Monya Tomlinson

ALA Divisions:

Headshot of librarian Monya Tomlinson; smiling female librarian wearing pink blazer, a strand of pearls, and yellow plastic glasses.
Describe yourself in three words:

Supportive, inventive, rarefied.

What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device)?

I am currently reading Jazz by Toni Morrison, who is my literary idol and favorite author.

Describe ACRL in three words:

Forward, inclusive, stalwart.

What do you value about ACRL?

I've been a member of ACRL since library school. I value the fact that we are constantly evolving, yet, still staying true to the ethics, standards, and mission. The conference, trainings and networking are also big draws for me. At my employer, I've made it known that, if I'm limited in what conferences or professional development I'm able to attend, then our ACRL conference is the one I'm going to. My first ACRL was Indianapolis 2013.

What do you as an academic librarian contribute to your campus?

Well, I'm wearing a lot of hats by nature and because of the type of library we are. Mine is a consortium library, serving multiple HBCU's in a vibrant, growing urban area. I serve as subject-librarian for mass media arts, psychology, and education. That means I buy materials for, give instruction , and provide research consultations for those subjects. 

I also am acting as a facilitator for my library's student success efforts, focusing on our undergraduates. 

Finally, after years of reticence, I'm being mentored into management. This means that I'm beginning the process of becoming a manager at my institution by shadowing, attending trainings, and doing managerial tasks. I was reticent because I like having "face-time" with my students and faculty and thought that, when you're a manager you don't get that opportunity as much. I'm learning now - that's simply not true. 

In your own words

I used to have a phrase in my professional bio that I'd proudly wordsmithed at the start of my career- that "I'm a burgeoning librarian". When I get introspective, I realize that the profession itself has grown and flourished right alongside me. I'm proud to be a librarian, representing who and what I represent while serving the campuses and scholars I serve. I am mid-career and have made scholarship, service and literacy the center of my life's work. 

Pronouns:she/her/hers

Credentials:MLIS

Title:Reference Librarian

Job Function:Research, Learning & Technology Services; Subject-Librarian

Workplace:Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library

Location:Atlanta, GA