Twelve iSchool master's students were named 2024–2025 Spectrum Scholars by the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services. This "Spectrum Scholar Spotlight" series highlights the School's scholars. MSLIS student Guadalupe Castillo earned her BA in international studies and Spanish and Latin American literature from the University of California, San Diego.
Why did you decide to pursue an LIS degree?
When I first started working at a public library, I honestly was not sure if this was the career path for me. My first career was in state government and politics, and I pivoted to the library world because I wanted to see if I would enjoy the work. Three years later, I am loving it! I have had the opportunity to build a robust support network among my peers at work and have had the opportunity to excel in the Youth Services arena. I enjoy collaborating with my coworkers, building relationships with local community organizations, providing bilingual storytimes to families, and creating workshops for children in preparation for kindergarten. My mentors and friends encouraged me to pursue an LIS degree, and I am grateful that I took their advice. At this point in my career, an LIS degree just seemed like a natural next step to continue gaining knowledge about libraries and what role I would like to play in providing access to our patrons.
Why did you choose the iSchool at Illinois?
I chose the iSchool at Illinois because it came highly recommended from two alumni who also happened to be Spectrum Scholars. They both completed an MSLIS degree while working full-time, and I’m currently attempting to achieve the same feat. I appreciate how the iSchool staff support individuals already on a career path and do their best to enhance the experience we have as students.
Which particular LIS topics interest you the most?
I'm interested in providing multilingual programming in public libraries for all ages, providing support for English Language Learners, and exploring how library staff can be supported and empowered to find work-life balance so that burnout is not an issue. I also would love to explore the architecture of public libraries and the effects it has on patrons, more specifically, how we can make our spaces more welcoming to the community.
What do you do outside of class?
I am a student of life, so this answer may change if you ask me next month. I love to practice yoga and meditation. I'm currently learning how to play the ukulele. I also love to be a tourist in my own town—I was born and raised in Los Angeles and sometimes forget how much is out there for me to explore. I love having board game nights and playing on my PlayStation, and I'd like to learn how to crochet and sew my own clothes. I am also a member of the REFORMA Los Angeles Chapter and serve on the LibrosFest Committee. I look forward to getting more involved with ALA and the California Library Association as well.
What does being a Spectrum Scholar mean to you?
I am a first-generation college student, and the first in my family to go to college. Being a Spectrum Scholar has empowered me to continue to advance my education and be a mentor for those who come after me. Growing up, I often did not see myself reflected in the library staff who assisted me with school projects me or shushed me for being too chatty with my friends after school. That is slowly changing in our industry and in public libraries across the nation. Being a Spectrum Scholar also means that I have a network of peers who are walking the same path. I am excited to meet them all and take on the challenges that we have facing our industry together.
What career plans or goals do you have?
My goal is to continue to find joy in my work and provide access to resources for anyone who walks through the door of our libraries. I want the library to feel like a safe space for families because that is the space it has been for me. Although I have begun my career in the public library world, I'm also eager to explore international, academic, and archival librarianship.