Landing your first job as a librarian can take longer than expected. Many MLIS graduates find themselves working multiple part-time positions in and outside of libraries as they doggedly apply for professional level positions. Here’s some good news! If you’re working as a paraprofessional or you’re still in library school, you don’t have to wait to start building your professional experience and making a meaningful impact through librarianship. Professional associations like ALSC offer a myriad of opportunities to participate in meaningful library work while building a stronger resume, discovering opportunities, and growing your network. Here are a few ways to engage in the library community and start your professional career on your own terms.
Category: Blogger ALSC Membership Committee
Fall Into Fall with the ALSC Membership Committee
In anticipation of this year’s soon approaching ALSC Institute, the ALSC Membership Committee will be hosting a virtual gathering as an opportunity to meet and/or reconnect with others. All current and potential ALSC members are invited to attend our Virtual Fall Membership Gathering on Wednesday, September 21st at 11am PT / 12 pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET. The Membership Committee hopes to continue to provide an intentional and fun space for people to connect.
Three Reasons I’m Excited for the ALSC Institute
It’s finally September, and you know what that means: the ALSC Institute is this month! I joined ALSC as I finished graduate school in 2019, and then 2020 happened, so this will be my first Institute as a career librarian. There are so many aspects of the event I’m looking forward to, but since there’s still time to register if you haven’t yet, I thought I’d give you my top 3 reasons I’m excited for Institute this September.
How to Sell ALSC to Potential Members
Another year of ALSC membership lies before us. Now is a great time to reflect on our own experiences within the organization. How has our membership within ALSC changed our lives, and how can we leverage our own experiences in talking to our colleagues who might also benefit from ALSC membership? Whether you’re in a leadership position in your library trying to encourage your employees to pursue professional organization membership, or an ALSC-lover who wants to see more of your colleagues learning from the good work ALSC does, or an employee trying to convince your employer to cover your dues payments, here are three ways to share the benefits of ALSC professional membership with those around you.
Finding Your Fit at ALA Annual
This year’s ALA Annual Conference left my head spinning from what can accurately be described as a love fest for library workers. From an ALA exclusive open house at the Library of Congress to intimate conversations with new friends, my heart and mind were overflowing. Collaborations and contributions from library advocates across the country – many of whom are students, part-time library workers, or those working in fields complementary to librarianship – enriched the conference with a depth of knowledge and expertise. Read on for a few highlights and insights from fellow conference attendees.
Explore Planet Word with the ALSC Membership Committee
Do you consider yourself a wordsmith or a lover of languages? Are you a current, former, or future member of ALSC or interested in youth services? Then you won’t want to miss out on joining the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Membership Committee on Friday, June 24th to learn about ALSC, connect with other youth services professionals and kick off ALA in style. The Membership Committee will be walking to and exploring Planet Word, the museum where language comes to life.
Finding Time for the Bechtel Fellowship
It’s definitely the season for making summer plans. As you’re finalizing summer reading programs and coordinating vacation schedules, this is a good time to think about your professional goals, too, and to consider whether applying for the Bechtel Fellowship might be part of your plans.
How to Advocate for Professional Development Support
Professional development is essential for library workers, no matter where we are in our careers. While there are sometimes professional development opportunities through your library, often opportunities must be sought out. Professional development also requires resources including time, space, supervisory support, and money. Some supervisors and libraries have built in systems with dedicated resources, but this is not the case across the board. Additionally, you may find that resources and support may fluctuate because of changes in library leadership, funding, staffing, etc. That’s why it’s important to be your own advocate when it comes to finding professional development opportunities and seeking out resources to support your participation in those opportunities. Here are a few ways you can make your case to your supervisor and library that can be utilized at different times in your career.