Member Spotlight - Jennifer Jackson

February 26, 2024

This week's member spotlight is on Jennifer Jackson. Jennifer is an Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Engagement Coordinator at the University of Illinois Chicago. Jennifer is a current member of the ILA Nominating Committee and served on the ILA Executive Board as a Director-at-Large. 

We asked Jennifer to tell us a little about herself and answer a few professional and amusing questions. Continue reading to find out more about Jennifer.

A little background on Jennifer

In my 15-year career as a librarian I have had the opportunity to work as a library instruction coordinator, focus on first-year initiatives, first-year writing programs, collaborate in classroom design, manage learning commons, and lead reference training support for library employees and supervisor student workers.
 
Since joining UIC in 2016, my focus has been to address undergraduate student engagement for the University Library, for which I co-designed the first Undergraduate Engagement Program for the University Library. This program is intentionally designed to focus on the student success of a diverse undergraduate student population, taking a holistic approach, supporting the academic, emotional, and cultural needs of students.
 
As a disabled, African American woman, advocacy of underrepresented populations is an essential aspect of my work and purpose. I served as the Chair for the UIC Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities (CCSPD) from 2019-2023.

How did you get your start in libraries?

I got my start in libraries working in the library during my sophomore/junior year in college. My father said I was eating out too much and said I needed to get a job. He worked in the library as an undergraduate student and thought it would be a great opportunity for me. It was in my senior year that I was approached by the library graduate student who encouraged me to consider thinking about librarianship as a career and apply to library school. From there with help and support I was able to apply and get into library school. And the rest, as they say, is history! 

Best advice you've received since starting your career in libraries?

The best advice I received when starting my career in libraries was be open to learning new skills; you never know where they will take you.

Any advice to newcomers working in libraries? 

The best advice I could give to newcomers is find a mentor (or mentors)  and find your community. As a disabled person of color having mentors helps me navigate known and unknown territory in librarianship. Finding your community can be challenging but they are out there, somewhere. Mentorship and community have been so helpful to me and allowed me to maintain career longevity.

When and why did you become a member of ILA?

I joined ILA in 2018. I was asked by one of my colleagues at UIC if I was interested in running for the Executive Board, little did I know the work that was ahead of me. On top of that I was not expecting that I would be elected to the board, but I have always had an interest in committee work. I enjoy participating in this type of work because it allows your voice, and hopefully through advocacy - the voice of others, to be heard. 

How has being a member of ILA helped you professionally? 

My time on the board is what has most helped me professionally, because it allowed me to more deeply understand the issues that impact so many different libraries, the issues and challenges that library communities face and the various needs of libraries throughout the state. It's important to constantly be working to figure out how to address ongoing needs and issues because the work of libraries is so important.

What is your proudest professional achievement to date?

I am always proud of my committee work (ILA included). But I am most recently proud of my time (2019-2023) as committee co-chair and chair for Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities at UIC. It's one of the many UIC committees that focuses on supporting and addressing the needs of students, staff, and faculty on campus. I am very proud of the advocacy I was able to provide to the community and the UIC community at large.

Hardcover, paperback, e-reader, audiobook, or all?

For pleasure reading I prefer audiobooks. Since I'm on the tenure track, I do a lot of academic reading. It's nice to give my eyes a break and just imagine and listen.

Favorite authors?

Right now, I am most interested in non-fiction. On deck is:

  • The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama
  • My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem
  • Dear Girls by Ali Wong

If you were stuck on a deserted island, what five books would you bring with you to pass the time until being rescued?

If I am not rescued, I am surviving and continuing to learn new things: 

  • The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Expert Advice for Extreme Situations
  • Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present (The Path to Calm)
  • Foraging for Survival: Edible Wild Plants of North America
  • Self-Care for Black Women: 150 Ways to Radically Accept & Prioritize Your Mind, Body, & Soul 
  • Easy Korean Reading: Beginners

Cat or Dog?

If my cat was nicer I would be a cat and dog person, but my cat is my cat.

Favorite film, podcast, or television show? 

My favorite films are (sorry I can't pick one!) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,  2046, and Amélie.

One person you would like to meet, dead or alive why?

I have a long list of people I would want to meet (I have thought about this question a lot!). Most recently, I would say Jay-Z. After I saw his interview on CBS last year, I realized there were so many other questions that I would have asked particularly in regard to his influence on music.
I would love to know his thoughts on the global reach of hip-hop and how he deals with success. And get his thoughts on other ways to bring people into libraries, through similar exhibits. In thinking about this question, I also wonder what we would eat during this meeting. I think you can learn so much and build great connections over good food.
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