2011 Board of Directors Candidates
Carla Dewey Urban
Candidate for: Vice President / President Elect
I am honored to have been nominated for MLA Vice-President/President-Elect. Libraries have always faced challenges, but the current fiscal environment casts a bright light on the benefits MLA can provide its members. MLA must continue to bring together the efforts, voices, and experience of libraries and library staff from throughout the state to advocate effectively for library services, to provide high-quality development and education opportunities and to facilitate networking and connections between its members. As MLA President, I look forward to continuing the transition to the relatively new management model and efforts to recruit and more actively involve newer members. I am excited by the opportunity to take on this leadership role and to contribute my efforts to the Association.
Current Position:
Minitex Assistant Director for Bibliographic and Technical Services, part-time
Education:
B.A., Carleton College, 1988; MLIS, University of WI-Madison, 1990; M.A. (Latin American Studies) Tulane University, 1994
Career Highlights:
My career in libraries began in early elementary school when my librarian mother took me to work with her and set me to the vital task of filling the scratch paper boxes on top of the card catalogs. I worked in the ILL office of my college library, proceeded to library school and took my first professional position as Latin American Cataloger for the Tulane University Library. In 1995, I joined Minitex where I am currently Assistant Director for Bibliographic & Technical Services. Our unit provides training, support and consultation for libraries in the areas of cataloging and metadata, OCLC services and digitization. I have been an MLA member since 1997. Within the Association, I have been a member of the Academic and Research Libraries Division and the Technical Services Section and have served as MLA Board Secretary, ARLD Information Coordinator and TSS Nominating Committee Chair. In 2007, during my tenure as Board Secretary, I received the MLA President’s Award for contributions to the Association during a time of significant change and upheaval.
Personal Highlights:
As mom to two school-age boys, I spend 4-6 hours a week volunteering in their classrooms. I am currently VP of the Prospect Park East River Road neighborhood association and serve in a variety of leadership roles at my church, Park Ave United Methodist.
Jenny Jepsen
Candidate for: Secretary
I continue to be involved with the Minnesota Library Association because I believe in the organization’s importance for cooperation among libraries statewide. MLA provides an avenue for librarians to work together, share ideas and advocate as a whole, which is particularly important during difficult financial times. Working as a library community together is the best way to ensure our Minnesota libraries remain strong, vibrant and important parts of the communities to which they belong.
Current Position:
Director, Martin County Library
Education:
B.A. Communication, Music: Luther College, Decorah, IA
M.A. Library and Information Science: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Career Highlights:
Jenny had the opportunity to intern at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum during graduate school. Since then, she has worked as a classical music librarian at the Public Library of Cincinnati and also as Assistant Director of Watonwan County, MN Library. She was a participant in MLA’s 2009 Institute for Leadership Excellence and presented in the MLA-Public Library Division’s budget shortfalls webinar. She is the chair for the Traverse des Sioux Regional Young Adult Discussion group and also on the Traverse des Sioux Strategic Planning Committee. She also serves as the co-chair for the Martin County Labor Management Committee.
Personal Highlights:
Jenny stays busy singing with a semi-professional octet, Nova Cantabile and performing with the summer community theater troupe and other area groups. She enjoys jogging, reading and relaxing during her spare time.
Mary Huismann
Candidate for: Secretary
The success of an organization can be measured in part by its attention to infrastructure. The MLA secretary is charged with exactly these sorts of activities. I was delighted to accept the nomination for this office because it matches my experience and skills very closely. As a cataloger, I pursue my work with much attention to detail; as a coordinator, I am used to multi-tasking, adhering to deadlines, and working with diverse groups of people. I am an experienced writer, with publications ranging from local cataloging procedures to full-length academic monographs. I would be honored to serve the Minnesota Library Association as Secretary.
Current Position:
Associate Librarian (Music/Media Cataloging Coordinator), University of Minnesota
Education:
University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee, MLIS, MM
University of Wisconsin--Whitewater, B.Mus.
Career Highlights:
Music Original Cataloger, University of Minnesota (2000-2008)
Cataloger, Coordinator, University of Wisconsin--Whitewater (1991-2000)
Technical Services Section Chair, Minnesota Library Association (2009)
Technical Services Roundtable Coordinator, Music Library Association (2007-present)
Secretary-Treasurer, Music Library Association Midwest Chapter (1999-2003)
Personal Highlights:
(none provided)
Kirsten Clark
Candidate for: Intellectual Freedom Chair
The principles of intellectual freedom are key to ensuring a well-informed citizenry. I have followed these principles throughout my career in helping patrons access government information and look forward to continuing this work as chair-elect/chair of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table.
Current Position:
Government Information and Regional Depository Librarian, University of Minnesota Libraries, 2007 to present
Education:
BS, Chemistry, Illinois State University; MLIS, University of Iowa; MA History St. Cloud State University
Career Highlights:
Thirteen years working with state, federal, and international government publications (St. John’s University (MN), New Mexico State University, University of Colorado, University of Minnesota); Project Manager for IMLS Grant “Government Information in the 21st Century”; participation in American Library Association Government Documents Roundtable (GODORT), including chair of the GODORT Legislation Committee, and in Minnesota Library Association Government Documents Roundtable; published several book chapters and journal articles related to government information
Personal Highlights:
(none provided)
Erika Rux
Candidate for: Intellectual Freedom Chair
I feel that one of the biggest intellectual freedom challenges facing libraries today is that of information literacy. For many consumers of information, intellectual freedom is not even a consideration because they do not have the skills necessary to locate and evaluate information. They are unaware of the many high quality library resources available to them and are unable to critically evaluate the information they do locate. As the chair of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table, I hope to facilitate a continued conversation among librarians across the state that is focused on sequenced and seamless information literacy education beginning with pre-school aged children and building through the K-12 and higher education curriculum.
Current Position:
Computer and Web Services Librarian
Education:
B.A., Biology - Concordia College (Moorhead, MN), 1997
M.L.I.S. - College of Saint Catherine (St. Paul, MN), 2001
Career Highlights:
Erika has been a member of the Carl B. Ylvisaker Library staff at Concordia College (Moorhead) since 2001. Although she has held a several titles during her tenure, the majority of her time has been dedicated to the role of Instruction Librarian. As such, she was instrumental in developing and implementing the College’s information literacy curriculum for first year students.
Personal Highlights:
Erika lives in Moorhead with her two children. If given a moment of free time, she will most likely be found in her garden, playing her piano, or enjoying a good book.
Patricia Post
Candidate for: ALA Chapter Councilor
I am honored to be nominated for ALA Chapter Councilor, and realize the importance and value of nurturing our ALA/MLA partnership. In these trying times, our partnerships and endorsement of professional organizations is key. ALA has chapters to provide Council with wide geographic viewpoints on library related issues, and if elected, I will ensure that Minnesota is well represented in those meetings. As your councilor, I will listen to all sides of an issue, participate when I have something to contribute, vote my mind, while taking into careful consideration the opinions of the majority of MLA members on an issue. Another important task I accept if elected Councilor, is to share important ALA information with MLA, acting much like a diligent roving reporter.
It is an exciting time for ALA, with the recent June adoption of their new Strategic Plan for 2011-2015. Here in Minnesota, I am helping facilitate a future vision for our libraries through my work with the Library Futures Initiative. My passion lies in libraries, now and in the future, both in Minnesota and nationally. I have gained much from my MLA and ALA memberships, and l welcome the opportunity to give back to both organizations.
Current Position:
Director of Central MN Libraries Exchange (CMLE)
Education:
Rosary College/College of St. Catherine, MLIS
University of St. Thomas, Mini Masters in Software Engineering
College of St. Catherine, BA
Career Highlights:
I have worked in academic and special libraries and as a consultant to libraries and nonprofits. My experience is broad and allows me to see connections and efficiencies among all types of libraries. I value the big picture in formulating those connections and efficiencies, but also value detail.
Previous Library Employers
Information Services Manager at MN Institute of Public Health, Mounds View, MN
Corporate librarian at Cray Research, Eagan, MN
Undergrad and graduate library assistant at Inver Hills Community College and the College of St. Catherine.
Other Current Affiliations
Member of the MN Certification Oversight Committee
Member of the MLIS Advisory Council at St. Catherine University
Active member of the MLA/MEMO Legislative Committee
Member of the Executive Steering Committee of the MN Library Futures Initiative
Member of the MN Educational Media Organization (MEMO)
Personal Highlights:
(none provided)
Ben Trapskin
Candidate for: ALA Chapter Councilor
As a recent intern on the ALA Chapter Relations Council, I have learned the value of networking with state library association chapters to enhance service through sharing best practices. If I am elected, my first priority is to effectively share opportunities available through ALA for state chapter members. In this time of shrinking library budgets, it becomes increasingly important that MLA take advantage of any partnership opportunities to raise awareness of library issues and garner support for libraries and librarianship. I have a strong understanding of the needs of our library gained through my years of working and consulting for libraries throughout Minnesota. It is my goal to communicate those needs at a national level.
Current Position:
Area Library Group Supervisor, Anoka County Library
Education:
University of Wisconsin, Madison 200-2002 MLS
University of Minnesota 1996-2000 B.A. English / History
Career Highlights:
Minnesota Library Foundation board member 2009-2011
Minnesota Coalition for Intellectual Freedom board member 2008-2010
ALA Chapter Relations Council intern 2008-2010
MLA Intellectual Freedom Chair 2007-2008
Selected as one of two librarians in Minnesota to attend the inaugural Emerging Leaders program through the American Library Association in 2007
Graduated from the inaugural class of the 2004 Minnesota Library Association Leadership Institute.
Personal Highlights:
Police Volunteer 2007-2008
Operate an online marketing business
Robert Boese
Candidate for: Legislative Committee Chair
I am increasingly concerned that Minnesota’s Librarians are coming under more and more pressure with their budgets. As a retired librarian and business owner I believe that I can more easily say what needs to be said without worrying about local government officials. These officials not only control library finances, but are increasingly reluctant to allow librarians to speak up to funding authorities in the legislature.
Current Position:
Owner, Cambridge Books
Education:
BA (University of Sioux Falls), MLS (University of Iowa)
Career Highlights:
Director, East Central Regional Library, 1987-2007
Personal Highlights:
Married to Bonnie for 40 Years in May! A member of the Minnesota Library Association for 33 consecutive years.
2011 Official Ballot
- Online ballots were sent by e-mail on August 13 to all current MLA members. (Hardcopy ballots were mailed to those without an e-mail address on file.)
- If you or someone you know did not receive a ballot, please contact the MLA office to request one.
- Ballots must be postmarked or received by the MLA office by September 25, 2010.