We are proud to highlight our members who commit their time and resources to helping Wisconsin libraries and librarians thrive through their work with the Wisconsin Library Association. Each month, we will be sharing their stories and hope you will be inspired to learn more about our programs or get involved! 

Fill out the Lead with WLA form and be connected with other change agents, leaders, and committees that can use what you have to offer.

 August 2020 | Kris Turner

For which library, institution, or organization are you currently employed? If you are retired, what was your former organization?
University of Wisconsin Law Library

How many year(s) have you been a member of Wisconsin Library Association?
8
 
What has been your favorite or most impactful function or event of WLA?
I've enjoyed pretty much every single WLA Annual Conference I have been to. The Green Bay event in 2013 was especially great. I began to get more involved in the Association of Wisconsin Special Libraries, met many new librarian colleagues and felt that the programs and venue were especially great. And the Conference returns there again this year and I am on the conference planning committee! I'm looking forward to it.
 
How has being a member of WLA impacted you or your career?
Working in a Law Library will often leave me without many chances to meet up with law librarian colleagues. Even then, I feel sometimes that they are more focused on the LAW part of law librarianship. WLA has kept me connected with librarians that I believe are on the cutting edge of outreach, public services, data work, and much more. WLA has helped me introduce ideas that would otherwise not have been incorporated into a special library. I'm grateful for these ideas and the connections I have made since they have helped me stay motivated and focused on improving the Law Library's user experience.

Do you have a library role model (in Wisconsin or elsewhere) that has provided you with inspiration or guidance? Please share a little bit about it.
I've worked with plenty of amazing librarians. My two immediate supervisors are superstars that get so much accomplished that I am challenged just to stay even with them! However, my WLA role model is the person who got me involved - Carrie Doyle. I work with Carrie as well, but we have worked most closely in WLA via AWSL. She taught me how to tirelessly work for better support for librarians and how to zealously advocate for special libraries and libraries in general. Carrie is excellent at her job and at volunteering in WLA - I hope to be like her one day! 

Do you have any advice for new WLA members?
Don't be afraid to get involved! Sometimes it is easy to attend a conference and not connect with anybody, especially if you are a little quieter or introverted. But the more you reach out, the more you get back. Just because I have said "yes" a few times to WLA, I have gotten to know numerous amazing librarians of all stripes. WLA has provided value beyond measure just because of those few times that I took a chance and reached out. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or want to get connected with WLA! 

July 2020 | Jane Roisum