- Individuals who are committed to supporting and advancing African American librarians
As the official affiliate of the American Library Association’s Black Caucus, we serve as an advocate for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources for the nation’s African-American community. We provide crucial leadership for the recruitment and professional development of African American librarians across the state.
We are dedicated to building a robust professional community across South Carolina that champions the advancement of African American library workers and educators. Through strategic collaboration and targeted professional development, we aim to empower our members while actively promoting essential literacy resources to uplift and enrich the communities we serve.
Create opportunities for networking and collaboration
Establish a strong affiliate presence in South Carolina
Support the professional growth of African American librarians, library workers, and educators
Identify resources and programs that support literacy in the African American community
SCBLC is an affiliate of the American Library Association’s Black Caucus. BCALA provides the national direction for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources for the African American community.
Valuable professional development
Advancing African American librarians
Nearly 87% of all librarians in the United States are white.
As of 2021, only 7.1% of librarians nationwide identify as Black or African American.
Black librarians have never made up more than 10.1% of the profession.
Only 5.2% of credentialed librarians within the American Library Association identify as African American.
Preparation for leadership is ongoing. Whether you are a seasoned leader or new to your role, this session will cover strategies to ensure you are ready for the next position. Topics include leadership continuity and succession planning, goal setting, and effective career progression. Additional emphasis will be on maintaining safe, secure and healthy work environments while fostering leadership growth.
Dr. Rosline Sumpter is the Vice President for Academics, Student Affairs, and Research at the South Carolina Technical College System Office. In her role, she oversees state-level academic and student initiatives for the 16 technical colleges and serves as the academic representative for the agency on several statewide committees. Prior to the Technical College System Office, Dr. Sumpter worked at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, the University of South Carolina, and Roche Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Sumpter is a recipient of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges Top 40 under 40 award and doctoral scholarship, SC Technical Education Association Staff of the Year, a graduate of Leadership South Carolina, and an Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow.
Dr. Sumpter earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education Administration, all from the University of South Carolina. She is a native of Sumter, SC.
A core part of our mission is to identify resources and programs that support literacy in the African American community. To help achieve this, we have curated a directory of allied literacy organizations and informational programs designed to empower educators, students, families, and library professionals across the state.
Be a part of a dynamic group of individuals who support the advancement of African American librarians – Get involved in SCBLC!