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.  Question - Expectations vs Realities of Library Field

    Posted Aug 17, 2024 03:30 PM

    Hi RMRT,

    What expectations did you have of library field before going into the field and what are some realities that you became aware of when working as a librarian? What things of library field you hoped you were aware of before entering library field?  



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    Bryan Gonzalez
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  • 2.  RE: Question - Expectations vs Realities of Library Field

    Posted Aug 18, 2024 02:33 PM

    Hi Bryan,

    I wish I had a sophisticated answer for you.  I wanted to be a teacher but discovered I didn't like it so decided to be a school librairan so I could have the summers off.  Such motivation!.  But my library school in 1970 didn't have a school library program so I became a public librarian.  I had no expectations except I loved to read and could work with books.  It did not take me long to learn I loved just working with people and helping them find information.  And I had ideas about how to make the service better.  Luckily my early bosses were receptive and I kept getting promoted.  Eventually I wanted to work in a larger venue and went to work for a state library.  Once I started in libraries, the rewards of serving people just kept me going.  Plus, I discovered ALA and the value of learning from my colleagues across the US and then in IFLA internationally..  Yes, there were frustrations.  Mostly from government officials who could not see the value of libraries.  That would bring me to tears.  But the people we served made it worth while.



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    Nancy Bolt
    Colorado Association o f Libraries
    International Library and Cultural Exchange
    nancybolt@earthlink.net
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