Inland Empire LEADS

Isabel Guzman

School:  San Jose State University

Employer:  Paul A. Biane Library - Rancho Cucamonga Public Library System

Status:  First year MLIS student

"Isabel is a valuable member of the Library Services team, where she spends a majority of time at the Paul A. Biane Library @ Victoria Gardens.  For the fellows and mentors who came to the IE LEADS programs in Rancho Cucamonga, they got an idea of the types of programs and services the Library does, and how we stress such concepts as creativity, innovation, an entrepreneurial spirit and partnerships in everything that we do.  As you can see from what she does here in Rancho, Isabel Guzman has embraced these concepts, and plays an integral role in much of what happens here. 

 Just some of Isabel’s responsibilities include: 

- Story times. Isabel does 4 preschool story times a week (two at each Library.)  In addition, she also does a “Family Saturday” every other week.  Staff who present story times are responsible for coming up with fun, interesting and educational content.  Altogether, these programs average around 200 attendees a week.  

- Special programs.  She conducts a number of special programs every year but Isabel’s “signature” program would probably be “Hello Kitty Day”.  This year, over 250 people attended.  With this particular program, she works closely in partnership with the City’s Animal Care and Adoption Center to emphasize responsible pet ownership and the importance of spay and neutering. 

- Collection Development. Isabel orders all the picture books and children’s CDs for the library system.  Her budget for these collections are approximately $30,000 annually.

 - Passports. Isabel will be trained to work at our Passport Acceptance agency.  This is a new revenue source for the Library and is an example of adopting an entreprenurial aspect for a public agency.

 - Library Marketing and Promotion. Isabel does a lot of our artwork and decorations in the Library for many of our special events, for the  Summer Reading Program, and  when we get ready for the holidays. 

...She embodies much of what makes the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library successful, and would serve as a great example of what an IE LEADS fellow can be."

-Robert Karatsu, Director
Rancho Cucamonga Public Library System

 Past IE LEADS Fellows in the Spotlight