NMRT Member Spotlight: 5 Questions with Erin Huffman

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Erin Huffman

Westerville Public Library, Westerville Ohio

Program and Community Engagement Coordinator

About Erin’s job:

I plan and coordinate events at our library, including author visits and various programs to encourage community discussion and engagement.

1)      What are some things you like about your job or about working in libraries in general?

I love all the possibility for knowledge and experience. I get to work on so many different types of programs, meet new people, and learn their different stories. I really love the way the library connects people through the books, the technology and the events. That’s what is so great about my job, I’m constantly learning new things and making new connections.

2)      What’s a project or committee you’re working on right now that you’re excited about?

I am currently researching what I can do to begin a successful Diversity Committee among staff at our library. I am finding out what other librarians and professionals have done to get their working communities to learn and grow in diversity awareness. It is really encouraging to find there are already a lot of resources to get us started.

3)      What got you interested in libraries?

Books, learning, and people. When these things intersect, I am very happy! The library seemed like a good fit to make that happen.

4)      What is one of your favorite things about NMRT?

NMRT provides a lot of opportunities like a mentoring program, resume review service, scholarships, grants and awards. My favorite thing this past year was the networking and social events at ALA midwinter and annual conferences. I had the opportunity to work on a project for NMRT as part of the 2014 Emerging Leaders program. It really helped me learn a lot more about the group and gave me the chance to meet a lot of new people.

5)      Do you have any advice for other new librarians?

Try new things. Step out of your comfort zone. It can lead to wonderful opportunity.

Want to be our next member of the week? Know another new librarian who deserves to be in the spotlight? Fill out our nomination form here!

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