To Whom It May Concern,

It is my pleasure to write a letter recommending Amanda Harding for a librarian position. I teach two
graduate level courses, one on Collection Management and one on Young Adult Literature, and she was
one of my best students in both courses.

When I refer to best students, I do not necessarily mean the most scholarly, though she was awarded an
A in both courses. After twenty years as a young adult librarian, I know that success in our field requires
a high level of caring, creativity and flexible, forward-thinking, nimble brains. Amanda possesses these
qualities in large quantities!

Among other projects, Amanda developed a core collection project on LGTBQ materials for young
adults, a teaching presentation on collection building in school libraries and a study of how an award-
winning young adult author addresses the diversity and concerns of today’s readers.

I enjoy teaching and connecting with future librarians very much and I have had the privilege of working
with many in three years as an adjunct faculty member. Amanda was memorable in her care for patrons
and fellow staff members throughout the discussions of how real situations (pulled from my experience)
should best be handled. She showed a willingness to respect the opinions of others and the creativity to
find solutions that best serve needs in a respectful way for patrons and staff. She is a librarian I would
have enjoyed working with in a library department.

It is my strong opinion that she would be a welcome addition to any library staff. I am willing to be
contacted for any questions or further discussion.

(630) 988-2146

Amy J. Alessio

Adjunct Faculty, Dominican University