New Librarians and Information Specialists Report

I became APLA’s New Librarians and Information Specialists Interest Group convener in March of this year. Since I took on this role, I have contacted previously interested individuals to introduce myself and offer some ideas for group initiatives. A new blog for the Interest Group has been created and promoted (http://nlis.wordpress.com/). My hope is that the blog will be a forum for discussion and sharing among professionals, students, and new graduates. The blog also has more static pages with links to job hunting and professional development resources. There is also a Facebook group which serves as another mode of communicating with members.

In an attempt to enlist the support of students, I have contacted the MLIS Program Coordinator at the School of Information Management, Dalhousie University. An email introducing the Interest Group and inviting new members has been sent out to students.

An informal social event is being planned for the Thursday evening of the APLA Conference. With the help of some enthusiastic members, we will hopefully have a good turnout of students and new and seasoned professionals to mingle and discuss some of the challenges and rewards of working in the field. This event will be a great networking opportunity for people. Once the venue for this event is solidified, it will be advertised via the membership list, blog, and Facebook group.

In my new role, I will also make connections with CLA’s New Librarians and Information Professionals Interest Group to learn what has been successful for them in the past.

Respectfully Submitted,

Leigh Gagnier
Convener