Our continued library successes require professional engagement and involvement. Networking opens doors to supportive communities. Advocacy voices our concerns in powerful ways. And yet, whether you’re new to libraries or decades into your career, it’s hard to find your fit. Read on for tips to engage at any level.
Small Steps
You may have limited capacity or budget, be unsure of your professional direction, or lack employer support. Start small with these ideas.
Join an information swap or local group. Whether you meet online, on campus, or at a local library, look for like-minded friends to talk all things library and find your community.
Read committee reports. Check out recent meeting minutes and quarterly reports, which give great overviews of the current work.
Subscribe to professional publications. Browse the ALSC Blog, Children and Libraries, or state library association journals. Similarly, find and follow librarians sharing their experiences.
Find and follow relevant groups. ALSC, local libraries, and library organizations often provide timely information. To separate personal and professional, consider options like LinkedIn or ALA Connect.
Explore lower cost conference options. For example, explore the exhibits for a day. In the same vein, consider single day attendance. Or, review post-conference resources and share notes with someone able to attend.
Ask questions. Ask questions at events and webinars to show engagement and build connection. You can connect with session presenters or others interested in similar content.
Join a professional network. LinkedIn, email lists, and social media all provide no-cost conversations.
Moderate Moves
Here you’ll invest more time, energy, and resources. If you’re ready to contribute more or engage in different ways, these middle ground steps are for you.
Join a state organization. State memberships may cost less than national organizations or offer more immediate benefits, like regional events.
Attend a meeting as a guest. Not only will you observe the work in action, agendas often include space for guest to contribute and ask questions. Calls for input like surveys and forums also let you join conversation.
Comment on professional content. Add your perspective and encourage thoughtful dialogue. Whether you’re looking for more information, responding to a call for action, or expressing appreciation, this opens conversation.
Contribute to ongoing online discussions. Productive conversations raise awareness about your experiences and priorities. Join a conversation and contribute to dialogue around important issues.
Attend a local or state event. Look at all-day trainings, regional resource sharing, district meetings, or state conferences. Local options may reduce cost and travel barriers. Further, these opportunities may prove more timely or relevant.
Facilitate a panel or discussion. You’ll experience presenting, while also connecting with other librarians. Further, you might make connections in the larger library community, like publishers.
Enhance your online profile. Include your work history, special projects, or special interests. You don’t have to share everything, but more details help you recognize shared interests or potential connections.
Larger Leaps
With unlimited capacity, enthusiasm, and resources, the possibilities are endless. Keep in mind, not all options require a monetary investment. Here are some larger leaps to catapult your professional involvement.
Join a national organization. You’ll have more opportunities to serve, learn, and access wider resource pools, even without attending conference. Research and choose the best fit for you.
Join a committee. Look for opportunities that match your interests, but consider the commitment as well. Ask questions of the chair or current members. Embrace the leader-learn model (if available) to support increasing service.
Write a guest post or article. Submit content as a guest blogger, provide conference updates, or write for a formal publication. Most publications are happy to share details, so reach out.
Actively network. Look for ways to connect informally, whether online or off. You’ll build connections that span more than just library work. Or, consider forming your own networking space.
Attend a national event. They come with larger costs, but also include more opportunities. You’ll have exposure to more perspectives, interests, and resources.
Share your expertise. Serve on a panel, submit a session proposal, host a webinar, or teach a class. Think about your passions and where you’re comfortable sharing, then look for where interests and opportunities overlap.
Connect with someone new. Start a conversation or ask about collaboration. Reach out a new committee member or serve as a mentor. Create specific, actionable goals, then go connect.
Next Steps
Wherever you are in professional engagement, please remember that you’re a valued part of this community. Find opportunities that match your comfort level, capacity, and other considerations. The doors that open and opportunities you find might surprise you. Have other ideas I missed? Share your favorite links, tips, and ideas in the comments. Let’s connect!
Jaime Eastman is a senior Public Services Librarian and Early Learning Coordinator at the Harrington Library, one of the Plano (Texas) Public Library locations. She’s currently serving as a member of the ALSC Board of Directors. Jaime is also working on at least two ambitious cross stitch projects, dreaming of future travel plans, and reading far too many books at once. As a child, she wanted to grow up to be an author. Writing for the blog and publishing with Children and Libraries feel like a good start, and she regrets nothing about her adult decision to be a librarian doing storytimes who didn’t have to grow up too much. All photos are courtesy of the author.