2009 Eureka! Leadership Institute: Angelica Gurerrero Fortin

My name is Angelica G. Fortin and I am a Branch Librarian/Manager for the Spring Valley Branch of the San Diego County Library System. I have been working in this position for 4 years and was assigned at the Branch while completing my MLIS studies. In my position, I assist the public with bilingual reference needs, train and supervise staff, and work with members of the community to promote the library while attempting to meet their needs, wants and likes. Because we are located in the middle of two schools and a Teen Center, I work with youth on a daily basis.

Prior to working for the County of San Diego, I was a Library Supervisor for a Charter High School. I was solely responsible for he student's research needs, collection development and maintenance. This job was very rewarding because it provided me with the opportunity to learn about the profession while I worked on my MLIS. Having received my Bachelors in Liberal Studies with a Minor in English concentrating on Youth and Young Adult Literature, it was a perfect fit. It also helped me decide two things, I did not want to teach or act in loco parentis. I was destined to uphold Intellectual Freedom in a Public Library.

As a first generation Mexican American, I have seen first hand how my family has struggled to succeed and the great rewards obtained through education and determination. I am very much committed to provide multilingual services in libraries and demonstrate my commitment by my involvement in REFORMA, the National Association for Library and Information Services to the Spanish Speaking. I am the local San Diego Chapter Chair and have served as Vice-Chair and Secretary in the past. In addition, I have recently begun reviewing Spanish Language Children's books in Criticas (Library Journal). I have just been assigned as an Intern on ALA's Public and Cultural Programs Advisory Committee. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work on this committee which resulted from my participation in the ALA 2009 Emerging Leaders Program for which I was sponsored by ALA.

I am very motivated and interested in the profession and committed to improving my skills as a leader and manager within the field of library services. This along with my commitment to multilingual communities prompted me to apply for the Eureka Leadership Program.

As for my own personal hobbies and interests, relaxing, sleeping in, reading a good book, reality TV, and enjoying my first year of marriage in a new home.