Kelsey Corlett-Rivera, an international language librarian for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, received a 2024 Librarian of Congress Award for expanding acquisition and discoverability of accessible books.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up on a ranch outside a small town in western Montana. I moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, for college, where I completed my undergraduate studies at Harvard University, majoring in Spanish and Italian. I had my first library job there, barcoding books in the basement of the Harvard Law School Library.
After college, I worked as a translation project manager, first at the State Department and later in the private sector.
I returned to libraries through the Master of Library Science program at the University of Maryland, where I ended up working as a romance language subject specialist for a decade. For my last few years at UMD, I was also the head of the Research Commons, which provided specialized research support for faculty and graduate students.
What brought you to the Library, and what do you do?
I was interested in shifting away from academia but wanted to stay in the D.C. area. So, I had my eye on jobs at the Library before finally applying for my current role as an international language librarian with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.
My main job at NLS is selecting books in non-English languages (primarily Spanish, but also less widely spoken languages from Albanian to Zulu) to add to our collection in accessible formats like audio and braille.
NLS’ collection is similar to that of a large public library, so I mostly select popular reads and some informational books.
I also manage our exchange of accessible books across international borders under the provisions of the Marrakesh Treaty, an international agreement that facilitates such exchanges by organizations serving people who are blind, visually impaired or print disabled.
What are some of your memorable Library moments?
I was very proud to have been one of the primary organizers of a seminar this summer for the Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. LPD is made up of representatives from libraries and other organizations supporting people who are blind or print disabled.
NLS leveraged a Friends of the Library grant to sponsor attendance by library professionals from 16 developing countries, many of whom had never had the opportunity to attend an IFLA-LPD event. Overall, the seminar brought together nearly 200 in-person and virtual attendees from 37 countries.
I was also thrilled to receive a Librarian of Congress Award this past spring for my work on Marrakesh Treaty exchanges; it was great to be recognized as part of such an illustrious crowd!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Currently, my main pastime is driving my kids (I have two boys, ages 7 and 11) to soccer. But I also enjoy camping, going to concerts, traveling as much as possible and reading sci-fi in my limited spare time.
What is something your co-workers may not know about you?
Through 4H, I showed my family’s Angus cattle at the county fair every year when I was growing up!
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Comments (4)
Librarians Lead, Thank You Kelsey!
i will love to join your forum. please contact me when possible. Thank you
You Go!
Congratulations!. Not only speaking several languages, but transforming the Library system for the disabled!
BRAVO ZULO (that’s radio talk for Great Job!)
Hey I know that superstar! Congrats, Kelsey. You rock!