RMRT (Retired Members Round Table)

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The Retired Members Round Table (RMRT) shall exist to develop programs of particular interest to retired persons from all types of libraries and all forms of library services, including formal opportunities for continued involvement and learning; a variety of leadership training and opportunities for mentoring; lifelong professional involvement and networking; and active engagement in the American Library Association and the profession of librarianship.

Visit the Retired Members Round Table (RMRT) on the ALA website.

  • 1.  new member and blog about PA library history

    Posted Sep 03, 2026 03:19 PM

    Hi all --

    My name is Bernadette and I just joined RMRT a few days ago. Although I am still working, I felt "it's time" because I want to receive information and make connections that might help me transition to my "next chapter" in a few years.

    Also, I research the history of libraries -- mostly public, mostly in Pennsylvania (USA) -- and my current focus is the 1950s through the early 2000s. I hope to write a sequel to my book Made Free, and when the time comes, I will likely reach out to RMRT to see if there are any former PA library employees or volunteers on here who'd like to be interviewed. But, in the meantime, I also have blog that I update about once a week that I will share. It tends to focuses on Pennsylvania, but maybe some RMRT members might have fun reminiscing over Tel-Med, telethons, the early days of the Internet, and other 1980s/1990s topics I've written about. 

    Anyway, I am very grateful that this group exists. I hope that it's OK for me to be here. I'm really looking forward to getting to know you!

    Bernadette  :)



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    Bernadette Lear
    Education, Behavioral Sciences, and Social Sciences Librarian
    Penn State University Libraries
    She/Her/Hers,Ms.
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  • 2.  RE: new member and blog about PA library history

    Posted 29 days ago

    Welcome, Bernadette !  You are in the right place!  We are a diverse group with many talented members. 

    I spent many a summer in Philly when I helped develop the standards and coordinated training of evaluators for the computer portion of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. One of my favorite cities.   
    And, I know that there are members who have experienced the historical changes in libraries and ALA. 
    THANK YOU FOR STAYING CONNECTED!

    Ann Marie Pipkin

    "People pay for what they do, and, still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it very simply: by the lives they lead." - James Baldwin, writer

    P. S. I tried to send you a message privately through ALAConnect but was not sure if you received it   



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    Ann Marie Pipkin
    RMRT Chair 2026-2027
    apipkin1@bellsouth.net
    annpipkin@gmail.com

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  • 3.  RE: new member and blog about PA library history

    Posted 28 days ago

    Thank you for the warm welcome, Ann Marie! 😀



    ------------------------------
    Bernadette Lear
    Education, Behavioral Sciences, and Social Sciences Librarian
    Penn State University Libraries
    She/Her/Hers,Ms.
    ------------------------------

    Original Message