LaShonda Campbell, collection development librarian for the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from HARRASSOWITZ to support her attendance at the 2025 Charleston Conference in Charleston, South Carolina.
The international conference, held Nov. 3–7, is considered one of the premier gatherings for library and information professionals. This year’s theme, “Sailing into the Wind,” focused on navigating emerging challenges and innovations in library science, bringing together librarians, publishers, scholars and vendors from around the world.
The HARRASSOWITZ scholarship is awarded through a competitive application process that required candidates to submit an essay reflecting on the conference theme. Applications were reviewed by a panel of librarians from the University of Chicago and the University of Florida, along with publishing industry professionals.
Campbell said the conference provided valuable insight and practical strategies she can apply directly to her work at UAM.
“The Charleston Conference is valuable to the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center and to me because it provides a rare space for honest, practice-driven discussions about collection development, budgeting, vendor relationships and the real challenges libraries face,” Campbell said. “Attending allowed me to bring back concrete strategies, new perspectives and informed questions that directly strengthen my work in collection development and my ability to support faculty and students.”
Dan Boice, director of the UAM Library, praised Campbell’s efforts and commitment to professional development.
“LaShonda worked hard to earn the HARRASSOWITZ Charleston Conference Scholarship and also took advantage of other opportunities to reduce the cost of attending,” Boice said. “She returned with important new ideas and insights that will benefit our library and the university community.”
Campbell’s participation in the conference is expected to enhance the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center’s collection development practices and strengthen its support for UAM students and faculty.
