Claire Dannenbaum

Headshot of Claire Dannenbaum
Describe yourself in three words

Information loving witch!

What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device)?

A big stack of stuff, including: "Eve: how the female body drove 200 million years of human evolution" by Cat Bohannon (2023), "A day in the life of Abed Salama: anatomy of a Jerusalem tragedy" by Nathan Thrall (2023), "Inverted utopias: avant-garde in Latin America" by Mari Carmen Ramirez (2004).

Describe ACRL in three words:

Community learning powerhouse.

What do you value about ACRL?

I love ACRL publications and resources in my inbox, especially current, best, and experimental practices happening in the field. I appreciate the larger communities of practice around teaching and learning, community building/placemaking in libraries, and subject matter experts.

What do you as an academic librarian contribute to your campus?

As a teaching librarian at a community college, I feel my most important impact is in relation to students. Overall, I'd say my approach is to support, develop, and expand ways of being an engaged person in the world whether that involves questioning, reading, voicing, or making things. These are the tools I have used in my own life and learning. I participate in all kinds of activities on campus (Democracy Conversation series, professional development projects, book displays, governance, classroom teaching, subject liaising, Makerspace, etc.) that reflect an interdisciplinary approach to librarianship.

In your own words

Over a 30-year library career, I've been able to explore so many personal and professional interests that have had the effect of keeping the profession very alive for me. The academic environment can be so rich and transforming, and it has suited my own intersectional and curiosity-driven need to connect and ponder and make meaning. I was just awarded an I Love My Librarian Award from ALA which has prompted me to reflect on the lucky choice of librarianship in my life. What an honor!

Title:Reference & Instruction Librarian

Workplace:Lane Community College

Location:Eugene, Oregon