Brittany N. Champion, Outreach Librarian, presented at the NC Live Conference and Triad Academic Library Association (TALA). Each session supported her research interests and encouraged library personnel to incorporate holistic DEI practices in their daily work. This year’s NC Live Conference theme was the Wellness in Libraries. One of the sessions focused on the incorporation of Transparency in Learning and Teaching in her library instruction to create equitable spaces that fostered diverse voices and intellectual curiosity. The second session focused on the well-being of Black Womxn in Librarianship and how intentional wellness practices from library administration can shift their [Black Womxn] work culture. The second presentation was presented alongside Jazmyne Baylor, Western Carolina University, and Tiffany Henry, of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, members of the Roundtable for Ethnic and Minority Concerns (REMCo), a section of the North Carolina Library Association.
The presentation at TALA was centered around the professional advancement of library paraprofessionals in the Triad area of North Carolina. The association has an annual conference to support academic library paraprofessionals and their growth in the field by providing access to relevant information that empowers them to excel. Champion presented alongside REMCo members, Carlos Groom, NC A&T University, Marcellaus Joiner, High Point Public Library, Candace Jacobs, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Joan Hill of Winston Salem State University. Following the mission of the association, the presenters focused on empowering paraprofessionals in the field of library and information science to explore growth opportunities in various library roles. The panelists explored topics ranging from leadership to library education. The community established amongst participants and panelists has since led to new ideas for professional development, mentorship opportunities, and connections with library and information science programs.
