Erin Busbea, Treasurer

Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System, Columbus, MS


Professional Background

With a Master of Library & Information Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and nearly a lifetime of library experience, I have served as a library director since 2013. Having worked in nearly every department in a public library,Headshot of Erin Busbea. I bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep dedication to fostering a welcoming and resource-rich environment. I am passionate about interacting with the community, assisting patrons, and leading a team dedicated to delivering outstanding library services. My focus is on empowering staff to excel in their roles, ensuring our library continues to be a vital community hub.

 
What inspired you to get involved with the board?

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) is an incredible organization that supports countless librarians every day. The wealth of information I discovered at my first conference drew me in, but it’s the welcoming community I found that has kept me engaged ever since.

As Board Treasurer, my vision for ARSL’s future is to ensure financial stability and growth so that the organization can continue empowering rural and small libraries through advocacy and professional development. I think as a board we all have the same goal to strengthen funding strategies to expand ARSL’s reach and support, enabling us to invest in innovative programs and partnerships that showcase the unique value of rural & small libraries. This will help ARSL remain a vital resource and a strong voice for rural and small libraries nationwide.

During my time on the board, I aim to help secure and strengthen ARSL's financial foundation, allowing us to expand resources, training, and support for rural and small libraries.

 

Why is the mission of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries important to you? 
The mission is important to me because it aligns with my commitment to empowering both library staff and the community. ARSL’s focus on advocacy, professional development, and showcasing the impact of rural and small libraries reinforces my own dedication to providing resources, supporting staff professional growth, and enhancing library services to better meet my patrons needs. The mission also echoes my goals of strengthening my own library's voice, ensuring its relevance in today's world, and fostering a community-focused environment, all things that are essential in my daily work life.
"My goal is to leave ARSL with a more resilient financial and organizational framework, so it can continue empowering librarians well into the future!"
What are your favorite library programs and books or genres?

Our library system hosts several all-hands-on-deck programs, which can be quite stressful in the final days and hours leading up to the events. But once they’re underway, they’re always incredibly fun and heartwarming. The haunted library event is my absolute favorite—seeing kids and families dressed up and enjoying themselves in the library is such a joy.

I enjoy losing myself in real-life stories through memoirs and then exploring the suspenseful twists of psychological thrillers.

 

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