BIPOC Become Librarians! BBL Sample Libguide

Costanza Azulsky is the Director of Library Services at the Oakwood Academic Library. With over 15 years of experience, she has led numerous initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the library's collections and programs reflect the rich diversity of the community it serves. Costanza is known for her innovative approach to building inclusive library spaces and her dedication to empowering underrepresented voices through educational programming and outreach.

If it weren't for... a rainy afternoon spent in my grandmother’s attic, where I discovered a treasure trove of old books and magazines, I might never have found my passion for libraries. That serendipitous day sparked a lifelong love for organizing knowledge and making information accessible to everyone.


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Dylan Marino is the Director of Research at Whitaker, Finley & Pierce, a prestigious law firm renowned for its comprehensive legal research services. Before joining Whitaker, Finley & Pierce, Dylan worked at several top-tier firms, where she built a reputation for developing innovative legal research strategies and integrating advanced technologies to enhance case preparation. Her experience as a successful trial attorney and her passion for case law research have driven her to create a library environment that supports excellence in legal practice and fosters a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

If it weren't for my time as a trial attorney, I might never have realized how much I loved the challenge of researching case law. I found myself far more interested in uncovering the precedents and crafting the arguments than in the actual courtroom drama. This realization led me to shift my career towards law librarianship, where I could immerse myself in legal research and help others do the same.


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Gabriel Urso is the Senior Manager of Information Resources at the Greenwood Medical Library. With over 20 years of experience in medical librarianship, Gabriel has been instrumental in advancing the library's commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all health information is accessible and relevant to the diverse patient populations served by the hospital. He has developed numerous programs that focus on health equity and patient education, enhancing the library's role as a vital resource for both healthcare professionals and the community.

If it weren't for... a chance encounter with a medical librarian during a hospital volunteer shift in college, I might never have discovered the fascinating world of medical libraries. That conversation opened my eyes to how critical librarians are in the healthcare field, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that.


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Kara Koell is the School Librarian at Sunnydale Elementary, a K-5 school where she brings stories to life through daily activities for her students. With a focus on creating an equitable learning environment, Kara has developed programs that ensure every child has access to diverse books and resources that reflect their experiences. As the President of the National School Librarians Association, she advocates for the importance of school libraries and the impact of reading on neurological development in preschool and school-age children.

If it weren't for my initial studies to become a teacher, I might never have discovered my true passion for literacy. I became fascinated with the neurological underpinnings of reading and its crucial connections math, science, the arts -- pattern-making -- which ultimately led me to pursue a career in school librarianship, where I could focus on fostering a love for reading and learning in young minds.


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Lynx is the Head of Reference at Riverbend Public Library. With a wealth of experience in librarianship, Alex has developed a robust reference program that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that every patron can find the information and resources they need. Alex is particularly passionate about outreach and creating community programs that bring the library's resources to underserved populations.

If it weren't for my previous career in sales, I might never have realized how much I enjoy helping people find what they need. I loved the part of the job where I could guide and assist customers, but I never felt comfortable with the selling aspect. That realization led me to pursue a career in libraries, where I could focus on helping others without any pressure to sell.


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Mira Otley is the Chief Science Librarian at the Global Wildlife Conservation Network, an international organization dedicated to the protection of wildlife worldwide. In her role, Mira provides comprehensive research services to scientists across the globe, supporting their efforts to study and conserve diverse species and ecosystems. Recently, she spearheaded a major cataloging project that involved organizing and digitizing thousands of marine life studies, making critical research more accessible to scientists and conservationists around the world.

If it weren't for a volunteer stint at an animal sanctuary where I meticulously cataloged wildlife behavior data, I might never have discovered my passion for organization and metadata. That experience showed me how essential structured information is to understanding and access, leading me to a career in metadata architecture in libraries.


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Rex Shepherd is the Senior Archivist at the Harmony Sound Music Library and Archive. With over 18 years of experience in music librarianship, Rex specializes in the preservation and digitization of rare audio collections, making music history accessible to researchers and enthusiasts alike. He is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the archive’s collections, ensuring that underrepresented voices in the music industry are preserved and celebrated.

If it weren't for my years as a touring musician, I might never have found my way to music preservation. After countless hours on the road and in recording studios, I realized I wanted to help preserve the rich history of music for future generations. That desire led me to blend my love for music with a career in archiving.


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Tessa Terrapin is the Lead Data Science Librarian at TechInnovate Corporation. With a background in data analytics and library science, Tessa has over a decade of experience in managing and interpreting large datasets to support corporate research and development. She is recognized for her pioneering efforts in developing data-driven initiatives that enhance diversity and inclusion within the tech industry, ensuring that data resources and algorithms are unbiased and representative of diverse communities.

If it weren't for the hours I spent as a child watching turtles in my backyard pond, meticulously noting their behaviors in a journal, I might never have developed my love for data and observation. That early fascination with collecting and analyzing information led me straight to the world of data science and libraries.


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