Cathy Folk-Pushee, Adult Services Librarian, Johnson Public Library-Hackensack

NJLA Experience

• NJLA Urban Libraries Section: Vice-President/President-elect, 2016-Present; Member-at-Large, 2015-2016; Member, 2014-Present

Statement:

As a Librarian with a science background I love problem-solving. To me, science is the process of looking at a situation in a unique way, breaking it down, and puzzling out how to improve it, change it, or move on. I apply this process in my approach to librarianship when deciding how to best serve the public and the community of librarians I have been privileged to be a part of in New Jersey. Participating in the Urban Libraries Section has been one of the most beneficial activities, personally and professionally, I have engaged in during my library career. Along with the camaraderie NJLA fosters, it has taught me to build essential skills in leadership, networking, and facilitating partnerships. 

If elected Member-at-Large, my goals for the association will be to continue forming partnerships with outside organizations to strengthen NJLA’s standing in the state, encourage membership and participation in NJLA, and to listen to and support NJ Librarians so they may better serve the public. There will, no doubt, be many unknowns in the coming years which we must face with as much grace and grit as we can muster. NJLA must be a leader in advocating for not only our libraries and librarians, but for freedom of speech and access to information.

Education:

• MLIS, Rutgers University
• BS, Physical and Environmental Geography, The Pennsylvania State University

Experience:

• Johnson Public Library-Adult Services Librarian, 2011-Present;
• Senior Library Associate, 2010-2011; Library Intern, 2009-2010
• Bergenfield Public Library- Reference Librarian, 2011

Professional Affiliations:

NJLA

Library Activities and Awards:

• BCCLS Collection Development & Reference Committee member, 2016-Present
• Creator and Chair of Johnson Public Library Programming Committee, 2015-Present
• Partnered with the NJ State Library Talking Book and Braille Center, the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Advancing Opportunities to establish Johnson Public Library as one of seven LEAP (Library Equal Access Program) centers in New Jersey, 2016
• Health Sciences Library Association of NJ Student of the Year, 2010