Biographical Note: Ms. Skye Patrick is a Northern Michigan University (NMU) alum (BFA, 1991-1995). In February 2016, Patrick became the first African-American library director for the County of Los Angeles Public Library. The Library is the third largest public library in the United States based on the size of the population it serves. It is the largest county library in the United States. Ms. Patrick’s career is marked by successfully leading community and social justice programs in large, urban libraries. Her focus is on social equity and social justice, with the Library as the center for social change. Ms. Patrick studied film at NMU. She was an early LGBTQ activist on campus, helping to create the “Ten Percent Club” that eventually became the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersexed Student Union.

Summary Note: The interview focuses on Skye Patrick’s experience as an undergraduate student at Northern Michigan University with particular focus on the development of the LGBTQ student community and activism. The interview addresses the following topics: why she chose to attend NMU, her initial impressions of Marquette and NMU, her role in the creation and early development of the LGBTQ community in Marquette and NMU, the nature of LGBTQ community life in Marquette, the nature of NMU administration and faculty support, and major issues, challenges, and obstacles.

OCLC #1000387001