President's Column

President's Column
by Kirby McCurtis
 
Welcome to the new ALA year! As a youth librarian at a public library this time of the year means lots of transitioning for me—summer reading is ending, school registration and parent night outreach visits are beginning—so it feels fitting that I now shift into my role as President of New Members Round Table (NMRT). I have been an active member of NMRT since 2010 and I am excited to see what this year has in store for our round table and its members. 
 
My presidential theme is “Advocating for Now.” This year I want all members to discover, deconstruct, and disrupt. Discover new professional opportunities at school, work, in the community, or within ALA. Deconstruct the misconceptions about the profession and the association from the bottom up—bring a fresh perspective and a new idea. Disrupt the status quo. If your organization has always done something in the same way, ask why. If you are trying the same methods and not seeing results, talk to someone new. As a member of ALA you can disrupt by participating, voting, volunteering, and proposing. There is no better time than right now to take a chance and let your voice be heard. 
We've got a number of exciting changes afoot that will make NMRT even better and more useful to you:
 
  • The Online Programs Committee, will coordinate 4 virtual programs this year, and is seeking your input on continuing education topics and current issues you want to know more about. Be on the lookout for a survey coming to your email soon!
  • Our journal, Endnotes, and newsletter, Footnotes, are undergoing makeovers based on recommendations from two Emerging Leaders groups.
  • The Midwinter Social committee is planning a massive trivia night for Boston. We hope this will be a mentally stimulating socializing and networking opportunity!
  • Our Student and Student Chapter Outreach Committee (SASCO) and Membership, Promotion, Diversity and Recruitment Committee (MPDR) are collaborating to revamp our Membership & Networking Meeting.
  • Regional socials are being coordinated to happen in the fall and spring so you can connect with NMRT members that are in your local area.

We've got even more great developments in the pipeline! Stay tuned to this column, NMRT-L, and our blog for details! Along these same lines, I'd love to know: what would you like to see happen this year? Have a great idea for a virtual program or webinar? Just have a question or want to get involved? Let me know! NMRT is your organization. It works best when it reflects your interests and answers your needs. I'm looking forward to hearing your ideas and meeting many of you over the coming year.

- Kirby McCurtis NMRT President, 2015-2016