Beth Martin
OER Librarian
Western Michigan University
MiALA Immediate Past President
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
It is a Goodreads Choice 2020 winner
What are your research interests?
Leadership development, open education, and open pedagogy
Do you have hobbies or interests outside of the library?
Not sure if it is a hobby, but I am working on a second masters through Aquinas College, which takes up most of my free time. I do enjoy working on my family's genealogy. I enjoying cooking more than baking and am always on the hunt for new and fun recipes.
What drew you to the library profession?
I received my bachelors in Public History from Western Michigan University and was interested in becoming an archivist. I enrolled in the MLIS at Wayne State University in the mid-1990s because it had an Archival Administration emphasis. I worked for a short time with the General Motors Media Archive in the mid-to late 90s, then made the jump to libraries afterwards and never looked back.
What do you value about MiALA?
There is so much I value with MiALA that I am unsure where to start. Firstly, I would mention that I value to networking with other colleagues around the state. MiALA offers many avenues to interact both virtually and (eventually) face-to-face. The best way to interact with colleagues is by joining an Interest Group. These groups offer everything from discussion topics to book or article read-and-shares, to professional development. Another thing I value is the ease of getting involved in MiALA on a higher level. I have been a past board member, and am currently the past president of the organization. Being involved on that level has given me a better understanding of the needs of academic libraries across the state. My involvement has brought so much meaning into my own work life and I would recommend to all members to try to join the board for a rewarding opportunity to learn and grow.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
I have enjoyed being a member for our first five years as an organization and I look forward to years to come.