What Our Members Are Saying: Melanie Emerson
Your Name: Melanie Emerson
Title and Affiliation: Dean of the Library + Special Collections, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Year(s) of ARLIS/NA Membership: 21 years
About Yourself and Your Workplace
What do you love about your work?
I’ve worked in all sorts of art libraries—museums, a large university, and now an art and design school. What I love most about each job is being surrounded by art and always learning something new. It’s exciting to hear new perspectives on something you’ve seen many times before, or help a researcher track down an elusive source that helps them figure out what kind of paint was used to make a painting. Honestly, though, the little discoveries are equally rewarding.
About Your Experience with ARLIS/NA
Who or what inspired you to join ARLIS/NA? What’s kept you renewing your membership after that?
After my first conference in 2006, I found my professional home. This was due to so many colleagues, mentors, and friends throughout ARLIS/NA. I could not even imagine not renewing my membership.
What leadership and/or service roles have you held with ARLIS/NA? What are some skills or other benefits you gained from that service? What advice might you have for others thinking about running or volunteering for a position?
I’ve held a variety of roles within the organization at both the chapter and national levels, including serving on the Board and as one of the Editors of the Multi-Media & Technology Reviews, Co-Chairing the Conference Planning and Awards Committees, and a lot more! All of this service has deepened my appreciation for ARLIS/NA and all the members who volunteer for service. Connecting with so many thoughtful, generous colleagues has really improved my collaborative approach and project management skills, while giving me ideas for new tools and approaches that have definitely benefited my daily work.
What’s one of the best ideas or pieces of advice that you got from an ARLIS/NA member or event? How did that improve your work or change your thinking?
Early in my career, I was lucky to have a wonderful mentor who always had practical advice and patiently answered all my questions about the profession. But honestly, I learned the most just by watching their example—how they connected with colleagues, organized and ran meetings, and truly listened with empathy and openness. It gave me something to work toward.
What was the first ARLIS/NA conference you went to, and what memories have stuck with you from that event?
My first conference was the Banff conference in 2006, shortly after I started a new position at the Art Institute of Chicago. I have so many memories of the conference, especially the location and the views, as well as traveling with colleagues (who are still friends). However, what was even more memorable was attending the Women and Art SIG (now Intersectional Feminism & Art SIG). The group was incredibly welcoming, and their thoughtful discussions– improving Wikipedia to include more content by and about women—inspired me to see my work and the impact of our field in new ways.
If you’re open to being contacted by members with questions, what kinds of topics would you be a good person to ask about? Please share your email address.
Yes, of course, I always happy to share on any topic: memerson@saic.edu