CSUSM University Library Mini-Conference 2024: Home

Co-creating Change: Growing Together in Tumultuous Times (Dani Cook)

Like many academic libraries around the country, CSUSM University Library is responding to major changes both within and outside the institution. In this presentation, we’ll discuss compassionate approaches to working together with an uncertain future, take a strengths-based approach to imagining what a shared future could look like, and explore how person-centered approaches can support the inclusive values of the Library.

Caring Beyond Ourselves: Toward Collective Wellness (Irma Ramos Arreaga and Karen Tinajero Vasquez)

Academic libraries continually seek ways to embrace diversity by creating committees, programs, and hiring techniques to attract and retain BIPOC and non-traditional employees. Libraries, however, are often hindered by hostile work environments that place the onus on underrepresented workers to "self-care" their way through their careers. This popularized individualistic approach to self-care dismisses the systemic inequities that impact underrepresented employees. Instead of providing supplemental and collective support, solutions often include additional workloads that disregard the root of the problem.   

This presentation argues for redefining wellness and self-care through a social justice and anti-racist lens to better support all faculty and staff. It argues self-care is especially essential for BIPOC and non-traditional employees to thrive within homogenous academic libraries. Self – care then transcends beyond individual acts to improve oneself to a practice that works towards self-perseveration against systems of oppression. 

This presentation analyzes and critiques modern wellness practices and provides actionable steps to decolonize (deconstruct) self-care, which entails moving away from problematic colonial practices and focusing on meeting the needs of all. In addition, this presentation advocates for a commitment to collective care, which is a practice that places everyone's mental well-being as a community responsibility and effort. Attendees will be able to self-reflect on their current practices pertaining to self-care and brainstorm how to collectively work with their colleagues to create an environment that fosters the well-being of all. 

Let's be Independent Together (Talitha Matlin, Allison Carr, and Yvonne Meulemans)

In this presentation, we will provide an overview of how we can use Self Determination Theory (SDT) to create a vibrant workplace that fosters employees' wellbeing. SDT is a psychological theory of motivation that posits (among other things), that people need to have their basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness to be fulfilled in order to thrive and stay motivated. SDT offers a theoretical grounding to collectively address and prevent burnout amongst library workers. We will provide real-world examples of how we see SDT principles in practice within the library. As an activity, we will guide attendees through an examination of common practices in their work, whether day-to-day activities or larger projects and how they can apply the principles of SDT and psychological needs fulfillment to help co-create environments in which we can all thrive together. We will then lead a discussion in which we examine how we as a library can foster one another's autonomy, competence, and relatedness. 

Manifesting Leadership and Empowering Others (Arely Ayala, Odile Stout, Angelique Vasquez, Graciela Gerardo, and Jamie Higgins)

In today’s dynamic and fast-paced world, the role of leadership has never been more important. Leadership is no longer solely provided by bosses or managers; it is something for every worker. The key is to recognize how we can best lead within the culture of our organization.  This presentation delves into the core qualities that define great leaders and provides actionable insights on how to lead from where you are, regardless of your position within an organization. The key takeaways for attendees will be to understand core leadership qualities, leading from any positions through practical strategies, building emotional intelligence, effective communication skills, adaptability and change in management, ethical leadership, and empowering others. With a short presentation on leadership and group activity, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of what it means to be an effective leader and how to implement these qualities in their daily professional lives. Whether you are an early career professional yet to discover your leadership potential, an aspiring leader but have yet to hire into a leadership role, a seasoned professional with vast experience with different leadership tools, or someone looking to influence positive change from your current position, this session will provide valuable insights and tools to enhance your leadership journey. 

Connecting for Success: Boosting Work Wellness Through Professional Communities (Marina Aragon)

In this poster, I will discuss how connection equates to success and improves work wellness. Specifically, I will explore the significant role that professional communities play in enhancing work wellness and combating stress-related symptoms, including imposter syndrome. Professional communities provide a platform for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing, which are essential for career advancement and personal growth. By connecting individuals with shared interests and goals, these communities foster a sense of belonging and support, helping members overcome feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Friends at Work: Cultivating Social Connections for Employee Wellbeing (Kelly Ann Sam, Leslie Hovland, Ben Allen, and John Pili)

Social connection and work celebrations play integral roles in enhancing employee wellness by fostering a sense of belonging, recognition, and camaraderie within the workplace. Social connections formed through work celebrations create a supportive environment where employees and student assistants can build meaningful relationships beyond their assigned work duties. This, in turn, cultivates trust, teamwork, and collaboration among colleagues, resulting in increased morale and job satisfaction. Work celebrations contribute to employee and student assistant wellness by offering opportunities for recognition, appreciation, and relaxation. Celebrations allow employees to take a break from their work responsibilities, unwind, and socialize in a stress-free environment. This downtime helps reduce stress levels and supports employee mental well-being. In User Services, we have organized several work celebration events throughout the year to foster social connections between faculty, staff, and student assistants. These events aim to boost morale, social connectedness, and to keep the department FUNctioning. Our poster will showcase how work celebrations enhance social connections and employee wellness throughout the entire department. By investing in these activities, we aim to foster a workplace where everyone feels connected, valued, and motivated. These celebrations play a crucial role in boosting morale, promoting well-being, and strengthening team bonds. The positive impacts are significant, leading to improved employee wellness, higher morale, and a more connected and resilient workforce. 

Nature's Influence in the Workplace: Cultivating Creativity, Productivity and Wellness (Graciela Aragon and Alysa Hernandez)

Traditionally, offices have prioritized simplicity and cleanliness to meet the basic needs of employees, aiming to create spaces conducive to focused work. However, as workplace dynamics evolve, there's a growing realization of the benefits of reimagining these spaces by integrating natural elements into office design. This poster delves into the incorporation of natural designs , particularly plants, into the workplace environment. Embracing nature-inspired elements, offices can not only enhance the physical environment but also cultivate a sense of connection with the natural world, leading to happier, more engaged employees. By highlighting the principles and advantages of these changes, it aims to demonstrate how bringing nature indoors can enhance employee well-being, creativity, and productivity. This shift towards integrating natural elements into office design represents a fundamental reimagining of the workplace, where mental health consciousness is at the forefront. With thoughtful design interventions, the modern workplace has the potential to evolve into a nurturing environment that fosters growth and innovation. As we continue to explore ways to enhance the workplace, incorporating elements from nature stands out as a promising avenue for creating harmonious and productive work environments.

Navigating Career and Family: The Balancing Act of Modern Parenthood (Linly Sasinouan and Natalya Serge Magazino)

The modern workplace presents both challenges and opportunities for working parents, particularly mothers, that are often overlooked. Despite working similar hours to their partners, the literature demonstrates that working mothers frequently take on a disproportionate share of childcare responsibilities. Effective leadership is critical in shaping an organizational culture that prioritizes inclusivity and work-life balance—key factors for the well-being and positive career trajectories of working mothers. This research aims to assess the level of support provided to working parents within the library and explores strategies and best practices for fostering an environment where working mothers can thrive. Recent survey results among library employees indicate that working parents in the library feel most supported by flexible work arrangements, remote work options, paid sick and vacation leave, and an inclusive, empathetic workplace culture. Additional findings from existing literature highlight that these supportive elements not only enhance employee well-being but also contribute to higher retention rates, increased productivity, and a more positive organizational culture.

Student Voices at the Core of Assessment: One Academic Library's Approach (Jerry Limberg, Tricia Lantzy, and Torie Quiñonez)

When academic librarians undertake assessment of teaching and learning in the library, we are asked to default to using simple metrics to establish our “value” to the institution and to the mission of student learning. We measure the attributes that we, as librarians, think are important or those our professional organizations have outlined in professional standards. Academic libraries favor quantitative measurements of these outcomes because they are purported to be easily digested in simple soundbites by those outside the library. A question arises from this norm: how meaningful is this kind of assessment? How does it improve and strengthen our relationships with students? We argue that this type of assessment and data collection actually distances us from our students, and reduces the student experience to a single number in a spreadsheet. Student learning experiences in the context of the academic library (i.e. either in-person or virtually with library workers and/or online services) are barely understood through the lens of quantitative data. There is a significant body of research that makes clear quantitative data gathering and analysis often marginalizes and excludes the experiences of historically under-represented populations. We argue that centering quantitative data gathering and analysis does active harm to academic libraries, library workers, and the students we serve. This poster outlines the process one teaching and learning department is taking to reimagine assessment with student voices and experiences at the center. An essential component of this process involves partnering with our students to investigate the qualities, attributes, and values that they prioritize as being essential to their development as information literate individuals. We will share how we engaged with students via focus groups to learn about their core values, principles, and preferred outcomes and how we plan to place those themes in the center of our departmental assessment. 3 learning outcomes Attendees will: Understand how a reliance on singular quantitative assessment measures cause harm to students and librarians in academic libraries. Learn one potential method for placing students’ own values in the core of assessment processes. Be able to generate an assessment plan that favors open-ended qualitative data collection. 

Allison Carr (she/her) is the Academic Transitions Librarian at CSU San Marcos. In her role as Academic Transitions Librarian, she focuses on supporting students as they transition from their high school or community college to CSUSM. Ms. Carr's current area of research is centered around the sense of belonging of transfer students, and culturally affirming internships for LIS graduate students. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her family, bird watching, gardening, and (stereotypically of librarians) reading.

Alysa Hernandez (she/her/ella) has been working at the California State University San Marcos Library since January 2022. Prior to her staff role at the University Library, Alysa was a student assistant from 2016-2020 with Resource Sharing/ Inter- Library Loan and spent a year as a student assistant in Metadata before graduating. Alysa's experience with software, policies, and procedures used in academic libraries piqued her interest in a career in academic librarianship. In her current role, Alysa is now the Library Reserves Coordinator working with faculty and students to provide free access to course materials. Alysa is working towards her MLIS at San Jose State University and plans to graduate 2026.

Angelique Vasquez Branek is the Assistant to the Dean and Event Planner for the University Library. She holds a bachelor's degree in communication from Cal State University, San Marcos. She has excelled in providing exceptional leadership and coordination to ensure smooth and efficient operations. In her role as a Student Assistant Supervisor, she has managed and mentored diverse students, fostering an environment of growth and collaboration. Her dedication to leadership development is demonstrated through her participation in numerous leadership training programs and sessions. During her undergraduate studies, she was an active member of the TUKWUT Leadership Circle, where she conducted over 30 hours of leadership development workshops and civic engagement activities. Angelique’s efforts in this program were recognized by UNESCO for cultivating compassion and world peace. Working closely with peers, faculty, and staff from around the world, Angelique has honed her ability to communicate effectively and build strong, inclusive teams. Her experience and commitment to leadership excellence has equipped her with the skills to inspire and guide others towards achieving their full potential. 

Arely Villalobos Ayala is a CSUSM alumna who has a bachelor's in Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies and is currently attending SDSU to receive her master's in public administration and Latin American studies. She has been employed at the CSUSM Library for two years as the Administrative Support Coordinator focusing on facilities and human resources. In those two years, she has been involved in many committees such as IDEA, Library Wide Learning Committee, and Knowledge Sharing Champions. Just as she is involved in the library, she also holds leadership positions outside our library such as the Employee Alumni Association and Latinx Faculty and Staff Association. As an undergraduate student, she was involved in many organizations and received the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Alpha Pi Sigma Inc. Sorority's National Board. Her initiative, outspokenness, and passion for improving processes drive her to fulfill the library’s mission every day. 

Ben Allen is a Library Services Specialist at California State University, San Marcos. He currently oversees the circulation desk during nights and weekends, where he supervises, trains, and plans parties for the student assistants who work there.

Graciela Aragon (she/her/ella) worked at the California State University San Marcos Library as a student assistant in the Resource Sharing Department from 2015-2020 where she gained knowledge and experience pertaining to academic libraries. She graduated with her B.A in Human Development in 2020. Graciela returned as a staff member to the University Library in February 2022 and is currently serving as a Library Services Specialist III for the Circulation Desk. This position oversees the library circulation operations, financial management, maintaining staff and student trainings and activities.

Graciela Gerardo began her career at California State University San Marcos Library as a student assistant in Library Administration from 2022 - 2024. During her undergraduate career, she worked towards receiving her bachelor’s degree in Human Development with a specialization in Counseling Services. During this time, she demonstrated leadership by being a part of the first cohort for the Library Student Advisory Board in Spring of 2023. Upon graduating with her bachelor’s degree in the Spring of 2024, she returned to the Library Administration department as an e-Hire to fulfill the Administrative Support Coordinator I position supporting both budget and operations. In this position, she can assist the library with making purchases, supporting staff/faculty questions, purchasing Information and Computer Technology, and assisting her colleagues by supporting in office operations. Graciela has acted as a leader in her role by supporting her colleagues and assisting them in collaborative efforts to assist the library and its operations. 

Irma Ramos Arreaga is the Outreach and Inclusion Librarian at CSUSM University Library. She earned her MLIS from San Jose State University and has a bachelor's in Literature from Humboldt State. Her current research interests include examining the cultural responsiveness of current wellness services and programs offered to students by academic libraries. 

Jamie Higgins is the CSUSM University Library’s Public Affairs and Communications Specialist. She is responsible for developing strategies, maintaining standards, and producing a wide range of communications in support of key library programs, services, and initiatives. Her work includes marketing, photography, graphic design, writing and editing, content creation, and social media management. Jamie joined the CSUSM University Library in November 2019. She has a BA in Communications from California State University, Fullerton, and an MA in Public Arts Administration from California State University, Long Beach. Her professional interests include how to use storytelling to increase student engagement and how academic libraries contribute to student success. 

Jerry Limberg is an Instruction & Reference Librarian at the CSUSM University Library. She holds an MLIS from San Jose State University, MA in History from California State University San Marcos, and BS in American Studies from Utah State University. Her research interests include information literacy for military veterans and history students, assessment in librarianship, and first year experience curriculum. 

John Pili began working at the University Library in August 2017 and was one of the original support staff members for the "24/5 Zone." He currently serves as the coordinator of Stacks and Study Spaces. His first job at the library was as a student assistant at the Barahona Center and Virginia Hansen Curriculum Room. He later transitioned to working in the Access Services' Shelving Unit. After graduating from CSUSM, he gained experience working in various schools and college preparedness grant programs in the public education sector before returning to the CSUSM University Library to work in the 24/5 Zone. John holds a B.A. in Political Science from CSUSM.

Karen Tinajero-Vazquez is a Reference and Instruction Librarian with the Teaching and Learning (TAL) department. Karen has her MMLIS from the University of Southern California (USC) and a B.S. from UC Riverside. Her current research interests include Latino critical theory and community cultural wealth applied in LIS education.

Kelly Ann Sam has been working at California State University San Marcos’ (CSUSM) Library since 2017. She earned her MLIS in 2019 from San Jose State University and has spent her library career working in Circulation and User Services in both public and academic libraries. During her career at CSUSM, Kelly Ann has focused her efforts on textbook affordability as the Cougars Affordable Learning Materials (CALM) Coordinator, collaborating with departments in the library and across campus, including Library Reserves, Acquisitions and Metadata, Library Admin, Teaching and Learning, and the University Bookstore. In her role as CALM Coordinator, Kelly Ann advocates for the use of open educational resources (OER) and library resources to faculty to reduce course materials costs. 

Leslie Hovland began working at the CSUSM University Library in November 2023 as the Library Reserves Specialist in User Services.  Her first position in a library began in junior high as a library assistant, an elective course that helped the school librarian, and it was at that early age that she knew she wanted to work in libraries.  She has worked various roles in city and county libraries, as well as community college and academic libraries.  Most recently, she worked at the University of San Diego Library as an Interlibrary Loan and Reserves Assistant.  Leslie has a B.A. in Art History/Criticism from UC San Diego.

Linly Sasinouan, a member of the Discovery, Access, Resources & Technology Initiatives (DART) team, is responsible for coordinating e-resource acquisitions and managing financial transactions for electronic required course materials through Library management systems. Since becoming a new mother in 2021, Linly brings a unique perspective to her role, balancing her professional responsibilities with her experiences as a parent. She began her Library journey in 2019 as an Administrative Support Coordinator in the administration office. Before that, Linly served as an Administrative Assistant in CSUSM’s Disability Support Services starting in 2015. She holds a B.A. in Communications from San Diego State University.

Marina Aragon currently works in the Library’s Collection, Delivery, and Access (CDA) unit, where she works to support the daily operations in Resource Sharing and coordinating student assistants. Marina started her library career as a student assistant at CSUSM Barahona Center and transitioned to the Resource Sharing unit while obtaining her B.A. in Visual Performing Arts. Upon graduating in 2016 she began working at the Oceanside Public Library as a Library Aide and within a few months, she transitioned to Technical Assistant (2016-2021). In February 2019 Marina returned to CSUSM as an e-Hire in User Services and in the Media Library. She started her current position as Library Specialist Services II in Resource Sharing in August 2021.

Natalya Serge Magazino works in the Discovery, Access, Resources & Technology Initiatives (DART) department where she leads resource sharing operations. Natalya began her Library career in 2011 working in the Library’s User Services unit as a student assistant in Circulation. Upon graduating with her B.A. in Social Sciences in 2013, she was hired on as staff in Circulation before eventually transitioning into Resource Sharing. Natalya earned her MLIS degree from San Jose State University in 2019. Natalya became a mother in 2022.

Odile Stout is the Budget and Resources Manager for the CSUSM University Library. She has a master’s degree in public policy and administration from the University of Oregon. Before joining CSUSM in 2018 she worked as a project manager for non-profit organizations doing social research studying kids in foster care and educational research aiming to create better pathways for student post-secondary success. Her interest is finding efficiencies while supporting those doing the work through clear processes and policy. Her leadership skills have been developed during her 30+ year career of learning as you go and leading from where you are. 

Talitha Matlin (she/her) is the STEM Librarian in the Teaching Learning Department. She has a Master’s of Learning, Design, and Technology from San Diego State and a Master’s of Library and Information Science from San José State University. Her research interests focus on applying instructional design methodologies to nontraditional instructional settings, equitable practices in librarianship, and the application of Self-Determination Theory to librarianship and library instruction. In her free time, she enjoys quilting, spending time with her family, reading, and watching lots of TV.

Tricia Lantzy is the Health Sciences & Human Services Librarian at the CSUSM University Library. Her research focuses on the assessment of student learning in a variety of formats as well as the student experience of academic libraries.

Torie Quiñonez is the Arts and Humanities Librarian at the CSUSM University Library. Her research interests include pluriversal approaches to epistemology, and the evolving information needs of creative artists.

Yvonne Nalani Meulemans (she/her) is the Head of Teaching and Learning at the University Library at California State University, San Marcos. She has done research on establishing librarian-faculty partnerships, using the threshold concept theory for student reflection and inclusive pedagogy, and leadership approaches in academic libraries. In her free time, she enjoys weight lifting and debating which real housewife is the worst with her teenagers.

Apply Here: 2024 Mini-Conference Submission Form

For help with writing your proposal, you can review the resources from the 2022 Mini-Conference: 

• Mini-Conference Proposal Writing Workshop Recording
• Mini-Conference Proposal Writing Workshop Slides 

If you'd like additional help with proposal writing, you can contact Toni Olivas. 

Design Ideas for Posters

Design Templates and Resources

If you want help brainstorming ideas, reviewing abstracts, thinking about presentation or poster structure, there are many people willing to help!

• Kelly Ann Sam
• Toni Olivas

Mini-Conference Planning Committee

• Kelly Ann Sam
• Char Booth 
• Alysa Hernandez
• Hugo Wong
• Jerry Limberg
• Toni Olivas
• Leslie Hovland
• Angelique Vasquez
• Arely Ayala
• Lalitha Nataraj