Jonna C. Paden, an archivist at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, has been named president of the American Indian Library Association for 2024-2025. A graduate of the San José State University School of Information’s Master of Library and Information Science program, Paden brings extensive experience in library science and archival work to her new leadership role.

Paden’s journey into library and information science began in 2011 when she returned to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, where she had previously worked in the retail sector. She soon pursued her MLIS degree at San José State, a decision that helped her build a strong foundation in the field. “Because I was new to the field, the San José State University School of Information was instrumental in providing me a strong LIS foundation,” Paden said. Her graduate studies were integral to her development as an archivist and a librarian in a tribal institution.

During her time at San José State, Paden was involved in the Circle of Learning program, which aimed to increase the number of Native librarians. As a scholar in the second COL cohort, she experienced firsthand the value of community and culturally relevant education. “The COL cohort provided community and support, which is also one aspect of the American Indian Library Association,” she said, reflecting on the network of Native professionals she connected with during her studies.

In July 2024, Paden transitioned to a full-time archivist role at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, focusing solely on archival work. Throughout her career, Paden has worked to improve how Indigenous materials are cataloged, ensuring that tribal identities are acknowledged. “I made additions to the library catalog, such as acknowledging author and illustrator tribal identification in the catalog,” she said.

In addition to her archival and cataloging efforts, Paden founded the Indigenous Connections and Collections blog, highlighting Indigenous topics and resources. “My goal was to not only provide access to Indigenous resources but also to emphasize that we are still here,” Paden explained. The blog aims to ensure that Indigenous voices shape the narrative about their communities rather than relying on outside perspectives.

For Paden, pursuing archival studies was a way to document her tribal heritage while asserting her authority in a field dominated by Western perspectives. “The Native voice is often lost or ignored in history,” she remarked. “It is invaluable to have Native people in the information science field because we know best how to preserve, assess, collect, and provide access to our materials and materials about us.” Paden believes that earning an advanced degree in the library and information science field goes beyond documenting her tribal heritage. She explained, “Those advanced degree letters communicate authority in Western culture and help provide a seat at the table.”

Paden is also committed to mentoring and supporting others in the field. “I like to connect people,” she said, highlighting her role as a mentor and advocate for Indigenous LIS students and professionals. Her passion for helping others extends to encouraging Pueblo people to preserve and share their work. “I encourage Pueblo people to keep their work and research and to make it accessible for others to learn from because there is little saved documentation,” Paden said.

Reflecting on her experience in the MLIS program, Paden expressed her gratitude for the relationships she built with her classmates. “It was so illuminating to be a part of the COL cohort,” she said, adding that she still stays in touch with her former classmates. “We cheer on and support each other!”

Paden’s favorite course at San José State was the Web Search seminar, which helped her develop search techniques for finding information online. “Finding things online is my superpower!” she jokingly said emphasizing how much she valued the skills gained through the course. She also credited other courses, such as Archives and Manuscripts and Records Management, with giving her a solid foundation in archival work.

Paden offered some key advice for those pursuing or considering a library and information science career. “Be sure to save everything – class assignments, discussion posts, internships, conference sessions, webinars you attend, anything LIS related,” she recommended. “It’ll be useful if you decide to do an e-portfolio; it’ll help provide evidence for the competencies.” She also advised students to create community and connections where possible, as distance learning can disconnect students from their campus and classmates. “There is an SJSU iSchool Student Groups page dedicated to various groups,” she added. Lastly, Paden highlighted the importance of mentorship. “Find a mentor! A mentor is someone to talk to about anything and can provide professional and personal support,” she said.

As Paden steps into her role as AILA president, she remains dedicated to preserving Indigenous knowledge and ensuring Indigenous voices are heard in the library and information science field.