Darlene Jackson (left) is presented the Lifetime Achievement Award from Dr. Jennifer Arns with University of South Carolina's School of Information Science.
Friday, May 06, 2022

Written by: Alexis Simmons/CCPL 

The Charleston County Public Library’s (CCPL) Chief Deputy Director, Darlene Jackson, is starting a new chapter and retiring after 31 years of service at CCPL.  

The University of South Carolina’s School of Information Science (iSchool) recently awarded Jackson with the Lifetime Service Award for her dedication, passion and support of the library school over the years. Jackson initiated a strong partnership with the iSchool that continues to grow. 

“I was shocked, I didn’t expect to be recognized for something that I'm passionate about,” Jackson said. “It was just that I was working with my passion to try to get something going and it was successful." 

Dr. Jennifer Arns with the iSchool presented the award to Jackson at the 2022 Deans’ and Directors Awards in Columbia, South Carolina.  

“In terms of alumni we could not be more proud than we are of Ms. Jackson, she’s been a leader in the field, "Arns said. “Her service at the Charleston County Public Library is exemplary, she’s a leader and most importantly she brings a passion to her work that is almost unseen. There are many people who owe her career to Ms. Jackson and there are many people who have learned from her, I’m one of them. I value her and I value the project we’re doing in Charleston.” 

As a result of the partnership with the iSchool, Jackson has led the efforts with iSchool leaders in establishing the Certificate in Library Studies Program. This certificate program provides an opportunity for professional development and career advancement to CCPL library employees who do not hold a Master's in Library Science degree. The course is taught by professors from the iSchool and provides participants with 12.5 Continuing Education Credits upon completion of the course. CCPL staff are selected through an application process to join the program. 

Library staff members come from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of experience. This program ensures that certificate holders are well-versed in the principles of librarianship, increasing their value to employers and capacity for service to the public, as well as their potential for advancement within the workplace. So far, 30 CCPL employees have graduated from the program since it began in 2019. 

“We want to do everything possible to expose our staff and work with UofSC to grow the program and bring in diversity," Jackson said. "The ultimate goal is to get folks inspired to get the basics so that they can go to library school and we've had some success. We're building a standard where other cities within the state as well as other states can look at this model." 

Jackson has also been working on developing grant opportunities with the iSchool to offer scholarship opportunities for staff interested in library school to support diversity in training among other things. 

“That's all I really wanted to be able to do, help folks on the journey because I’m a teacher at heart and everyone wants to see their students promoted,” Jackson said. “I like the students to take the next step, and that's my joy and that’s what I want to continue to see, staff taking the next step.” 

Jackson most recently oversaw the operations of the library branches and security for the system. She started her career with CCPL in 1990 in the Circulation Department and earned her Master’s in Libraries degree while working at the library about two years later. She also served as the branch managers of Mount Pleasant, John’s Island and Main Library.