians, October 2014
- Texas Library Association, April 2014
- Bishop Byrne Chapter (Houston), Catholic Library Association
- AASL Fall Forum: Transliteracy
- Texas Library Association, April 2012
- ISASW Conference, February 2012
- Re-Ed: The Next Chapter Sept. 2011
- NAIS, February 2011
- Intellectual Freedom
- HAISLN Reading List
- Latest Articles
- CV
- Contact
Brief Biography
I have been a school librarian for 35 years, 25 of them in the same school. I knew from my teaching experiences in a school without libraries at the very beginning of my career that strong teaching required access to library resources. I have worked from elementary to high school, in established libraries and in new schools in need of collection and catalog building from nothing.
While I began teaching in the public schools in western Massachusetts in the mid-seventies, I have worked in private school libraries in Houston since 1978. I have been an active member of ALA/AASL/ISS as well as TLA/TASL and the new Private School Discussion Group within TASL. Additionally, in my enthusiasm to build strong practice among the Houston area private schools, I was among the founding leadership of the Houston Area Independent School Library Network which is somewhat nationally known for its annually revised HAISLN Recommended Reading List.
My term as the Independent School Section Representative to the AASL Board strengthened my understanding of AASL leadership, and my resolve to find ways to work locally to improve awareness of all school libraries as essential components to strong education. I have served as a member of the AASL Advocacy Committee since 202012, and will Chair the committee in 2015-16. I am also Co-Chair of the TASL Legislative and Advocacy Committee since 2014. I have begun with Debbie Hall, retired Houston librarian, a grassroots effort to raise awareness among local HISD school board members and HISD administration. All of this work is very satisfying; the Houston group is still in its infancy but growing.
Beyond my work, I spend time with my adult sons and my 91 year old mother. With any luck, I will remain as enthusiastic about life for as many years. My dog and I walk daily to keep us both in shape, and I contradance every chance I get. Ask me about dancing sometime. I currently serve on the national board of the Country Song and Dance Society, an involvement that strengthens my leadership skills and gives me further insights into strong nonprofit educational organizations.
My CV offers details of my publications, presentations, and work history. I think my career speaks for itself as I work to become the next AASL President Elect. If elected, I will focus my efforts on AASL leadership during my term, supporting my other interests less directly.
While I began teaching in the public schools in western Massachusetts in the mid-seventies, I have worked in private school libraries in Houston since 1978. I have been an active member of ALA/AASL/ISS as well as TLA/TASL and the new Private School Discussion Group within TASL. Additionally, in my enthusiasm to build strong practice among the Houston area private schools, I was among the founding leadership of the Houston Area Independent School Library Network which is somewhat nationally known for its annually revised HAISLN Recommended Reading List.
My term as the Independent School Section Representative to the AASL Board strengthened my understanding of AASL leadership, and my resolve to find ways to work locally to improve awareness of all school libraries as essential components to strong education. I have served as a member of the AASL Advocacy Committee since 202012, and will Chair the committee in 2015-16. I am also Co-Chair of the TASL Legislative and Advocacy Committee since 2014. I have begun with Debbie Hall, retired Houston librarian, a grassroots effort to raise awareness among local HISD school board members and HISD administration. All of this work is very satisfying; the Houston group is still in its infancy but growing.
Beyond my work, I spend time with my adult sons and my 91 year old mother. With any luck, I will remain as enthusiastic about life for as many years. My dog and I walk daily to keep us both in shape, and I contradance every chance I get. Ask me about dancing sometime. I currently serve on the national board of the Country Song and Dance Society, an involvement that strengthens my leadership skills and gives me further insights into strong nonprofit educational organizations.
My CV offers details of my publications, presentations, and work history. I think my career speaks for itself as I work to become the next AASL President Elect. If elected, I will focus my efforts on AASL leadership during my term, supporting my other interests less directly.