Janine Miller, South Regional Representative

Arkansas State Library, Little Rock, Arkansas 


Professional Background

I have worked in libraries in Arkansas for over 20 years in various public libraries throughout the state in different capacities ranging from front-line worker to management to administration. I currently work as the Coordinator of Training and Development at the Arkansas State Library. In this role, along with assisting libraries with training needs, I also work to empower Friends of the Library groups around Arkansas. I earned my Bachelor's Degree from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in English, a dual Master's Degree in Library Science & School Media Specialist from North Carolina Central University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Library Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am a graduate of Leadership Saline County, Bryant 101, and most recently, R.O.C.K. Academy with the City of Little Rock.

I am involved with United for Libraries, Partners for Rural Impact, and NASA's Solar System Ambassador Program. I am constantly leveraging my leadership skills and civic engagement. I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as a Programs Co-Chair on the conference committee for the past two years. I am also part of the ARSL Leadership Institute Advisory Team. Headshot of Janine Miller
 
What inspired you to get involved with the board?

After my work with the conference committee, I was inspired to get involved with the ARSL Board. I learned so much about the organization and how it works, and I think that ARSL is a wonderful organization.

The majority of my libraries in my state are in rural areas.  I am very good at research and seeking unique opportunities, which I hope will be helpful on the ARSL Board.  Several libraries within my state have been recipients of grants, leadership opportunities, and networking through ARSL.  I always make sure to be inclusive of ARSL in my trainings throughout my state, and I hope to speak with potential library advocates about potential ARSL partnerships.    

With the current uncertainty in library land, I would like to see ARSL continue to attract grant opportunities for small and rural libraries.  These communities will be the hardest hit in more ways in the next few years.  

 
Why is the mission of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries important to you? 
ARSL's mission is important to me personally because it reminds me of where I come from. Although I worked in various library types, I grew up in a small and rural community with limited resources.
"Libraries in small and rural communities do so much with so little, and I think it is great that ARSL exists to provide great networking, grant opportunities, and so much more for the library community."
What are your favorite library programs and books or genres?

I am enjoying the era of being a library patron at my local library and attending programs that I don't have to plan.  My favorite library programs to attend at my local library are Adult Painting Classes and Line Dancing Classes. I primarily read non-fiction. 

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