These are great points, Morgan! Serving on committees is such a great way to network. I like that you point out the positive experience you've had with selection committees, in particular, that is great feedback for NMRT members looking to get involved!
I've always tried to serve on committees that are relevant to my job duties. For example, I am a part of the ULS Academic Outreach Committee because outreach and engagement is a large part of my job. I've also served on the ACRL Instruction Section Membership committee, as instruction is another major element of my work. Both of these committees are filled with professionals in similar positions, working jobs that involve instruction, outreach and engagement! A perfect networking opportunity!
Committees will vary in size based on number of volunteers and popularity. Even if a committee is quite large, sometimes you have the option to also work with a handful of other committee members as part of a subcommittee/working group dedicated to a particular committee task, and that can be a chance to get to know a few folks even better than you might in the big group setting.
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Laura Birkenhauer
Student Success Librarian for Campus Engagement
Miami University Libraries
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Original Message:
Sent: Oct 05, 2022 04:59 PM
From: Morgan Brickey-Jones
Subject: Online Discussion Forum October 2022 Topic: Building Your Network
I think that Emily's suggestion of Twitter (for those that use the platform) is great! I see librarians engaging on Twitter frequently. I'm more of an observer on Twitter- it's never been my platform of choice. Any time I've found success with networking, I've been a member of a book committee. I was a past member of Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (a YALSA committee), and it was a selection committee that used to meet in person. This really changed the game for me- I'm not sure how valuable ALA conference would have been for me (at that time I was at a smaller library in a more rural area), but as a committee member I automatically had purpose and a place to be. I also did the Texas Bluebonnet Selection Committee and again, these colleagues are ones that I see again and again at TLA (Texas Library Association) conferences, etc. I've always been more of a in -person networker, my career started a while ago, so virtual (Zoom, Teams) were not as big. I really have loved working on selection committees, and definitely encourage anyone to go ahead and apply for one!
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Morgan Brickey-Jones
K-12 Librarian
University of Texas At Arlington
She/Her/Hers
Original Message:
Sent: Oct 03, 2022 11:26 AM
From: Laura Birkenhauer
Subject: Online Discussion Forum October 2022 Topic: Building Your Network
Hello all,
My name is Laura Birkenhauer and I'm the Chair of the NMRT Online Discussion Forum Committee. Our committee's October 2022 topic is Building Your Network. I hope you'll take the time to participate right here in Connect; simply click on the Reply button to share your thoughts.
One of the reasons you may have joined ALA NMRT is to grow your professional network. This month, we're talking about developing a network as a new library professional.
Volunteering your time and participating in committee work is one great way to get started in collaborating with library colleagues across the country and meeting others in the profession outside of your organization. (As an aside, NMRT is still looking for volunteers to serve on committees! Sign up at https://t.co/EvLr5eIiwa.)
Outside of NMRT, where else have you been able to form meaningful connections with others in this community? What tips do you have for those brand new to libraries and NMRT for networking? What questions do you have about building a network?
Social mixers and elevator pitches may be where your mind goes when you think about networking, but there are many ways to connect with others in libraries that fall outside of the conventional wisdom.
Are there listservs you enjoy being a part of that you want to share with others? Twitter handles and hashtags that are particularly useful to follow? What creative strategies for building a network do you use that you'd like to recommend to those new to the field?
Share as much as you are comfortable detailing in this space. I look forward to hearing from new and returning members of NMRT!
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Laura Birkenhauer
Student Success Librarian for Campus Engagement
Miami University Libraries
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