Meet Bethann Rea, Digital Collections Management Librarian, Penn State University Libraries

 

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

I enjoy watching movies, so I have a lot of favorites across genres, but we just celebrated the New Year. I would have to pick When Harry Met Sally.

What was the last five-star book you read?

Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez

What is something we might find surprising about you?

When I was a kid and teenager, I used to help my dad restore classical cars.

What is your preferred caffeinated beverage and how much do you drink of it each day?

Diet Coke. I try to keep it to one or less a day because I am also a migraine sufferer.

If you could meet one person (historical or current), who would it be and why?

It would be Michelle Obama. She is a courageous and intelligent woman, and I would love the opportunity to take to her about everything and anything

Tell us about your journey to working in libraries.

My interest in librarianship actually started by volunteering in museums and historical societies when I was in high school and college. I have always been interested in art and history, so it seemed like a clear path. While I used libraries throughout my primary and secondary education, I did not consider a career in librarianship until my early 20s. The focus of my graduate coursework steered toward special collections, archives and records management. Prior to my tenure at Penn State University Libraries, I even worked for the Registrar's Office at the University of Kansas where I coordinated the imaging and preservation of student records. It has been an rewarding journey so far!

How have libraries impacted your life?

As a child in a low-income family, libraries closed the gap to access. If I needed a resource, there was a library at school or in the community. I never felt out of place or left behind in a library. Libraries provide opportunities to everyone, it doesn't matter if you have hundreds of resources at home or none. You are welcome to visit, learn, and engage in a safe space.

How did you first get involved in PaLA? Did you receive encouragement from anyone in particular?

After I moved back to Pennsylvania in 2018, my supervisor recommended that I join PaLA. Additionally, colleagues at Penn State introduced me to division and roundtable members, as well as the PALS Leadership Academy.

What was the first PaLA division, committee, or round table you joined in a leadership capacity?

My first leadership position in PaLA was the Vice-Chair/Chair position for the Technical Services Roundtable. I have served in this capacity a few times since joining PaLA.

How has your PaLA membership helped you?

My PaLA membership has helped me to connect with colleagues across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The conservations and professional development events have provided a better understanding of the trends and priorities in PA Libraries, especially regarding budgets, staffing models, technology, and workflows. In addition to learning, PaLA has provided me with a space to share my ideas, research and even ask questions. I have made a lot of friends through PaLA, and it is an amazing experience to gather with everyone at the annual conferences.

What advice would you give to new members, or someone considering membership?

Give a membership a try and do not be afraid to bounce around the divisions, committees, and roundtables until you find the right fit. If your favorite activity is to help with conference planning, the help will always be welcome in PaLA.

Do you have a favorite PaLA Annual Conference location or experience and Why is that your favorite?

Honestly, I have enjoyed all of the locations. We return to Harrisburg every other year, but I like having the opportunity to visit the Capital. I feel like I find a new restaurant or shop every time that I am visiting.

However, my favorite experience during the 2019 conference in Erie, PA. I attended a "Taste of Erie" event at the Art Museum. It was a terrific was to fully engage with the community. We were able to try new food, speak to the vendor, and walk through the museum with colleagues. I would love to attend a similar event again!

Other information you would like readers to know about your PaLA involvement:

I am a graduate of the 2024 PALS Leadership Academy, and I cannot recommend this experience enough. The program starts with an on-site learning experience where you can step away and really focus on developing leadership skills based on your own strengths. It is a big commitment because projects continue with your cohort afterward. This training also helps you to identify the strengths of others, so you can build more affective programs at your library.