“Today’s libraries are still places where communities are actively working toward removing barriers to ethical access to information, and equipping community members with the skills to assess information resources.”
For USC Master of Management in Library and Information Science student Samantha “Sam” Azure (D/Lakota, Assiniboine), information science has been a recurring theme in both her academic and professional careers. Enrolling in the online MMLIS program at USC has allowed Azure to identify the intersections between libraries and information sciences in her community in terms of access, outreach, education, and accountability.
Azure’s commitment to Indigenous data sovereignty in her community has recently led to her selection as part of the inaugural cohort of Indigenous Data Champions—a fellowship that equips Indigenous leaders “with the knowledge, tools, and relationships necessary to enhance Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance within their communities.”
Azure is an enrolled member of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of Fort Peck in northeastern Montana. She was born and raised in Poplar on the Fort Peck Reservation. As the Director of Fort Peck Community College’s Traditional Practices for Wellness (TPWIC) Project, her day-to-day responsibilities involve working with Indigenous foods, seeds, plants, wellbeing, and oral storytelling traditions. She is seeing how libraries across the country are not shying away from the innovation required to match the needs of their communities. Community-led information literacy programming, resource-lending like the Tribal Seed Library she founded at her Tribal Library, and promoting individual and community-wide data literacy are just a few of the ways libraries are making an impact.
This work involves multiple data touchpoints. “As a project director, I need to be mindful of the data I’m sending out and how we’re protecting the data sovereignty of our community, our members, and our lands, while still complying with our reporting requirements,” she notes.
Azure was first interested in pursuing a degree related to library, archives, or museum studies as an undergraduate student. However, the school she attended did not offer a related degree program. During law school, Azure considered law librarianship focused on tribal or federal Indian law, but there weren’t any law libraries near her Reservation. As an attorney, Azure developed an interest in Indigenous data sovereignty. “Working at our tribal college, sitting on our Tribal Institutional Review Board (IRB), and partnering with our tribal library is what finally brought me around to information sciences.” After realizing that all of her experiences aligned with a theme of information sciences, Azure began researching different degree programs.
What ultimately motivated Azure to pursue her MMLIS was the opportunity to bring together two major aspects of her current work: community-focused learning opportunities around Indigenous knowledge and information science. “In my tribal community, our Tribal Library is ideally situated to facilitate community-focused, inter-generational learning opportunities around Indigenous knowledge, as well as the complex conversations surrounding personal and community data literacy in a uniquely Indigenous context.” She shared how studying both library and information science would help her achieve her goal of promoting and preserving Indigenous traditions and knowledge. “An information science degree alone would have missed the intersection I see happening in libraries in terms of community access, outreach, education, and accountability.”
In this student spotlight, Azure shares why she chose the MMLIS program at USC Bovard College, her experience as an online student, and how she plans to apply her degree to support Indigenous knowledge, data sovereignty, and community-based libraries.
Is there a specific area within library or information science you are most interested in?
I’m interested in working with or in my local tribal library here on the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana. There are a couple of tribal library-focused professional organizations that I also look forward to joining and working with. I’m interested in personal and community data literacy and Indigenous data sovereignty, as well as promoting ethical and culturally-relevant ways of learning, caring for, passing along, and creating knowledge, information, and data in our tribal communities.
Why did you choose the Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS) program at USC Bovard College?
There were two main reasons that USC’s MMLIS program was so appealing. First, the 100% online format would allow me to continue working in my community while earning my degree, which was non-negotiable for me. Second, I felt that the program’s management-focused curriculum promotes libraries as community-focused institutions capable of growth and development that adapt to change. Working with and in tribal libraries requires an innovative mindset, and USC’s program supports the type of growth I was looking for.
What has been the most rewarding part of your experience in USC’s MMLIS program so far?
In each class I’ve taken so far, I’ve seen how beneficial an institution like a library can be to whatever community it serves. I’ve also been supported in considering all of my coursework through the lens of a tribal library, so I’ve felt that through each class, I’m able to gain knowledge and skills that are going to be applicable moving forward. We’re learning about all of the moving parts that come together for a library to function in and for its community.
What has your experience been like as an online student?
This is my first online degree, and it has been fast-paced and engaging. I am enrolled in the two-year track, so being able to focus on one class at a time while still working full-time has made the course load manageable. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know students from all over and studying and working in various professions.
In your own words, how are today’s libraries engaging in community-focused work?
Today’s libraries are still places where communities are actively working toward removing barriers to ethical access to information and equipping community members with the skills to assess information resources.
How do you see the library and information science field evolving in the near future?
I already see many libraries becoming lending institutions for more than physical books and digital information resources in response to the needs and interests of the communities they serve. I see libraries doing those basic library functions while also offering community and continuing education opportunities, place-based learning, data and information literacy, and community needs-based programming that are all culturally relevant to their communities. I see community libraries being allowed to become more relevant in their communities while still being able to access the digital resources that are becoming more and more widely available.
How do you plan to use your USC MMLIS degree after graduation?
After graduating, I plan on continuing my work here at my local tribal college and continuing to assist our tribal library in its protection and perpetuation of Indigenous oral traditions and knowledge systems. I also hope to continue developing our capability to critically consider and guide the research being done on our Reservation while creating a space to house local access to the data collected on our communities.
What advice would you give to someone considering USC’s MMLIS program?
As someone returning to graduate school while still working, I would encourage anyone considering an MMLIS to remember that professional development remains relevant throughout our careers. Opportunities will be there whenever we’re ready.
Do you have a favorite reading spot or library?
My favorite reading spot has always been anywhere outdoors. When I was young, I would climb the big cottonwood tree in our backyard to read other people’s stories and sometimes write my own. Now, I usually stick to the front step or our porch. My favorite library is our Fort Peck Tribal Library, but my favorite library spaces to visit have been the New York Public Library’s Rose Main Reading Room and Stanford University’s Lane Reading Room.
Learn more about the online Master of Management in Library and Information Science program.