It’s May, which means this is my final President’s Column. After ALA Annual in San Francisco, I will become Past-President, and Vice-President Kirby McCurtis will take up the reins of this wonderful group of new and aspiring librarians. Standing at the helm of this valuable organization is one of the most rewarding and humbling things I've ever done--I've worked with so many wonderful people, pushed forward inspiring ideas, and mentored brand-new professionals.
In writing this milestone of a final column, I’ve been thinking about what I’d like my legacy to be, and it is this: that you, our members, feel empowered to #makeithappen (as the ALA Think Tank motto goes). Do you feel that your voice is heard as a new professional or member of ALA? If you have an idea—or concern—do you know where to share it so it’ll be put into action or fixed? I really hope that NMRT is that place for you, and that you know you can always reach out to me—or any other member of our Executive Board—and we’ll do that for you.
May is also graduation season for many, many library schools across the country, which means lots of people hitting the job market. How do you differentiate yourself from the thousands of other new grads? NMRT can help in several ways:
- Get your resume/CV reviewed—for free! If you’ll be at Annual in San Francisco, you can even have this done in person!
- Speaking of resumes/CVs, one of the easiest things you can do to stand out is get involved professionally—more than just paying your dues so you can say you’re a member of ALA. Join a committee. Chair a committee! I was literally offered a job once based on the depth of my involvement with ALA and my state association, so don’t underestimate the power of this. And you’re in luck—NMRT’s currently seeking committee volunteers!
- Another way you can make your resume/CV more impressive: add some publications. It’s really easy to write for NMRT’s newsletter and peer-reviewed journal—you can even write book reviews!
- Get career advice from someone who’s got the kind of job you want.
I hope to meet many of you in person at ALA Annual in San Francisco next month! I’ll be at all the NMRT events—please say hi. Can’t make it to Annual? Drop me a question or concern any time at mlhodge at gmail dot com.
It’s been an honor and a joy being NMRT’s President—your President—this year. Thank you!
Megan Hodge, NMRT President, 2014-2015