The MCLS Board of Directors has accepted the Nominating Committee’s proposed slate of candidates for the five seats with terms expiring at the end of December 2021.
Electronic voting to approve the slate of candidates begins on Sept. 16. All Member Representatives should receive an email on Sept. 16 with voting instructions. Votes will be accepted via an online ballot up to the deadline of 5pm Eastern (4pm Central) on Sept. 30.
Slate of Nominees
At-Large Library Representative (Indiana)
Trista Smith, Director, Newburgh Chandler Public Library
Education:
BA (Literature) – California State University-Northridge; MLIS – San Jose State University
Work Experience:
7 years as Director of the Newburgh Chandler Public Library
Statement:
MCLS’s role is to facilitate libraries throughout the area thriving by providing opportunities for collaboration and cost-sharing.
Research Library Representative (Indiana)
Marion Frank-Wilson, Associate Dean for Collection Development and Archival Collections, Indiana University
Education:
Wurzburg University (Germany); M.A. and Ph.D. – Bayreuth University (Germany); MLS – University of North Carolina – Greensboro (US)
Work Experience:
Librarian for African Studies (Indiana University, 1998-2016); Head, Area and International Studies (Indiana University, 2009-2016); Associate Dean for Collection Development and Archival Collections (Indiana University, 2016-present)
Statement:
Having served on the MCLS Board of Directors for one term already, I am excited to submit my nomination for a second term. I appreciate MCLS’s role in connecting libraries of all types across Michigan and Indiana as they navigate not only the complex world of vendors and publishers but also a time of organizational and managerial challenges in many libraries. I believe that in the coming years, while building on its established work/basis with vendors and library consulting, MCLS will also see opportunities to expand its role into potential new partnerships and services. I look forward to being a part of this collaborative effort.
School Library Representative (Indiana)
Rain Smith, School Library Media Specialist, Whiteland Community High School
Education:
BS – Indiana State University; MLS – Indiana University
Work Experience:
4 years in the school library, 21 years teaching
Awards & Honors:
ILF 2020 Outstanding New School Librarian
Statement:
I envision MCLS as a responsive & forward moving organization helping all library types connect and move forward with their individual missions.
At-Large Library Representative (Michigan)
Polly Boruff-Jones, Dean of University Libraries, Oakland University
Education:
BA (Political Science and Environmental Studies) – Indiana University; MPA (Nonprofit Management) – Indiana University; MLS – Indiana University
Work Experience:
2020-present, Dean of University Libraries, Professor, Kresge Library, Oakland University, Rochester Hills, MI; 2013-2020, Dean of the Library (Emerita), Librarian, Indiana University Kokomo Library, Kokomo, IN; 2010-2013, Director of Library and Information Services, Librarian, F.W. Olin Library, Drury University, Springfield, MO; 2006-2010, Associate Dean for Teaching, Learning & Research, Associate Librarian, University Library, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN
Awards & Honors:
Dean Emerita, Indiana University Kokomo, 2020; Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2009
Statement:
My previous term on the MCLS Board as an Indiana Academic Library representative was cut short when I took my current job in Michigan. I would like to return to the MCLS Board and continue to work to engage our member/owners to ensure that they are availing themselves of the important services and resources that MCLS offers.
Additionally, I believe the discussions and initiatives MCLS is leading around group purchasing, transformative agreements and resource sharing are particularly important in these tight budgetary times. At my current institution, Oakland University, we are very involved in these endeavors and a position on the MCLS Board would provide a broader perspective on this work.
Public Library Representative (Michigan)
Lisa Waskin, Director, Superior District Library
Education:
History/Archealogy – University of North Dakota; MLIS – Dominican University
Work Experience:
I have 35+ years experience in libraries, including public, academic, school, and special libraries. I have worked in almost all levels of library work, including page, reference clerk, circulation, cataloging and technical services, young adult librarian, marketing, and Director positions. I have been a Director in Illinois and Michigan, for the past 21 years. My passion lies with multi-type library collaborations, and in small and rural public library work.
Awards & Honors:
Alliance Library System Marketing Award; 25 Women in Leadership Award; Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers Award
Statement:
The collaboration between Michigan and Indiana libraries is what interests me about being on the MCLS Board. The variety and depth of the programs offered by MCLS is fantastic, and I feel that my varied background and forward thinking ideas would make me a valuable asset to the board. I want to be on the forefront of more projects that pair the strengths from both Indiana and Michigan libraries, which will make us all able to better serve our patrons.
