Jhani Miller Says Hello

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Greetings and Salutations:

I am a Masters student in GSLIS and I am also a proud Orange Personality (secondary color: Green).

As a Library and Information Science student, I have committed myself to broadening access to information, internalizing the concern for society, and supporting leaders within my communities. I intend to continue this trend toward fostering inclusiveness by contributing to community informatics, digital inclusion, and outreach/advocacy.

I discovered I had an interest in the field after successfully applying for the UW-Madison internship in library and information science under the guidance of current Career Specialist/Practicum Coordinator at UIUC, Roy Brooks.  During the internship, my mentor emphasized the importance of thinking critically, writing clearly, and teamwork.

Later, I ultimately relocated and finish my BA in Interdisciplinary Studies at Governors State University. Veteran library specialists took me under their wings by appointing me to take care of “traditional” tasks varying from serials, acquisitions, automation, and Federal/Illinois documents.  Post-undergraduate, I became a certified restorative justice facilitator, I was endorsed by the Illinois State Board of Education under the topic: “Creating Safer Schools for All: Addressing LGBTQ Issues in the Schools”, and I affiliated myself with a variety of other identity focused movements that I continue to feel great passion for (including but not limited to: multicultural representation in the media/arts, youth empowerment, gender equality, sexual health, survivor advocacy, voter registration, and policy protection for groups in urban and rural Illinois). 

I recognize that my research interests and professional field of study might not seem connected.  Nevertheless, Library and information science has been a natural fit that has brought me such a sense of fulfillment and sanctuary. My experiences both working in libraries and as an activist have truly groomed me to transition away from the “strictly paper-bound” way of operating.   I enthusiastically reject “shhhhh-er mentality” and cluttered shelves.  I believe that establishing spaces that offer tools to mobilize our diverse populations are the direction libraries should be heading.   I look forward to working with you all this summer and sharing more of my radial views with you.

Best wishes;

Jhani Miller