Meet the New Member Engagement Librarian, Alexis Weiss

We are excited to introduce you to the new Member Engagement Librarian, Alexis Weiss (she/they). Some members have already had the pleasure of meeting Alexis at the Reciprocal Borrowing Program Information Session, a library visit, or even through email.  

Alexis has a long history with Atla. As a member and previous employee in our Production Department, their knowledge, insight, and experience are an excellent asset to our association.  

This new role of Member Engagement Librarian is responsible for evaluating and expanding current programming for members, as well as proposing new programming and other offerings. The Member Engagement Librarian will also act as a direct communicator in relation to these programs, informing members of eligibility and requirements, as well as assisting members in accessing and utilizing the many programs Atla has to offer. 

We invite you to get to know Alexis more, and we encourage members to reach out with any questions. 

Please share some of your work history. 

I have been working in libraries almost nonstop since I started graduate school in 2003. Professional work I’ve done includes almost five years as a Metadata Analyst for Atla, serving as Director of Library Services at both Prescott College and Naropa University. Most recently, before returning to Atla, I served as the Reference and Instruction Librarian for Theology at Loyola Marymount University. 

What inspired you to become a librarian? 

I think a lot of the inspiration came out of a desire to teach and be a part of the research process. I started working in a library while getting my MAR and when I was done, I realized that I wasn’t planning to move into a PhD, but I still wanted to teach in higher education. I had loved my library work thus far, so I decided to combine my library love, my love of teaching, and my love of the study of religion into one big, wonderful ball of a career.  

What are you most looking forward to working with Atla members? 

I have my hands on so many projects that it is difficult to say what I look forward to the most. I spent many years as a member of Atla and have had so many opportunities to work with the staff in my own professional development and service; I look forward to being a staff member that friends and former colleagues come to. It really is about relationship building. 

I look forward to being a staff member that friends and former colleagues come to. It really is about relationship building.

Can you share some of the programs you will be supporting? 

Some programs I will support are Reciprocal Borrowing, the Funnel Projects, and the Atla Annual Yearbook. I also am the staff liaison to the Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).  

The Member Programs department expands all time zones in the continental United States. So, when members contact you, which state are you in? And can you tell me your favorite part of where you live? 

I currently live in Arizona. I think my favorite part of living here is the natural beauty of the desert that surrounds the city. Seeing mountains in the distance, no matter which direction you face, is lovely. 

What are some of your favorite hobbies? 

I am a movie lover, mostly sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. I enjoy tabletop game nights with my family. I am also a former roller derby referee, and I’m trying to get myself back into skating after a few years off. 

What is the last book you read that you would recommend? 

I read a ton of fantasy, horror, and science fiction, mostly terrible YA fantasy. I would say my favorite read recently that is not YA would be Gideon the Ninth by Tasmyn Muir. I feel like you can’t beat a book about necromancers in space. 

Please welcome Alexis to Atla!