Member Spotlight: Arthur Kolat

Name: Arthur Kolat

Title: Library Assistant / Student

Library: Santa Monica Public Library / San José State University, School of Information

What is your primary library service role?

I work as a part-time, as-needed Library Assistant II at the Santa Monica Public Library. My main service role is to work desk shifts at the single-service-point desks of the Pico and Montana branch libraries. I perform many tasks related to customer service, circulation, reference, tech support, and application & materials processing. I have also worked as the sole library staff person in three dual-immersion elementary schools in the Long Beach Unified School District. This year, as a member of the REFORMA LA Chapter’s Libros Festival Subcommittee, I participated in the morning storytime and designed, prepared, and led a bilingual camera obscura workshop in the afternoon.

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?

According to recent census data, around 17% of Santa Monica identifies as Hispanic or Latino. Both the Pico and Montana branches have Spanish-language collections and I provide user support in Spanish some of the time. I was born and raised in Long Beach, whose Latine population is around 44%. I learned Spanish at Long Beach Poly High School in the late 90s and minored in Spanish in college. Learning Spanish taught me to love learning, speaking, and reading other languages. As the library worker at dual-language Long Beach elementary schools, I conducted some library periods in Spanish. I also developed a storytime about Selena Quintanilla, a fellow learner of Spanish as a second language, which I reprised at this year’s Los Angeles Libros Festival. With this lesson, I encourage children to read, play music, learn languages, and use YouTube as a reference tool.

“Learning Spanish taught me to love learning, speaking, and reading other languages. [...] I encourage children to read, play music, learn languages, and use YouTube as a reference tool.””

— Arthur

What is your favorite aspect about your work?

I love music librarianship and conducting research. As part of my MLIS I am developing the idea of a practice room robot virtual assistant for music students and beginning to design a mixed methods survey study of professional classical musicians. Musical information is wonderfully multilingual!

What advice do you have for other librarians and present/future MLIS students?

For MLIS students: find good mentors. Information science is a discipline with a strong ethos of mentorship, and learning from great mentors is really rewarding.

For librarians: implement hiring practices that honor the whole person. The attraction and recruitment stages of the employee life cycle have extraordinary power to stifle or promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

What programs have you been in charge of or involved with?

I was in charge of REFORMA LA’s program, the Camera Obscura Workshop, at the 2024 Los Angeles Libros Festival. Here’s a short video I made called Library as Classroom that showcases that work:

What personal interests or hobbies do you have that you would like to share?

I have been in an online Saturday-morning reading group dedicated to complex experimental fiction since June 2020. We started reading Finnegans Wake, and in 2021 switched to a book called Bottom’s Dream by the experimental postwar German author Arno Schmidt. Here is an essay some groupmates and I recently published that grew out of that reading group. 

What innovations would you like to see happen in services to Latine students and/or in academic/public libraries?

AI is such a hot topic these days and so much of it works through mimicking natural language. But if that language is one you don’t speak then you don’t have equitable access to the information AI provides. In the academic realm, Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) must conduct research on and advocate for the inclusion of Spanish in emerging technologies and technological spaces. For example, I would like Latine students to have more access to Spanish-language chatbots on HSI websites.

Member Spotlight: Pedro Orellana

Name: Pedro Orellana (2023-2025, REFORMA L.A. Public Information Officer)

Title: Adult Services Librarian

Library: Cerritos Library

What is your primary library service role?

I am the Adult Services Librarian at Cerritos Library. 

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?

I do not work in a Spanish speaking community, but by overseeing the collection of Spanish language materials, I try to ensure that Spanish-speaking individuals, including children and adults, have access to resources in their native language. This is crucial for maintaining cultural ties, supporting literacy, and providing educational opportunities. My initiative to plan and create programs about the Latino community helps to celebrate and promote Latino culture within a broader context. This not only serves Spanish-speaking individuals but also educates others about Latino contributions and heritage. I try to create programs that educate about Hispanic history and the common values shared among different minority groups to help to bridge cultural gaps. By highlighting similarities and fostering mutual respect, you contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious community. Lastly, working in a diverse area, particularly with a population of first and second-generation Asian Americans, positions me to build meaningful connections between different cultural groups. I hope I get to show that Latino and Asian American communities, among others, share similar values and experiences, help to strengthen community bonds and promote social cohesion.

What is your favorite aspect about your work?

I see myself as a community builder. My mission is to create inclusive spaces where diversity is celebrated, accessibility is prioritized, and local history is cherished. My commitment to these values stems from a deep-seated belief that every individual deserves to be seen, heard, and valued in our collective journey. My goal is to create programs that highlight my mission. 

What advice do you have for other librarians and present/future MLIS students?

I believe that library spaces are evolving. Communities of people are starting to learn that libraries are not just places to study and borrow items but libraries have become community hubs. I believe students need to become community minded, focus on the specific community needs. Also, learn to be adaptable. Someone can be hired to be an Adult Services staff, but may have to present story time and change a light bulb. That’s cheeky but library staff should learn to be adaptable and culturally diverse, learn that community needs are different from library to the next. 

What programs have you been in charge of or involved with?

I’ve created programs that celebrate diversity and local history. Working in Cerritos, the community is supportive of those who grew up in Cerritos. Last month, I conducted a program which celebrated the Beat Junkies, a hip hop crew that specializes in turntablism that was created in Cerritos. The crew consists of individuals who grew up and went to school in Cerritos and celebrated a chapter of hip-hop history that got established in Cerritos  

What personal interests or hobbies do you have that you would like to share?

Finally, an easy question. I enjoy reading. I mainly read biographies, autobiographies and music history books. I enjoy writing, running, listening to music, trying new places to eat but I won’t wait in line for a trendy food spot. I love coffee and cocktails. I like to take mini road trips with my wife and daughter.  

What innovations would you like to see happen in services to Latine students and/or in academic/public libraries?

I believe Reforma is leading innovations in services for Latine students in all library settings. I’ve always looked for communities that have people who have similar values as me in the Latinx community. Being involved with Reforma, I’ve found that. Reforma has resources that include program ideas for all ages that are culturally relevant, a successful mentorship program that provides support, guidance and motivation. There are many opportunities to network in formal and fun ways. Reforma is community focused and engaged and I encourage all Latine students to be involved with Reforma.

Member Spotlight: Nancy Olmos

Name: Nancy Olmos

Title: Young Adult Librarian

Library: Los Angeles Public Library

What is your primary library service role?

Young Adult Librarian

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?

I work in South Central Los Angeles where the community is over 80% Latino and Spanish speaking. My teen council is also predominantly Latino and Spanish speaking teens. We normally have bilingual programs for our teens and will be running a bilingual book club this summer with them.

What is your favorite aspect about your work?

I enjoy working with diverse communities and using my native language on a daily basis to help connect patrons with the information and services they need. One of my favorite activities is doing outreach in the community, especially connecting with teens. 

What advice do you have for other librarians and present/future MLIS students?

Speaking directly to BIPOC folks, we need YOU. If you’re thinking about library school or on the fence about it, GO! We need more folks at the reference desk who look like us to help patrons who look like us. Representation matters.

What programs have you been in charge of or involved with?

I try to be involved with as many initiatives as possible at the library. I join most Pride events in June and throughout the year. I am also a Neighborhood Science Librarian and have received training so our branch could have additional Neighborhood Science Kits. It’s a really fantastic program. 

What personal interests or hobbies do you have that you would like to share?

I enjoy the outdoors, gardening, hiking, camping, and, most recently, getting into bird watching.

What innovations would you like to see happen in services to Latine students and/or in public libraries?

I would like to see more social services provided by actual social workers to our patrons. We need casework for many of our patrons at different library branches. This important work needs to be done, but not by librarians. Even as our society continues to have changing needs and librarians are pulled in many directions, we need to continue doing the important work of librarianship. 

Member Spotlight: Beatriz Sarmiento

Name: Beatriz Sarmiento

Title: 2024/25 President for L.A. Chapter.

Library: Former Library Director for City of Commerce Public Library

What is your primary library service role?

Currently, I am doing consultant work for the California State Library.

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?

In my consultant role, I am working with literacy programs for adults including ESL learners.

What is your favorite aspect about your work?

My favorite part of all of my work is the people and how they benefit from library services in their personal and professional lives.

What advice do you have for other librarians and present/future MLIS students?

Hold your head up high.The work of librarians is so vast and so important to our communities. It may not feel like it sometimes, but don’t underestimate the impact made by your work. That goes for academic libraries, public libraries, law libraries and school libraries etc.

What programs have you been in charge of or involved with?

Early in my library career, I was involved with literacy programs for adults and children, scholarship programs and ESL classes for adults. As director, I oversaw the many community programs the library headed. I am currently involved with a couple of committees for Reforma LA including the Mentoring Program and RNC VIII.

What personal interests or hobbies do you have that you would like to share?

I love to travel near and far. I play golf, book clubs and do a little karaoke. :).

Member Spotlight: Alejandra Q. Reyes

Name: Alejandra Q Reyes

Title: Probation Outreach Librarian

Library: LA County Library

What is your primary library service role?

As a Probation Outreach Librarian, my primary role is to work with Probation-involved and At-Promise Teens by taking library programming to Juvenile Detention Reporting Centers. Along with that, I bring library programming to different libraries in my assigned Region. Ultimately, my job is to be a gateway to our resources. 

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?

I say I have the best of both worlds: I am building relationships and planting library seeds with the kids in the Juvenile Detention Reporting Centers but I also am giving back to my community by bringing them cultural programs that align with the community. Being bilingual and being part of the community has brought many connections through the way that I deliver my programs and by offering a welcoming space with library users who can identify themselves with me.

What is your favorite aspect about your work?

My favorite aspect of my work is the diversity of programming and roles that I play throughout the months. I can go from having an Adult 101 lesson with the teens at the Juvenile Day Reporting Centers but then have an Alma Thomas Inspired Art Program in the afternoon. But I can also be assisting in systemwide projects or outreach. The opportunities to learn and grow plus the support of my colleagues make my time and aspirations for my role grow. 

What advice do you have for other librarians and present/future MLIS students?

Talk to people! REFORMA LA has been a big part of my professional growth but most of it would not have been if I did not talk to other members. Ask a lot of questions! And take people seriously when they offer their help. 

What programs have you been in charge of or involved with?

In my short months, I have proposed and facilitated several cultural programming that reflects the communities that we serve such as Dia de los Muertos, Native American Month, and recently an Alma Thomas program. The programs have been used by my colleagues and I as a team throughout the LA County regions. 

What personal interests or hobbies do you have that you would like to share?

One of my hobbies is making any excuse to make a charcuterie board or trying a new restaurant with close friends. I also love spending time with my boys either at other libraries with cool events or just being on the sidelines at my son's mariachi group performances or at my other son's sports activities.

REFORMA Los Angeles 2024-2025 Board Nominations

Help us bring another exciting and effective year to REFORMA Los Angeles Chapter by nominating yourself or others to be on the Chapter Board. Current MLIS students are eligible for nomination and all members are encouraged to self nominate!

The commitment for each position (unless otherwise noted) is one year from July 2024 to June 2025 and a minimum 3 hours/month for the Executive Board and General Membership meetings. You may choose to

volunteer for additional committee work at your discretion and capacity.

We are looking for nominations for the following positions:

Vice-President/President-Elect

The VP/PE shall assist the President in the performance of their duties and shall take over all such duties in the absence of the President.

Committees chaired by this position: Mentorship Program Committee

Secretary

The Secretary shall be in charge of the recording and the preservation of all records, publications and history regarding the functions and activities of the Chapter. They will also be in charge of all official correspondence as assigned by the President.

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be in charge of handling all financial matters of organization. They shall keep records regarding all income and disbursements, shall make all necessary reports to the IRS, and shall present a Treasurer’s Report at each General Meeting. The signature of the President or the Treasurer will be necessary for all disbursements. All records of this office shall be passed on to the succeeding officer elected to this position should the existing Treasure not continue in this position.

Public Information Officer*

PIO will work with one of the current PIOs and be in charge of social media and marketing Chapter projects and efforts. They shall develop, create and maintain social media content, blog posts, press releases, monthly newsletters, and member spotlight write-ups. The PIOs work with the Web person to coordinate communication via the Chapter website.

Committees co-chaired by this position: Public Relations and Marketing Committee

* The commitment for this position is two years (July 2024 to June 2026), where you shadow and work with the existing PIO in Year 1, then lead and train a new PIO in Year 2.

Nominate yourself or a colleague by Friday, May 10: https://forms.gle/ZWmsn6G5oAa7Gr5D9

Got questions? Email us at reformala@gmail.com

Member Spotlight: Sandra Gonzalez

Sandra Gonzalez

Teen and Adult Services Librarian

LA County Library

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?

I work in a predominantly Hispanic/Latino Spanish-speaking community. We try to offer programs such as computer basics in Spanish to provide our customers with the tools they need to navigate the growing technological trends. We also have an adult conversation club that gives English as a second language learners an opportunity to practice their English skills. We also try to offer bilingual Spanish/English leisure activities such as crochet club and other art programs.

What is your favorite aspect about your work?

My favorite aspect about my work is having the autonomy to create programs specifically for my community. I do this by actively engaging with customers, greeting them by name and learning about them. I find out what interests them and try to work around that to develop my programs. I also love the connections I make with my customers.

“[Our patrons] appreciate getting greeted by name and a friendly, familiar face, which makes people feel welcomed and more comfortable asking for assistance.”

What advice do you have for other librarians and present/future MLIS students?

My advice is to think early about the path of librarianship you would like to pursue and whether you are willing to relocate. Knowing where you want to go will give you time to prepare, not only in your studies but also in the job market. It can get competitive, particularly if you are not willing to move away from home.

“When it comes to seeking employment, my best advice is to practice your interviewing skills.”

What programs have you been in charge of or involved with?

I am currently involved in developing a teen program in a box (PIAB) for March’s Teen Create Month for LA County Library

What personal interests or hobbies do you have that you would like to share?

Aside from reading, I love paper crafts, so card making, scrapbooking, and making library displays are my jam. I also love taking walks and soaking up the sun.

Mentorship Spotlight: Cristina Banuelos and Ziba Pérez

Click the image above to watch Cristina’s and Ziba’s interviews on YouTube!

Mentee: Cristina Banuelos, Library Student, University of Southern California

Mentor: Ziba Pérez, Librarian, Palisades Library (Los Angeles Public Library)

Mentee Cristina Banuelos: What was your primary reason for joining the Mentorship Program?

My primary motivation for enrolling in the Mentorship Program stems from my initial lack of experience in the field when I began studying management in library and information science. I recognized the need to embark on a learning journey to become a librarian.

Mentor Ziba Pérez: What was your primary reason for joining the Mentorship Program?

To give back to the community I started in ten years ago.

Here I am DJing the 2013 REFORMA LA Fundraiser!

Mentee Cristina Banuelos: How have your goals evolved as a result of your mentorship experience?

The truth is, I couldn't have imagined a more valuable learning experience than the one I gained with Ziba. Without any exaggeration, Ziba has been instrumental in guiding me along the path to becoming a librarian and has generously shared all of her knowledge and experience with me.

“I wish I had someone there mock interviewing me and confirming my answers before I gave them officially.”

— Ziba

Mentor Ziba Pérez: In what ways has being a mentor enriched your understanding of the needs and aspirations of emerging librarians?

I remember when I was new to interviewing for library positions, I was guessing at what to say and that worked but I wish I had someone there mock interviewing me and confirming my answers before I gave them officially. Now I’m happy to help Cristina in that way!

Mentee Cristina Banuelos: Could you share a specific example of how your mentor has helped you navigate challenges or make significant progress in your career?

Ziba consistently emphasizes the significance of engaging in unique activities and attending events. She assists me in preparing with mock interviews, providing invaluable guidance on the process. Ziba extends invitations for me to partake in workshops and generously shares her own work with me. Furthermore, Ziba always encourages my participation in events she believes will enhance my experiential learning.

Mentor Ziba Pérez: How did you work with your mentee to achieve their specific goals or overcome a challenge they faced during the program?

I had Cristina shadow me at the library in person and then also we did mock interviews and I gave a lot of advice on how I thought was best to enter librarianship while they were in library school and applying to library positions. I have had a lot of first hand experience since I received my degree in 2012—I've had over a decade since graduation to give back what I’ve learned, so I think it really helped.

“Thanks to my mentor, I genuinely sense my inclusion within the broader librarian community.”

— Cristina

Mentee Cristina Banuelos: How has your mentorship experience impacted your relationship with Reforma and the library field in general?

Thanks to my mentor, I genuinely sense my inclusion within the broader librarian community, particularly among Latinos within Reforma. Ziba has brought me significantly closer to the intricacies of the profession, instilling in me a greater sense of confidence and experience.

Mentor Ziba Pérez: How do you see the mentorship program contributing to the broader goals of Reforma and the library profession in general?

The goals of Reforma are to serve the Spanish speaking community to the best of our ability and part of that is recruitment and training of new librarians so getting students involved as mentees is fulfilling our mission 100%!

“I deeply admire [Ziba’s] consistent engagement and active participation in various library associations and attendance at numerous events.”

— Cristina

Mentee Cristina Banuelos: What lessons have you learned from your mentor that you believe will be valuable in that role?

One aspect of Ziba that I deeply admire, and which I consider highly significant, is her consistent engagement and active participation in various library associations and attendance at numerous events.

“[You need to] develop bilingual programming, marketing, collections and do outreach to ... get your library patrons interested in using the collections / attending the programming!”

— Ziba

Mentor Ziba Pérez: What advice or guidance do you offer to other library professionals, particularly those interested in serving Spanish-speaking communities, based on your experience as a mentor?

Develop bilingual programming, marketing, collections and do outreach to your library’s Spanish-speaking community to get your library patrons interested in using the collections/attending the programming!

Mentee Cristina Banuelos: What ideas or vision do you have for future editions of the mentorship program?

Reforma does an amazing job.

Member Spotlight: Alfonso Huerta

Alfonso Huerta

Director, Access & Outreach

ArtCenter College of Design Library

What is your primary library service role?

I am responsible for the access services and outreach initiatives across the two campuses at ArtCenter College of Design.

How does your work align with service to Latine and Spanish-speaking communities?

We have a small community of Latine or Spanish speaking students at ArtCenter College of Design. My hope is that I am able to provide the best possible service to all students regardless of their ethnicity and gender. In the case of Latine or Spanish speaking students, it might include finding research materials in Spanish if that is what is easiest for them or highlighting Latin American artists and designers. 

What is your favorite aspect about your work?

My favorite aspect of my work is the daily interactions I get to have with the people I serve and my colleagues. These interactions give me the opportunity to learn something new everyday. In return, I hope that I am able to provide them with some knowledge that helps inform their work. I have had the opportunity to be a part of a few of the students’ projects and witness their steps along the way–from their serendipitous discoveries, to in-depth research, prototypes/ideas, and the final projects.

What advice do you have for other librarians and present/future MLIS students?

While I have only been a librarian for the last eight months, my advice would be to take advantage of going to national and local conferences, getting involved in ALA, REFORMA, or other local professional organizations. Volunteer for committees, join listservs, and attend free webinars whenever possible. When I was a Library Assistant, I took every advantage I could to get involved so that I could gain a better understanding of the profession.

What programs have you been in charge of or involved with?

Outreach for the library is a main area of my responsibilities; I am working on establishing regular programs in partnership with other departments at the college. In February and March, we highlighted BIPOC artists and designers in partnership with five other departments at the college, including the DEI division. Additionally, I worked with the graduate writing center to establish a Graduate Writing Thesis Clinic each term. This term, I am establishing bi-weekly library pop-ups at one of the campuses where we don’t have a permanent library space. The campuses are far apart, so bringing a pop-up library directly to the students will enhance their access to library services.

What personal interests or hobbies do you have that you would like to share?

My personal interests and hobbies have always centered around my family, art, and books. I love spending every single moment I have with my wife, four year old son, and our two corgis (Tyrion and Gimli). They are at the core of my happiness. 

From an early age, I knew that I wanted to be involved with art. I originally studied studio art and briefly attended the Art Academy in San Francisco. After I moved back home to L.A., I received my Undergraduate degree in art history from California State University, Los Angeles. While I switched majors to art history, I have continued to create art via photography, drawing, and painting. I have always loved spending time in art museums; my favorite (so far) is the Musee d’Orsay in Paris. I fell in love with reading and books post high school when I had the opportunity to choose what I read, rather than assigned reading. My love of books increased when I started working in bookstores. I worked for Borders Books & Music for seven years, and then at Vroman’s Bookstore (oldest book store west of the Mississippi) for another seven years, prior to working at ArtCenter Library. Working at ArtCenter Library has given me the opportunity to continue working with art and books. 
What innovations would you like to see happen in services to Latinx students and/or in academic libraries?

There is a perception that academic libraries are stuck in their ways and slow to adapt. In contrast, public libraries are perceived as innovative and adaptable. I would love to see academic libraries break that perception and show how innovative we truly are. ArtCenter as a college is already an innovative and visually creative environment, but I would love to see that innovation brought to libraries and combined with library services and values. We can see a spark of that innovation in small ways, such as with our Zine collection where we feature original art and works made by professionals and students, but we also include zines made by students during our workshops at the library. I’d love to see us using artificial intelligence in some form in library services. It’s such new technology that’s rapidly developing. I’d like to see academic libraries adapt and utilize that technology for students to enhance their research, or libraries to enhance our reference services.

Member Spotlight: 2023 MLIS Graduates

This month we are celebrating the professional accomplishments of our December '22 / May '23 graduating members! Graduating is a huge achievement and their work deserves to be recognized. We are so proud of them and honored to call them our members. 

Here is their advice to current and prospective MLIS students AND what they are looking forward to as librarians:

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Ana’s Advice

This is your moment to shine bright as a star. Do not let obstacles prevent you from accomplishing your ultimate goal; remember, this is your time to shine! 

Ana is looking forward to…

…helping my local community members with digital literacy questions and concerns. Advocating for the community and building partnerships with small businesses that can bring awareness of the library's mission. By participating in this role, I will be able to serve my community in the best way possible. 

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Sheridan’s Advice

If you don't currently work in a library, see if you can find a position (even a volunteer one) so that you can get a feel for what it's like before you graduate. In this field, experience is extremely important and will help you to break into the field once you finish the MSLIS.

Sheridan is looking forward to…

…working more closely with collections. Ordering books, labeling, jacketing, reading, and weeding. It's been a long time since I've gotten to work directly with books, and I can't wait!  

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Erin’s Advice

Get involved with student groups at your school and professional associations in your area! These are great ways to get exposure to peers and learn firsthand what is happening in Library Land.

Erin is looking forward to…

…finding my niche as a librarian! I have so many interests when it comes to librarianship, so I am excited to see how I bridge them together to better serve my community.

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All photos supplied by respective members.