Ariana Varela
ALA Divisions:
ALA Roundtables:

Collaborative, empathetic, innovative.
The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James.
Learning, networking, advocacy.
I value the community of practice that ACRL fosters and the wide range of professional development opportunities that are created by and for library workers. I am engaged with ACRL's Instruction Section and was graciously sponsored by them to participate in ALA's Emerging Leaders 2024 program. I also volunteer in the Outreach Subcommittee for the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section. Through these opportunities I have networked with peers, developed digital resources around instruction and outreach, and attended invaluable leadership development programs. ACRL is a great advocate for library workers across academic institutions.
I am an advocate for critical information literacy and library instruction across my campus. I work with library colleagues, subject faculty, and campus staff to understand how people learn, advocate for information literacy throughout the campus curriculum, and understand social structures that impact information creation and how knowledge production can be used as a tool for social change. I strive to remain student-centered in my approaches to library services and programming, and convey that approach to my colleagues.
Working in higher education can be isolating and individualistic, especially when you are trying to make incremental changes in library culture. It is important to find your community within and outside of libraries and lean on them when you need advice, distractions, and encouragement. Find ways to incorporate the topics and initiatives that interest you into your work.
Pronouns:she/her
Credentials:MLIS
Title:Head of Learning, Research & Engagement Services
Workplace:California State University, Los Angeles
Location:Los Angeles, CA