2022 ULS-Sponsored Emerging Leader: Caterina Reed
Once again ULS is proud to sponsor an emerging leader. This year the section is sponsoring, Caterina Reed, in partnership with the Distance and Online Learning Section (DOLS). The Emerging Leaders program is a leadership development program for no more than 50 newer library workers per year that provides participants with the opportunity to work with a team to complete a 6-month project proposed by an ALA unit. Each team will present the results of their project at the ALA Annual Conference.
Read this interview to learn more about Caterina and her experience in the Emerging Leaders program so far.
Tell us about your current position. What do you enjoy the most about it?I currently work as the Instructional Support Associate for Content Acquisitions and Services at Stony Brook University Libraries. What I like most about my position is collaborating and problem solving with colleagues (in acquisitions, cataloging, and access services). I also enjoy troubleshooting technical issues and developing internal Alma workflows. One of my biggest strengths is attention to detail and I am able to use this skill every day in making sure that our users have access to the most accurate information in the catalog.
Why did you decide to apply for the Emerging Leaders program?
Honestly, it is a dream come true. There are many librarians that I look up to and it just so happens that many of them were Emerging Leaders as well. I knew that being part of the Emerging Leaders program would help set the stage for future leadership experiences, particularly in ALA, and allow me to network with diverse folks from across the country.
How has your Emerging Leaders experience been so far? What project are you working on (or will be working on)?
I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Emerging Leaders program (shout out to ULS & DOLS!). My experience so far has been one-of-a-kind. I’ve already started working with other members of the 2022 Emerging Leaders cohort and they are such a great group of folks. My team and I are currently working on determining trends and changes in virtual reference and online instruction (Go Team G!). We will be launching a survey very soon and we hope you share your feedback with us!
Where do you see your career going from here?
I see myself taking on more leadership roles within professional associations and increased responsibilities in my day-to-day work. While I am not sure what the future holds, I hope I am fortunate enough to keep working with folks who are kind-hearted and dedicated to their work.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that not very many people know.
Prior to pursuing my degrees in Comparative Literature and English, I originally intended to be on the pre-med track and obtain a degree in Biology or Environmental Studies. I’ve always been interested in math (especially geometry!) and science (with an unnatural obsession towards string theory…and trilobites for some reason). As an information professional, I can still feel connected to my interests in both science and the humanities–which is pretty awesome!
