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The Chronicle of Higher Education solicited submissions in January of 2022 for a report on the future of librarians and academic librarians from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles. Ms. Gay's academic librarianship sparked the attention of the Chronicle of Higher Education's, Scott Carlson who is the Senior Writer. Mr. Carlson read Ms. Gay's submission description whereas she noted she is an Academic Reference and Instruction Librarian II at Prairie View A&M University- A part of the Texas A&M University System. She has been the library faculty liaison and research assistant for 15 years with the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. She serves as the Agriculture Librarian. She received her professional degree from Texas Woman's University: Denton, TX. Masters in Library Science and Information Technology Studies. (M.L.S) Academic Librarianship, 2006. Sum Cum Laude. (4.0) From hosting library research workshops on agribusiness sustainability to plant and soil erosion in organic farming and bovine breeding styles to greening in agriculture technology, librarians are well-versed on noting how to demonstrate the library research literacy needs to disseminate information regarding all aspects of agriculture. The world of agriculture continues to be a relevant part of her family's life for more than 85 years due to her grandfather being a Texas-Hopkins County- Sulphur Springs Texas Grade A Dairy Farmer for more than 45 years with the United States Department of Agriculture. Gay said, "In Texas, we have a saying about your work ethic, "Get Her Done". Gay is a Fifth- Generation Texan who was born into the agriculture world through her family's more than 85- year farming and ranching land in East Texas. She stated, "I have been a part of the Texas Livestock Show and Rodeos, 4-H and Future Farmers of America showing and raising cattle for more than 30-years". "I work at Prairie View A&M University, a part of the Texas A&M University System to continue to "Get Her Done" as I am the library faculty liaison to the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences collaborating with faculty, staff and students on their library research and grant endeavors", she said. The Chronicle of Higher Education asked the question Describe the value of libraries and how can you help support diversity through your library services? Ms. Gay stated, "Libraires are the great equalizes in combating the digital divide and the information divide. I want to help advance the commitment of diversity to all in fostering life-long information literacy skills; technology imagination and innovation; strategic researching; transforming libraries into indispensable learning environments for promoting multicultural awareness in all libraries." She later said, "Where there is no diversity in staffing at a school, public, special or academic library then there is no diversity in the collection, programs, events and materials in that library. The path to the profession was a calling that I knew I had to join to ensure diversity in library staff continued to populate. I saw this was needed while I was working in an academic library as an undergraduate work study student". She concluded the submission to the Chronicle of Higher Education stating, "I continue to be the change I want to see in the field of librarianship" Staying in the service of offering leadership and advocacy to ensure that equity, diversity, and inclusion resonate in the field as well. The diversity goals are always to empower, enlighten and engage libraires at the state, national and international levels to employ staff who look like the patrons they serve". You can view the promotional story from the Chronicle of Higher Education at Libraries Are the Great Equalizers' Librarians sound off on how their jobs and institutions are changing  |
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