NMRT Online Discussion Forum – November 2017 Recap

Posted on December 13, 2017 by nmrtsecretary

Hello! Laura Birkenhauer here, writing on behalf of the NMRT Online Discussion Forum Committee. I wanted to fill you in on a productive November discussion, hosted on the NMRT-L listserv.

This conversation focused on managing your professional image and networking online. Participants shared thoughts and resources in response to two questions:

  1. Do you prefer to use certain platforms for personal vs. professional conversations and sharing? If so, how do you make and maintain this distinction?
  2. Name a few of your favorite methods of connecting online with others in the profession. Share links, listservs, Twitter hashtags, etc!

Twitter and LinkedIn

While the idea of distinguishing certain platforms for professional connections was new to some, participants generally agreed that Twitter and LinkedIn were the go-to networking sites for engaging with others in libraries.

LinkedIn – a platform allowing users to create the equivalent of an online resume, build a network and even job search – seems a clear choice for job hunting LIS students, professionals or employed folks looking to stay connected. But, what about Twitter? How does one navigate such a site for professional purposes?

While Twitter certainly hosts personal content, it is also a mine of library subject matter. On Twitter, you can find announcements from professional organizations, jump into discussions on topics you care about, read messaging from influencers in the field, and much, much more! For those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of Twitter as a professional tool, here are a few strategies worth sharing:

 

  • Create Lists 
  • Participate in Chats 
    • Hashtags also allow users to join in on live conversations through the platform, called Twitter chats. There are a number of chats relevant to librarianship, including #LISprochat and #critlib. Find other chats of interest here.
    • Save the date for the upcoming January 2018 NMRT Twitter chat! We’ll be discussing managing stress and work/life balance. Participate in the one-hour chat – hosted by me, @LMBirkenhauer – using the hashtag #NMRTchat at 2 pm EST on Tuesday, January 16.

Facebook

Facebook, though popular for personal interactions and sharing, didn’t receive a thumbs up from all NMRT discussion participants as a professional forum. However, Facebook groups such as Library Think Tank and Library Support Network were noted as useful for connecting with others in libraries.

An easy way to find Facebook groups of interest is to view the groups your colleagues on Facebook have already joined. Performing a search in Facebook for keywords such as “library” or “librarian,” and then looking through the Groups results, works well, too.

 

Non-Social Media Options

Participants utilized methods beyond social sites like Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, discussing specific websites, listservs and webinars as means for connecting professionally online.

  • Feedly
    • A platform for aggregating content of interest, customizable by the user. Includes sharing features, with Feedly Pro (paid subscription required).
  • Webinars
    • Attending webinars of interest is a great way to connect with others in the profession. You’ll find those in attendance often have similar interests and you will likely have the option to interact with the experts presenting the webinar.
  • Websites
    • Search the web for websites or blogs relevant to your research interests or job description. Take a look at websites for professional organizations you’re a part of or interested in joining. These sites typically include contact information – social media handles or email addresses – for group leadership or content authors.
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NMRT Member of the Week Spotlight: Laura Birkenhauer

Posted on December 12, 2017 by nmrtsecretary

Laura Birkenhauer

Miami University Libraries, in Oxford, OH

Academic Resident Librarian

What are some things you like about your job or working in libraries in general?

The best part of my job is working with our students. I gain so much satisfaction assisting them in navigating the Libraries: doesn’t matter if I’m leading a tour, helping un-jam a printer or stapler, teaching a class, or walking them through using our research databases. No matter the situation, I find joy in creating a safe space for them to ask questions, grow and learn. Sharing a smile and receiving a thank you after an interaction like this makes my whole day!

What’s a project or committee you’re working on right now that you’re excited about?

As someone passionate about outreach and event planning, I’m excited to be co-hosting with another department on campus a late night breakfast event during finals week in my library. This event will bring together students, staff, faculty and administrators. I’m thrilled to be able to celebrate our students in a big way and wish them luck as they complete their finals and fall semester.

What got you interested in libraries?

Before I was employed at Miami University as a full-time employee, I attended the university as an undergraduate student, majoring in English with a focus on creative writing. I’m a long-time patron of libraries, but I’d never thought seriously about a career in the field. In my final year as a Miami student, I attended on a whim an on-campus “job talk” session presented by two librarians from the MU Libraries. In that talk, I learned about the profession and about Kent State University’s MLIS program, where I shortly after applied and gained admission as a graduate student. The presentation piqued my interest, and the rest is history.

What is one of your favorite things about NMRT?

NMRT is such a fantastic and friendly gateway to ALA, it’s difficult to choose. I think I most enjoy reading the listserv discussions on topics relevant to me, as an early career librarian.

Do you have any advice for other new librarians?

Don’t be afraid to say “no.” Sometimes, especially when you’re new to libraries, it feels like you must be everything to everybody in order to make it in this profession. I urge you to resist adopting that as your philosophy, speaking as someone who has been there, done that! You’re no use to anyone if you’re exhausted and unable to give your 100% to your commitments. Carefully consider each “yes” and also know that occasionally a “yes” will become a “no.” You’re not a flake or a failure if that happens.

 

NMRT wants to feature YOU in our NMRT Member of the Week Series. Nominate yourself or one of your amazing NMRT colleagues here: ow.ly/1umy30deke0

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Volunteer with the NMRT Resume Review Service at Midwinter!

Posted on December 11, 2017 by nmrtsecretary

The NMRT Resume Review Service Committee is recruiting volunteer resume reviewers and booth greeters as well as taking resume review appointments for the 2018 ALA Midwinter Meeting!  This is a free in-person service that will be located in the ALA Job Placement Center on Saturday, February 10 & Sunday, February 11 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days.  Visit our informational website for more details, to access volunteer forms, or to sign up for an appointment: https://sites.google.com/view/nmrtresumereview2018midwinter

If you have any questions, please contact NMRT Resume Review Service Committee Chair Hannah Buckland at hannah.buckland@lltc.edu or Assistant Chair Jillian Hayes at jillian.k.hayes@gmail.com.  Thank you!

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NMRT President’s Program – Call for Speakers

Posted on December 6, 2017 by nmrtsecretary

The NMRT President’s Program Committee seeks potential speakers for an in-person preconference program at ALA Annual 2018 (New Orleans, LA) on the theme of authenticity and the library profession. In this preconference workshop, we will examine the presidential theme of “You Belong Here” by considering ways in which libraries and the library profession can create more inclusive environments that encourage individuals to bring their whole selves to their work and addresses imposter syndrome. We hope to hear from both new professionals and experienced administrators, who can put their personal experiences within a larger framework of inclusive practices. This active discussion-based workshop will encourage new professionals to engage with the tension between self-expression and externally defined ideals of “professionalism” in the library workplace, and deliver concrete suggestions for both individuals and institutions.

If you’d be interested in helping to lead this conversation in the preconference, please fill out the form to describe your ideas and interest.

We would especially like to hear from applicants from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, and have no requirements for previous national speaking experience. Please share widely!

Please submit your statement of interest by Friday, January 5. All applicants will be notified by the end of January.

 

Questions and comments can be submitted to:

Dani Brecher Cook
Director of Teaching, University of California-Riverside Library
2018 NMRT President’s Program Committee Co-Chair
dani.cook@ucr.edu

Madison Sullivan
Business Research and Instruction Librarian, University of Washington Libraries
2018 NMRT President’s Program Committee Co-Chair
madds@uw.edu

 

Many thanks for your consideration!

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NMRT Career Mentoring

Posted on December 5, 2017 by nmrtsecretary

Are you new to the profession and looking to get the inside scoop on how ALA, NMRT, or how the librarian profession works? Apply to be a mentee!

Do you have over 5 years of librarian (library) experience and looking for new ways to engage with other librarians? Use your wealth of knowledge to connect new librarians to their career path by applying to be a mentor!

NMRT Mentoring Committee is seeking both Mentors and Mentees for Career Mentoring from November 2017 to July 2018.

Membership in ALA is required, and NMRT membership is encouraged. Emails of interest are due December 11, 2017, with the committee aiming to match pairs by the mid December. If interested, please contact alanmrtmentoring@gmail.com for more information.

Thanks for your interest!

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NMRT Member of the Week Spotlight: Kati Corbitt

Posted on December 5, 2017 by nmrtsecretary

Kati Corbitt

Hathaway Brown School

Librarian

What are some things you like about your job or working in libraries in general?

I love the the range of activities. One hour I could be quietly cataloging and the next I could be working with my students on an interactive dance research project.

What’s a project or committee you’re working on right now that you’re excited about?

Most recently, I have been working with our dance teacher and 6th grade on social issue dances. The students have been researching issues, such as child labor, within our library resources to educate their dance process and create artist statements. It has been really amazing to watch 6th graders change these facts and opinions around their issues into movement and dance. I love being part of these unique projects.

What got you interested in libraries?

My parents will tell you stories of three-year-old me playing Library Lady and story time with my stuffed toys. In undergrad, I fell into libraries while pursuing my love for art history as an intern at the Cleveland Museum of Art Ingalls Library- it opened many doors for me.

What is one of your favorite things about NMRT?

While attending ALA2017 by myself, NMRT allowed me to connect with other members and create friendships with librarians across the country.

Do you have any advice for other new librarians?

Be open to new adventures and know that there is no cookie cutter librarian.

 

NMRT wants to feature YOU in our NMRT Member of the Week Series. Nominate yourself or one of your amazing NMRT colleagues here: ow.ly/1umy30deke0

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Meet Your NMRT Board Member, Nicole Spoor

Posted on November 15, 2017 by nmrtsecretary

Name:  Nicole Spoor

Job Title:  Business Librarian

Institution: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

NMRT Board Position/Title: NMRT Vice-President

What role does your Board Position serve in NMRT?  The Vice-President’s main job is support the President. Some of the project’s that the Vice-President gets to work on during the year include helping to choose the NMRT Emerging Leader and matching up volunteers to their chosen committees.

How long have you been an NMRT member? I have been an NMRT member for about eight years.

What’s your favorite thing about NMRT?  I really like the people that I have been able to meet and work with.  I love that NMRT is home to library professionals who may be new to the American Library Association, but have really innovative ideas and diverse experiences that help make this profession even better.

What advice would you give to someone just joining NMRT this year? GET INVOLVED!  Your NMRT membership come with some great perks, but much of its value is only realized when you choose to get involved.  Join a committee, participate in a monthly online discussion forum, attend a webinar, or volunteer at one of the conferences.  It doesn’t really matter how you become involved, but it will benefit you so much to do so.

Meet Your NMRT Board Member is a 2016-2017 series to help NMRT members get to know their board. If you have any questions about this series, please contact the NMRT Communications Committee Chair, Jennifer Wilhelm (jenwilhelm09@gmail.com).

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Apply for the 2018 MANGO/NMRT Professional Development Grant

Posted on November 7, 2017 by nmrtsecretary

ALA’s New Members Round Table (NMRT) welcomes applications for the MANGO/NMRT Professional Development Grant. This annual award of $1,000 will help offset costs for one NMRT member to attend the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA, on June 21-26, 2018. This award is generously sponsored by Mango Languages.

More information on the grant and the online application form can be found here: http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/awards/264/apply. Applications will be accepted through December 15.

You must be a current member of NMRT in order to apply. To join NMRT, visit the ALA website and follow the “Join ALA” link to add NMRT to your ALA membership.

Questions? Please contact Teresa Schultz, Chair of the NMRT Professional Development Grant Committee, at teresas@unr.edu.

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ALA NMRT Student Chapter of the Year Award Nominations – Deadline extended to 3/16/18

Posted on November 1, 2017 by nmrtsecretary

Contributed by Sierra Laddusaw

Apply now for the ALA NMRT Student Chapter of the Year Award!

In the spirit of ALA’s NMRT, the Student Chapter of the Year Award is presented in recognition of a chapter’s outstanding contributions to the American Library Association, their school, and the profession. The purpose of the award is to increase student involvement in ALA through student chapters, and to recognize future leaders in the profession. The Student Chapter winner will receive $1,000 to help defray travel expenses to ALA Annual; the winning chapter and the runner up will each receive a certificate. Both will be recognized at the NMRT Student Reception at the 2018 ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA. The seven categories of Student Chapter of the Year Award criteria include:

  • Membership Engagement
  • Programs
  • Communications
  • Leadership
  • Financial Health
  • Awards and Honors
  • Student Chapter Advisor Statement

All ALA Student Chapters in good standing are eligible to receive the ALA Student Chapter of the Year Award. There is no limit on the number of times a student chapter may win the award. Any ALA Student Chapter advisor, Student Chapter officer or member, or ALA member may nominate a Student Chapter, and self-nominations are encouraged.

Please e-mail the completed application form and any supporting documents in either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format to the committee chair, Sierra Laddusaw – sladdusaw86 (at) gmail (dot) com. Deadline for submitting completed nomination forms is March 2, 2018 March 16, 2018 at 11:59pm EST. All nominations will be acknowledged upon receipt.

More information, including the nomination form, may be found at the award website: http://www.ala.org/rt/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/awscotya/scotya

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Looking for funds to help pay for your trip to ALA’s 2018 Annual Conference? Apply for the Shirley Olofson Memorial Award

Posted on October 24, 2017 by nmrtsecretary

Are you looking for funds to help pay for your trip to ALA’s 2018 Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA? Apply for the Shirley Olofson Memorial Award by December 14, 2017!

The award, which is intended to help defray costs to attend the ALA Annual Conference, will be presented in the form of a check for $1,000 during the 2018 Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA.  The winner will be chosen in January before the ALA Midwinter Meeting. All applicants will be notified in March.

Applicants must:

  1.  Be a member of ALA and NMRT
  2.  Be active in the library profession
  3.  Show promise for activity in the area of professional development
  4.  Have a valid financial need
  5.  Have attended no more than five ALA annual conferences

 

To apply, please visit: http://www.ala.org/nmrt/initiatives/applyforfunds/shirleyolofson.

Please e-mail Alexandra Janvey (alexandra.janvey@gmail.com) if you have any additional questions.

 

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