Student Service 


"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." - Albert Einstein

Pratt-SILS is a small community but strong in commitment to professionalism, leadership and service.  It is an environment where leadership thrives, and I was part of that leadership through my service to the School of Information and Library Science Student Association (SILSSA).

President, 2009 - 2010

As SILSSA President, I was part of a dynamic group of student leaders committed to our diverse member base. As de facto student body representatives, my colleagues and I promoted advocacy, collaboration and community, keeping in mind the various circumstances (employment, educational and otherwise) of our peers. 

Projects and initiatives I was a part of this year include: 

  • Peer Mentoring Program: Started by our Secretary, Genevieve Podleski, in January 2010, this paired recent alumni and senior SILS students with first semester or first year students to foster friendships and make the newest members of our family feel less alone.  I am mentor to two first-year students with varying interests. 
  • Registration Roundtable:  Led by our Vice President, Julia Martin, this two part workshop featured a tutorial of the online registration system and testimonials from senior SILS students on courses and instructors. I participated in the testimonial portion of the program. 
  • Partnership with ALA:  To maintain strong ties with our parent group, the American Library Association (ALA), SILSSA holds an essay contest for three travel scholarships to allow students to attend the Annual Meeting.  I was one of four judges for the competition.  We were also honored to host ALA President Camila Alire for a lecture and open forum on February 9, 2010, and I had the pleasure of introducing Dr. Alire to the SILS community.
  • Office Hours:  Suggested by Vice President Julia Martin, officers have open time each week, either in person or online, when students can come to chat about classes, life at Pratt-SILS, or librarianship in general.  To the best of our knowledge, we are the only graduate student organization with regular office hours.
  • Enhanced communication:  SILSSA's student newsletter, KEYWORD, has been online since Summer 2009.  We also use Twitter and Facebook to reach students.  We established a physical presence on our Manhattan campus with a bulletin board. 
  • Library of Congress Trip: One of the most popular Pratt-SILS trips, this is an all day "behind the scenes" tour of the unofficial national library.  I work closely with the LOC to design an itinerary that students will enjoy, and oversee the planning and execution of all administrative details of the trip.  
This shared commitment to collaboration, free flow of ideas, and willingness to experiment and keep an open mind has helped our organization to grow and meet its stated mission and goals. I am honored to work alongside three wonderful colleagues and friends in meeting our goals, and humbled by the creativity and initiative that flows forth from each of them.  I could not think of a better organization to lead, and better officers to have. 

Treasurer, 2008 - 2009

As Treasurer, I had a lesser role (but no less important) in the organization.  I helped plan events and run meetings with my fellow officers, prepare budgets and financial reports, and work with Student Activities to ensure all bills were paid on time.  I was also a judge for the first essay contest to send students to the ALA Annual Meeting.