Raise your hand if you've ever walked into a room full of librarians and thought these are my people... and then immediately wanted to escape behind the nearest stack of books.
You are not alone. And that feeling deserves a real conversation.
This month, we're getting ahead of our upcoming Virtual Coffee Hour (details below!) by diving into something a lot of us quietly relate to but don't always say out loud: professional spaces can be intimidating, even when you belong there.
We want to hear from you:
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What part of professional engagement still makes you a little nervous - networking, introducing yourself, speaking up at meetings, presenting your work, etc.?
- Has anyone given you advice that actually stuck? Or that turned out to be completely useless?
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What's one honest question you'd ask a room full of fellow early-career library folks about navigating the profession?
Drop your thoughts below, then come talk it out with us live! NMRT MPDR and Online Programs are hosting our second virtual New Member Coffee Hour: Librarians Make Me Nervous: Let's (Gulp) Talk About It on June 5th at 2 PM EST. This collaborative session is designed for folks who want a welcoming, honest space to talk about the parts of professional life that can feel awkward or overwhelming, especially for introverts or those still finding their footing. Bring a beverage, bring your questions, and bring your awkward stories. We've got plenty of our own.
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Emily McQuade
Branch Librarian
Orange County Library System Windermere Branch - Windermere, FL
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