NMRT (New Members Round Table)

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The mission of the New Members Round Table (NMRT) is to help those who have been association members less than ten years become actively involved in the association and the profession.

Learn more about NMRT on the ALA website.

  • 1.  Library Love

    Posted 4 days ago

    Hi Everyone!
    Each month, the NMRT Online Programs Committee shares a discussion topic to help our members connect in meaningful and fun ways. This month, we're celebrating something close to our hearts: the love of librarianship! 💛

    What do you love about your library or your library work? It could be a small everyday moment, a big impact story, or even a quirky behind-the-scenes task that brings you unexpected satisfaction.

    Share with us:

    • One part of your job that consistently brings you joy

    • One thing about your library (space, people, mission, community, chaos!) that you wouldn't trade

    Let's fill this thread with all the reasons we love what we do. Because even on the busiest weeks, there's something pretty special about being part of this profession. 



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    Melissa Herzberg
    Instructional Design Librarian
    University of Alabama
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  • 2.  RE: Library Love

    Posted 3 days ago

    I'm still a student, so I don't yet have a job in the library. However one thing that I really love about my local library is how helpful the staff are! I have had to work 1:1 with a librarian for most of my program, and both librarians have gone out of their way to allow me to interview them, show me aspects of the library, answer questions, and just chat. The rest of the staff have also been amazing and shown me how they repair books, answered questions about accessibility technology, and just grown use to me prowling around for various assignments. We are overseas, so I can say with absolute certainty that without their assistance completing this program would not be possible. 



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    Caitlin Hulshizer
    MLIS Student
    chulshiz@syr.edu
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Library Love

    Posted 3 days ago

    One thing that brings me joy about my job is the interactions I have with teens about books. One of my duties is to order graphic novels and manga for teens and adults and I  love when one teens ask me questions about some of the series that I order and give me recommendation on other series to order



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    Destiny Abercrumbie
    She/Her/Hers
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Library Love

    Posted 2 days ago

    I love that our library is the heart of the campus! Our students come here for more than just to study. They come for activities, friendship, and a sense of belonging. Our library is very active with art, music, games and all sorts of programming happening from open to close, as well as, instruction, reading and studying...all of which we welcome and encourage with our various spaces and resources. The librarians I work with are all personable and open to assisting students with anything, both academic and personal. It creates a real community bond here and I am proud of that!



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    Andrea St Onge
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Library Love

    Posted 2 days ago

    I'm new to this discussion board, so I'm not sure if I'm replying the right way! 

    I've been in the high school library for over 10 years now, and while I LOVE it, it's been hard lately - so this thread is something I need! 

    • One part of your job that consistently brings you joy: I absolutely love the conversations with students about reading.  With teens, they are few and far between at times, but recently I have had several come down and talk to me about wanting to start reading again - we share interests, then I help them find a book.  I can be the busiest I've ever been, but I will always stop to find a book for a student.  It fills my heart with joy - and reminds me why I'm here! 

    • One thing about your library (space, people, mission, community, chaos!) that you wouldn't trade: This one is hard because I'm still trying to evolve the space in this building to what I want it to be.  What I wouldn't trade is my colleague's willingness to help me test out new things!  The teachers in my building can be great when it comes to me wanting to test out something new! 

    Lisa Marcum 

    She/Her/Hers



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    Lisa Marcum
    Library Media Specialist
    Plainfield High School Central Campus
    She/Her/Hers
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Library Love

    Posted 2 days ago

    This is a great discussion topic! I love being a librarian! 

    One part of your job that consistently brings you joy...
    Most of my work directly impacts and reaches students and they never fail to make me smile. We have our regulars that consistently stop by and engage with us and our programs and I love when they show up and recognize us and each time they come back it's just building on that relationship. I love when students tell us things during our events like "I really needed this," or "I was really stressed out about xyz but now I'm feeling much better." It proves that we are making a difference even if it's just distracting them from school for a moment to make a craft. 

    One thing about your library (space, people, mission, community, chaos!) that you wouldn't trade...
    My coworkers 100%. The team I'm a part of is so perfect and we work so well together. Our creativity blossoms when we're around each other. I've never been part of a team that's so passionate about the work we do. We're always trying to strive to be better and branch out. We're quite the problem solvers too! There have been a lot of changes happening at our institution and we're constantly having to think about new ways to reach students and how we can bring the libraries to them. 



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    Krystal Dean (she/her)
    Student Engagement and Outreach Librarian
    Texas A&M University Libraries
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    Original Message