Hello, my name is Jamia Williams. I am currently a Librarian and Diversity Fellow at the Health Sciences Library. You might ask what is a Diversity Fellow? Hopefully, my blog posts will answer that question for you. In a short description I was given an opportunity to work at this Library because I am an early career librarian, who supports and values diversity. Currently, there are residency programs throughout the country that provide early career librarians an opportunity to gain professional work experience along with bringing current knowledge of new and important topics and issues to their institutions. SUNY Upstate Medical University Health Sciences Library Director Cristina Pope decided that the Library would benefit from creating a Fellowship program at the Library.
I graduated with a Masters of Library Science degree from North Carolina Central University in May 2018. My concentration was in Academic librarianship. I am a member of the New York Library Association and a Director of the Academic and Special Libraries Section. Also, I am a member of the American Library Association and a member of the Association of College and Research Libraries. Being apart of these organizations is important to me because I want to be up to date on the latest trends in library science . Also, I want to make lasting connections with other library professionals so that I can be challenged, supported and most of all respected as a Librarian.
My Diversity Fellow position is unique because I will be able to explore every department in the Library over 18 months and then I will spend the last 18 months in a home department. As I go through each department I will document my experiences. I am glad that you will join me on this odyssey. Please feel free to send me any questions and/or comments. I will be more than happy to answer your questions and to engage in dialogue with you.
The Diversity Fellow's Blog 