ACRL Member of the Week: Glenda Insua
Published on the ACRL website, Sept. 7, 2021
Glenda is a reference and instruction librarian at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Glenda has been a member of ACRL for 12 years and is your ACRL Member of the Week for September 6, 2021
Describe yourself in three words: Empathetic, conscientious, (cautiously) optimistic.
What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device)? I’m reading a young adult fantasy novel, Lobizona by Romina Garber, which was a book club pick for a Spanish class I took this summer. In it she uses Argentinian folklore to explore issues of immigration, identity, gender, and belonging. It’s a fun read (including werewolves and witches) but also touches on important issues; I wish something like this had existed when I was growing up. I also just started reading Thanks for Waiting: The Joy (& Weirdness) of Being a Late Bloomer, by Doree Shafrir. As a late bloomer myself, I can definitely relate.
Describe ACRL in three words: Collaborative, educational, supportive.
What do you value about ACRL? ACRL provides many opportunities, but what I value most are the connections I’ve made with academic librarians at other institutions. There are some amazing people in our field! I’ve learned so much from them and am constantly inspired. This past year I was particularly impressed with the work that LES did to develop an anti-racist action plan. The task force met tirelessly for months and put so much thought and effort into it. I can’t take any credit, but I’m looking forward to implementing it as LES Chair and working towards a more inclusive organization.