The American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC) at USC provides current students in the online Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS) program with the opportunity to network with other aspiring library and information science professionals nationwide and develop their leadership skills outside of the classroom. There are currently over 60 ALA Student Chapters at universities across the country. The mission of ALA Student Chapters is to “enhance students’ ALA membership by providing leadership and programming opportunities on the campuses.”
ALASC connects students with professional development opportunities while fostering a sense of community, collaboration, and leadership at USC. Membership in the USC ALASC is open to all USC students. Students currently enrolled in the USC MMLIS program are automatically considered members unless they choose to opt out. The ALASC is led by the ALASC Leadership Board, comprised of current students in the online MMLIS program, and advised by an MMLIS Faculty Advisor, Melissa Miller. Get to know some of the students on the board, and learn about their visions for the ALASC at USC.
Nyrza Castro, President
Nyrza Castro has been a self-proclaimed bibliophile her entire life. Castro worked in healthcare for over 15 years. However, in 2020, she suddenly found herself without a job. “I had to pivot. I sought refuge at my local library, and I had my ‘aha’ moment. This is where I want to be, I thought. The rest is history.” Currently, Castro oversees the day-to-day operations of a library as a branch manager. She was drawn to USC’s MMLIS program because of the emphasis on leadership, which aligns with Castro’s goals of developing her leadership skills and someday becoming a library director. For Castro, the most rewarding part of the program is celebrating her smaller wins. “After hitting ‘submit’ on an assignment, there’s a good 5-10 minutes of pure bliss. I feel joy in the small moments.” Castro also appreciates the opportunities to have engaging conversations with her peers and develop lifelong friendships. Castro’s favorite place to catch up on her assigned readings is on her couch, “along with two beverages, one for hydration and one to keep me awake. I follow it up with a sweet treat when I complete my work.”
Stacy Aleman, Vice President
Libraries have been an important part of Stacy Aleman’s life since childhood, providing Aleman with a safe space “where the limit to what interests you and how much you can digest of it depends on how voracious your curiosity is and how quickly you can read. It’s also been a place of community, making me feel connected.” Aleman was drawn to USC’s MMLIS program because of the flexibility to complete the degree in one or two years, the weekly evening classes that fit with working students’ schedules, and the emphasis on management, as Aleman intends to grow in this career path. Through the program’s coursework, Aleman was pleasantly surprised to learn “how libraries, museums, and art in its various forms are pillars of society, and how working in this field requires patience, grace, and being a lifelong learner.” Aleman enjoys reading physical books in her bedroom and listening to audiobooks while in the car or going for walks.
Keirsten Casaletta, Treasurer and Membership Chair
For Keirsten Casaletta, libraries evoke many special memories. “Both of my grandmothers were avid readers, and once I showed interest, they would take me to bookstores and libraries. I loved the public spaces libraries created, the programs they offered, and the variety of materials they provided.” By pursuing her MMLIS, Casaletta hopes to achieve her goal of working in outreach and programming in a public or academic library in the future. “I have a strong passion for interacting with and helping others find the resources they need. Enhancing and supporting barrier-free access to experiences, learning materials, and information is a powerful tool to uplift a community—something I want to support.” USC’s MMLIS program stood out to Casaletta for its flexibility, opportunities to network, and rigorous curriculum. Casaletta enjoys reading anywhere she can find a comfortable seat, with her dog, Max, by her side.
Maile Coad, Secretary and Historian
Maile Coad decided to pursue her MMLIS with the goal of someday becoming a youth services librarian. Coad previously worked as a library media assistant at an elementary school library. However, she “found that the ‘solo-librarianship’ inherent in school library positions is unsustainable” and hopes to join a library team in a public library setting. USC’s MMLIS appealed to Coad for its remote modality and for its emphasis on management and leadership. “There aren’t any LIS master’s programs in my area. USC’s emphasis on management and leadership aligned closely with my career goals.” One aspect of the program that has stood out to Coad is the faculty, namely Professor Ruth Wallach, Professor Renee Di Pilato, and Professor Melissa Miller. “They each bring an amazing energy and perspective to their approaches to librarianship and specialties.” Coad’s favorite reading spot is her bed.
Travis Viera-Liden, Media and Communications Chair
Collection Development Specialist at USC Libraries
Libraries have always held a special place in Travis’ life. “I would go to my local branch almost every day to use their computers and check out books for my AP and IB courses… Libraries change people’s lives, and I really don’t know if I would have made my way to USC—first for my undergraduate degree and now for my master’s—without them.” One topic he was pleasantly surprised that the MMLIS program covers is presentations: “How to design, rehearse, and deliver effective presentations has been a wonderful part of this program that I wasn’t necessarily anticipating, especially the guidance I’ve received from Dr. Melissa Miller in her class on outreach & community engagement.” The most rewarding part of the program for Travis has been applying his lessons directly to his work at USC Libraries, citing the coursework about strategic planning, impact assessment, and research methods as being especially practical in his current work as Collection Development Specialist.
Building Community Through ALASC
When asked about the goals for USC’s ALASC, the board members shared their visions of how this resource can help MMLIS students. At the heart of all of the board members’ visions is one common goal: building community. “We understand how difficult it may be to develop meaningful relationships when you only see each other online,” Castro commented. “This is why we created opportunities to engage with students through small, intimate gatherings like a lunch and learn or meet and greet.” Aleman adds, “I would also like the ALASC to help provide a bridge to the ALA and the library information science community, especially since this is an online program.”
“I hope that the ALASC will support current MMLIS students and alumni in finding avenues of professional growth and networking in their local communities,” Coad shared. “Collaboration and advocacy cannot be accomplished in a silo, and making those connections is inspiring and motivating, but rarely passive.” Casaletta expands on this idea, noting that “ALASC will connect students outside the classroom and build lasting relationships that will support the establishment and maintenance of innovative initiatives and programs after graduation.” “We always want to hear from fellow students on how we can provide more support!” Travis adds, “If you want to get in touch with us, you can send us an email at ala-sc@usc.edu. We’re also on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.”
Learn more about the online Master of Management in Library and Information Science program.