Michigan State University librarian Zoë McLaughlin has been selected as a 2019-20 Emerging Leader by the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services, or ALCTS.
Each year, the national association sponsors one emerging leader who has chosen collections and technical services as a career.
Dean of Libraries Joseph Salem said the selection and associated sponsorship bring national recognition to McLaughlin’s commitment to library service and will create opportunities for growth that will serve not just McLaughlin and the MSU Libraries, but other libraries and librarians as well.
“This is high praise for McLaughlin,” Salem said. “It’s well deserved. We’re delighted she’ll have this opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity and we’re glad she’ll have more opportunities to network with peers in libraries throughout the country. This opportunity positions her well to develop more skills in areas that interest her, which will benefit our community of users.”
The Emerging Leaders program is designed as a leadership development program that gives librarians across the country opportunities to participate in problem-solving work groups and projects, and build a deeper understanding of the American Library Association.
McLaughlin serves as the liaison librarian for south and southeast Asia, collecting materials from and about the regions relevant to research and teaching at Michigan State University.
She provides in-depth reference and research services and library instruction for students, faculty and staff with research interests in south or southeast Asian studies.
In her role at MSU Libraries, McLaughlin also contributes to accessibility initiatives and efforts within the libraries and on campus as a whole. In 2018 she was elected to serve on the Center for Research Libraries’ Southeast Asia Materials Project’s Executive Committee.
She also serves on the Michigan State University President’s Advisory Committee on Disability Issues and on committees within the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association.
Additionally, she is co-chair of the Michigan Academic Libraries Association’s Residency Interest group. She earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and creative writing from Oberlin College, and two master's degrees in southeast Asian studies and information from the University of Michigan.
The MSU Libraries are at the center of academic life at Michigan State University, providing expertise, collections and infrastructure for discovery and creation. The Libraries facilitate connections that support research, teaching and learning in local and global communities.