Elections

From PLG Wiki

The Simmons chapter of the Progressive Librarians Guild (PLG) is holding elections for two officer positions. You can find descriptions of each position below.

If you are a current GSLIS student and are interested in becoming a candidate for one of the three positions, you can log in to this page by clicking the "edit" tab immediately above this text. Just add your name beneath the position for which you want to run, and write a 1-2 paragraph personal statement explaining who you are and why you want to join the executive board of Simmons PLG. (Please do not modify anyone else's personal statement without their permission.)

We will be accepting nominations for these two positions until 6pm on March 20. At that point, if there is only one candidate for any of the positions, then that person will automatically become an officer. If there is more than one candidate, then we will hold a formal election.

Questions? Concerns? Contact Laura Krier.

[edit] Candidates for Co-Chairs

Candidates for Co-Chair

The incoming co-chair will work closely with the present co-chair and the other officers to determine the priorities and objectives of Simmons PLG. He or she will take a leadership role in planning events, recruiting new members, and communicating with other student organizations. This position requires a substantial time commitment, and should be the candidate's first priority in terms of involvement in student organizations.

1. You!!

2. Myrna Morales (me!!!) - I am currently taking my 4th class at GSLIS. I am interested in continuing to move the PLG in a direction where we use tech for the advancement of social justice and making information accessible. Specifically, how do we fin and support those that are doing good work? I have some experience in activism in the Boston area, but more outside the boston area -- Newark, NYC, Havana, Maine, Rhode Island. I am specifically interested in finding ways to organize librarians.

[edit] Secretary/Wikimaster

The incoming secretary/wikimaster will seek to document and publicize the activities of Simmons PLG. Responsibilities will include: taking minutes at meetings, as needed; maintaining and expanding the PLG wiki; designing flyers to publicize PLG events; developing a basic records management program for PLG documents and correspondence.

1. Vered Meir - Hi PLG, I am in my first semester at GSLIS but I am coming in with lots of skills and enthusiasm! I am a blogger and I love to keep things updated. One of the reasons I wanted to become a librarian was because I think how information is organized can really improve social justice work. I hope this 'organization' can be part of my work as PLG secretary/wikimaster.

I come to GSLIS with a community organizing background, which involved lots of meetings, note-taking, communication between group members, online communication and publicity, etc. I was especially proud of one project I did as part of a domestic workers' justice campaign - I organized a 'blog for domestic workers' day where I had feminist, labor, and justice-oriented bloggers write about their experiences with domestic work and workers. It was very successul. I think I would be a GREAT secretary for the PLG!

[edit] Candidates for Treasurer

The incoming treasurer will manage the PLG budget, work with group to submit all budget forms and requests, and manage payments to speakers and event vendors.

1. Quinn Eureka- I’m new to GSLIS this semester, but want to get involved in PLG in a big way. I'm passionate about issues of social justice and equal rights, and of course, access to information to all people. I work full time at Brandeis, managing an academic department and I’ve got over 5 years of experience being a suit (which in higher ed translates to sweater vest and tweed jacket). Among other things, I coordinate the process of getting guests paid, which involves forms with silly names like “Journal Entry” or “W-8BEN.” FYI, a journal entry has nothing to do with the daily tribulations of a middle school girl. The position of treasurer within PLG is a fantastic way for me to use my skills within a group whose ideals are close to my heart. Yes, number crunchers can have hearts.

The PLG represents an active commitment to participation in real world issues by students on many levels. Our goal is to bring an awareness of the issues that effect librarians in their day-to-day work to GSLIS students and to ensure that all students are well-prepared for the challenges they'll face in their professionals lives.

We've held a panel discussion on the Digital Divide, a film screening off GSLIS West student Jeremy Smith's documentary on copyright, Freedom of Expression, a workshop on library outreach to Spanish speakers in the community, book drives, and Skillshares where students can contribute their knowledge to one another.

Some upcoming events might include a presentation by local school and public librarians about dealing with book challenges, events on democratic library leadership, collection development choices and politics, and more.

Becoming a PLG officer is a great (and not too time consuming!) way to get involved and learn about some important issues in library services! We look forward to meeting and working with you next year!