Misakian, Jo Ellen Priest

PERSONAL: Born in Allen, OK; daughter of Frederick (a farmer) and Velma (a homemaker) Priest; married Johnny Lee Misakian, Sr. (a manager); children: Johnny Lee, Jr., Jeffrey Dale, James Kevin. Education: New York Institute of Technology, B.S., 1992; San Jose State University, M.L.S., 1993. Politics: Republican. Religion: Protestant. Hobbies and other interests: Reading, computer activities.

ADDRESSES: Home—Fresno, CA. Office—Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, CA 93702.

CAREER: Library technician for public school system in Sanger, CA, 1971-94; Fresno County Office of Education, Fresno, CA, library services specialist, 1994-99; Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, program director and interim dean, 1999—. Heartland Regional Library Network, executive director; Teacher Librarian Advisory Board, member, 2003—.

MEMBER: American Library Association, American Association of School Librarians (regional director, 2003-05), California School Library Association (president, 2000-01).

AWARDS, HONORS: Professional Services Award, Northern Section, California School Library Association, 2005.

WRITINGS

The Essential School Library Glossary, Linworth Publishing (Worthington, OH), 2005.

SIDELIGHTS: Jo Ellen Priest Misakian told CA:“The Essential School Library Glossary was created in response to a need for school library personnel to have a handy reference to check the meanings of words particular to libraries. It was deliberately kept small—but containing the essential words—to provide a quick resource to library personnel new to the profession.

“I am in awe of authors who create books, especially those who write for young people. They are the true celebrities in my estimation and deserve to be treated as such.

“When I was working in the library at Lone Star School, my students signed a petition requesting the book The Outsiders be made into a movie. Francis Coppola agreed to produce the movie, which is dedicated to the students of Lone Star and to me. This is an example of how the love of a special book changed the lives of some seventh- and eighth-grade students.”