Stephanie DeLano Davis
Librarian
North Central Michigan College
MiALA Interim Board Member
Past President 2015-2016
The 5 Essential People Skills by Dale Carnegie
The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
Modern Liberty and Its Discontents by Pierre Manent (trying; not an easy read)
What are your research interests?
Digital Technologies and Their Impact on Learning Processes
Information Literacy (High School-Community College; Nursing)
Library Leadership (Advocacy; Management)
Service to Underserved Populations (First Generation College Students; Incarcerated)
Do you have hobbies or interests outside of the library?
When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, which, along with husband, Todd, mother, brother and various in-laws, includes two young grandchildren, one in Michigan and one in South Carolina, and a set a twins due in November. Reading and sharing children's literature with them is a great joy for me. Living in Northern Michigan offers many opportunities to experience the outdoors and take in its beauty; Todd and I hike, bike, kayak as much as possible, even in the winter when we opt for snow shoes. Writing, scrap-booking and participating in my faith community round out my hobbies and interests.
What drew you to the library profession?
I'm a life-long library user. In high school debate, I was exposed to the thrill of searching and finding information, a passion that led me to study library science as a minor at Western Michigan University (yes, they once had a library school) and, eventually, obtain a library Master's at the University of Illinois. A fundamental and unwavering belief that libraries are an open repository for anyone who wants to grow and learn, and the opportunity to support people in this effort, drew me to librarianship and has sustained my commitment to the profession.
What do you value about MiALA?
MiALA Rocks! This organization emerged because academic libraries/librarians needed a voice in Michigan. I value the voice MiALA gives our profession and I especially value the connections MiALA provides, connections to colleagues, connections to learning, connections to the broader Michigan library community. I believe these connections are what help me as I seek continuous improvement for myself and my library. As a community college librarian, I applaud MiALA for including community college librarians in its leadership ranks.