The NMRT Communication & MPDR Committees proudly present our new column, Build Your Bridge, a Spotlight Series. In this column, we will showcase current, as well as former NMRT members, who have utilized their membership to enhance their personal and professional experience with ALA. Our column will not only celebrate individual success stories but inspire and promote the benefits of active participation in ALA and NMRT. Feel free to share your experience, or nominate a colleague and friend. We look forward to hearing and sharing your experiences with the library profession!
Today’s member spotlight features Trevor A. Dawes. Mr. Dawes is the Vice Provost for Libraries and Museums And May Morris University Librarian at the University of Delaware.
What inspired you to be a part of NMRT?
I wish I knew about NMRT when I was a new member. It wasn’t until after several years (and I can’t even recall how many at this point) of membership in ALA that I decided to join NMRT. I often participated in the resume review service, and I served as a mentor and it was for these programs that brought clear benefit to members that made me decide to also be a member.
How long were you involved with NMRT?
I was involved before becoming a member as a part of the resume review service. I was a reviewer for about 3 years. I then became a member and have been a member for 11 continuous years.
How has NMRT helped you grow professionally?
As I noted above, I wasn’t aware of NMRT until I was invited to be a resume reviewer. I was already in supervisory/managerial roles at that point. However, I get great benefit now from giving back to those for whom I am a mentor and also from whom I learn (mentoring is multi-directional).
How has your involvement with NMRT impacted your involvement with ALA?
I’m not sure that my NMRT involvement has had an impact on my ALA participation. I was active in ALA and particularly in ACRL before becoming an NMRT member. I do see NMRT as an entry point for other professionals to become active within the broader association, however. This is filling an important role within ALA.
What aspects of NMRT would you recommend to our members and why?
I would say take advantage of the mentoring available. Yes, mentoring is available anywhere, but this formal and informal program really helps members not only to navigate ALA, but to navigate the profession.
Do you have any additional advice for our members about getting involved with NMRT and ALA?
There are many paths to involvement. We often think of involvement as being on a committee. This is important, especially for some academic librarians who have to fulfill their “service” requirements. But involvement could also mean writing for publication, presenting, starting a new group/section, or running for office. My advice would be to think about the goals you have in mind for wanting to get involved and talk to others to find the best way to make that happen.