Librarian named VLA vice president, president-elect

Radford University McConnell Library Reference/Instruction Librarian Jennifer Resor-Whicker has been named vice president and president-elect of the Virginia Library Association (VLA).

The VLA is comprised of public, academic, K-12 and special libraries across the Commonwealth of Virginia with the purpose of developing, promoting and improving library information services, library staff and the profession of librarianship.

“I believe that my work leading many large projects in VLA and at Radford University has prepared me for this position,” Resor-Wicker said. “I will continue to advocate for continuing education and professional development opportunities for VLA members. I will also continue to work with the legislative committee to develop relationships with members of the General Assembly that will help fund our libraries and meet challenges to access to information.”

Resor-Whicker said she was “shocked and extremely honored” at her selection.

“I am excited to see what this brings professionally,” she said. “It continues to highlight Radford University’s contributions to the library world.”

Resor-Whicker’s term is a three-year appointment, where she is the vice president and president-elect in year one, VLA president in year two and an advisor in year three. As president, Resor-Whicker wants to expand professional development opportunities. She also wants to bring intellectual freedom discussions to the forefront.

“I also want to increase collaborations between public and academic libraries and find more cost-effective library solutions,” she said.

Resor-Whicker said that the VLA has been integral to her professional growth since she began her career in 2010 at Radford University.

“[The VLA] has helped me find my passion as a librarian, and that passion is service through VLA,” she said. “Once I began attending VLA sponsored events, I knew I wanted to give back in service to the wonderful librarian community that Virginia has.”

As part of her role as president, Resor-Wicker will be coordinating the VLA conference in October 2020, which will be at the Omni Homestead in Hot Springs.

At Radford, Resor-Whicker coordinates the library’s instruction program, which involves connecting with professors and scheduling and teaching information literacy instruction sessions in the library. She also holds the rank of assistant professor at the university.