San Diego City College is in the midst of a significant redesign of its campus library, with efforts led by Library Chair Leann Mulholland and the Learning Resource Center (LRC) team. Marley Rodriguez, the Equity & Outreach Librarian, is ensuring that the new spaces will create an environment that encourages student engagement and inclusivity.
Rodriguez, who transitioned from a homeschooled high school student to a dedicated library professional, believes in the transformative power of community colleges and the critical role libraries play in student success. Her educational journey began at a community college, where she developed a passion for English composition. After transferring to UCLA, she aimed for a doctorate but found her calling in librarianship while working as a student assistant. This led her to pursue a master’s in Library and Information Science, solidifying her commitment to the field.
Her experiences as a transfer student and her personal background shape her approach to equity and outreach. Rodriguez is focused on understanding students' varied backgrounds and sees the library as a central hub for both academic and social engagement. Her contributions to the redesign are aligned with this vision, ensuring that the spaces are welcoming and inclusive for all students.
"The new student lounge area and collaborative spaces are going to be fantastic for bringing people together and encouraging social interactions," Rodriguez said. While Mulholland and the LRC team oversee the overall redesign, Rodriguez’s focus is on creating the right atmosphere in these new spaces.
Rodriguez is also exploring the possibility of creating dedicated areas for commuter students, based on her own experience commuting from Orange County to UCLA. Though specific plans for these spaces are still under consideration, Rodriguez is committed to incorporating features that support this group of students.
Rodriguez's dedication to inclusivity extends to the library's programming and displays. She plans to highlight diverse identities and histories, such as recognizing Native American Heritage Month alongside, Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos), and Thanksgiving. She also aims to support underrepresented students through engaging activities and outreach efforts, including collaborations with campus communities like Umoja and Puente.
Despite the challenges of navigating institutional change and addressing the needs of both in-person and online students, Rodriguez remains focused on persistent outreach and adaptation. She is looking forward to attending national conferences to bring fresh ideas and innovations back to our City College library.
"Our goal is to create a library experience that is not only educational but also engaging and supportive of all students," Rodriguez said.