Meet the New Florida Library Association President: USF Alum Jorge E. Perez!
Jorge E. Perez is the current Emerging Technologies Librarian at the University of Miami in the Louis Calder Memorial Library at the Miller School of Medicine. He started in February 2022 as the Instructional and Information Services Librarian. As of May 2024, he is also the new Florida Library Association (FLA) President.
In his tenure as the new FLA President, he wants to strengthen the foundations of empathy, reflection, and fun that are a key part of librarianship. Practices which can sometimes be easier said than done! He recommended to those attending the 2024 FLA Annual Conference:
鈥�1. Revisit the foundations of our profession. It can be easy to get lost in the noise; I鈥檓 the first to plead guilty here. However, staying grounded in our professional ethics and values is crucial, especially during challenging times. When the world around us seems chaotic or uncertain, maintaining our strong moral compass will provide the best guide for our actions and decisions. Revisiting the foundations of our profession can bring clarity, purpose, and direction to move forward in a centered way.
2. Let鈥檚 reflect on our Successes. Reflection is usually something that we skip over or rarely mindfully integrate into our daily lives. Have a conversation with a colleague about tough topics and experiences. Journal. Create a list of projects and techniques that have been successful. Reflecting on what has worked brings us balance. These practices create distance from negativity and assist in bringing out the best you in any situation.
3. Tell Your Story. Many people do not fully understand the breadth of responsibilities that librarians undertake, or the educational background required to enter the profession. We know that we play a vital role in society, far beyond simply organizing books. We have a calling to make folks aware of this. During library events, presentations and orientations, let鈥檚 highlight what we do. Share your story. What made you go into librarianship? Share the why of what you do to enlighten elected officials and community members.
4. Become Involved. Getting involved in professional library organizations can take many forms, from attending conferences and workshops to volunteering on committees, contributing to publications, or participating in advocacy efforts. By actively engaging within our professional community, you can stay informed, expand your network, and contribute to the advancement of the library profession. Please consider becoming more active with FLA.
5. Mentor and Build Relationships. We all have something to offer others from our experience, regardless of the length of our career. Seasoned librarians can pair with recent graduates to provide mutual fresh perspectives, insights into emerging trends, and opportunities for learning and growth for both parties. Reach out to a new hire. Create an internal program that fosters connection and growth. Building a strong support network strengthens the fabric of our professional community and creates a sense of belonging for our colleagues.鈥�
Jorge is excited to represent USF within the library profession and has said, 鈥淸a]fter completing the USF MLIS program, I emerged with a profound sense of professional community and eagerness to embark on my career path. This enthusiasm has driven me to assume leadership positions throughout my career, including my current role as FLA president. While leadership is often discussed in terms of daily practices and strategies, my education instilled in me a deeper motivation to uphold and align my actions with my professional values. I think we all need that higher level of drive to be effective leaders.鈥�
It's no surprise that one of USF nota-Bull alumni has risen so far in his career, and we can鈥檛 wait to see where this next chapter will take him!