Peter Rolla, candidate for vice-president/president-elect:
What do you hope to accomplish as part of NMRT’s leadership?
My current experience chairing one of the NMRT committees has shown me that the round table does a lot of great work but that the Covid pandemic and its aftereffects significantly interrupted these services. A big priority of mine, then, will be to work with the board and the committee chairs to identify any committees or services that are still struggling and to get them back to pre-pandemic levels of service.
On a related note, ALA has been changing, even before the pandemic and shutdowns, but those unfortunate events have changed even more the ways that many of us, especially newer members of the library profession, interact with ALA. For example, many of us are still reluctant to travel and attend large events in person. Another goal of mine, then, will be to explore ways in which NMRT can meet, serve, and work with the new members of ALA in the ways that most benefit them and are most convenient and comfortable for them.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
As a department head, one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is working with newer professionals. We have recently hired two paraprofessionals in my department, one currently attending library school and the other a recent graduate, and I have really enjoyed being adjacent to their entry into the profession. I am probably overly fond of sharing with them stories from my career and what I hope are insights I have learned along the way, and I love to see them gaining knowledge and learning new skills. They of course teach me a lot as well, since they bring new ideas from the changing profession into our library.
As a department head I am also proud of the ways in which I have been able to work with other managers and the library administration to make our workplace better for staff members. I have been a vocal advocate for continuing to have hybrid in-person and remote schedules coming out of the pandemic, and for using now common technologies like Zoom and Teams to allow greater participation in meetings and events. I have also worked with our administration to standardize our hiring practices for classified staff in ways that I hope reduce the possibility of bias.
What skills and/or experience would you bring to this position that would benefit NMRT and the profession overall?
I have successfully chaired many committees, subcommittees, and working groups throughout my career and I would bring that experience to my role on the NMRT board. As a group leader I have the skills to facilitate discussion and create a space for different viewpoints to be heard; for guiding the group to making decisions; and for managing tasks and holding members accountable. I would bring all of these skills to my role on the NMRT board.
In a more specific area that is relevant to NMRT’s work, I am very interested in the job search and hiring process, and I have extensive experience on both sides. I have worked at several libraries, and so have gone through a job search several times. On the hiring side I have hired many classified staff members and have served on several librarian search committees. I am passionate and knowledgeable about the hiring process, and I know that it is an important topic for many new professionals who are drawn to the NMRT, so I also feel I could use my skills and knowledge in this area to help members have more success and be more satisfied with their job searches.
(From the NMRT Membership Page) The New Members Round Table ( NMRT) provides a place for those members of the American Library Association (ALA) who are new to the library profession, new to ALA, or new to both. NMRT brings together people from all types and sizes of libraries and information centers, serving their diverse needs and interests as a gateway to the profession, pathfinder through ALA, and a stepping-stone to higher places. How would you support this in the role you applied for?
As I said above, I do have the unfortunate tendency to want to slip into the role of wise elder and pontificate to my younger colleagues about the profession, but I know that doing so is often unhelpful and shuts down other possible conversations. I also realize that the NMRT is for the younger and newer professionals and that my role will essentially be as a steward to keep the round table and what it represents thriving so that the newer professionals can take it over when they are ready. To fulfill this role as a steward, and to support the diverse members of the NMRT and their needs, I will always strive to allow spaces for conversations to be had and for different viewpoints to be aired, and then of course to always listen to and engage with the ideas brought forth.
What changes if any do you see need to happen for NMRT to make it more welcoming and inclusive to all?
This is difficult for me to answer because I have not faced the same barriers that others have faced and so I do not always know what would make the round table unwelcoming or less inclusive. Again, I think my task here would be to provide a space for all potential members to express their opinions, to seriously engage with what they say, and to pull from their ideas the concrete actions that the round table could take to reduce barriers for everyone.
What changes, if any, would you like to make for NMRT for the next year?
I have only recently become associated with the NMRT and so do not yet have an idea of what specific changes need to be made. I believe I am running for a multi-year position, so my main goal for the first year of the term would be to learn more about the round table and to discover what its strengths and weaknesses are. And then in later years to build upon the strengths and try to fix the weak spots.
Cara Calabrese, candidate for vice-president/president-elect:
What do you hope to accomplish as part of NMRT’s leadership?
To encourage members to be more involved as we can only grow with the support of our members, and work toward better pathways or connections with ALA divisions, so NMRT members can find their home within ALA.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
I enjoy working with my colleagues and developing workflows. My colleagues are great. They are knowledgeable, supportive, and willing to partner on projects. It’s wonderful working with them, and I always learn something new. I’ve been able to develop several new workflows of the acquisitions of materials in collaboration with them. The workflows have all benefited from this collaboration as well.
What skills and/or experience would you bring to this position that would benefit NMRT and the profession overall?
I have experience in leading committees at local, regional, and national levels. As well as experience in events and programming. I look for ways to support early career librarians as the support and guidance I received when I was in grad school and as a fresh librarian helped me to grow in the field and become successful in my positions.
(From the NMRT Membership Page) The New Members Round Table ( NMRT) provides a place for those members of the American Library Association (ALA) who are new to the library profession, new to ALA, or new to both. NMRT brings together people from all types and sizes of libraries and information centers, serving their diverse needs and interests as a gateway to the profession, pathfinder through ALA, and a stepping-stone to higher places. How would you support this in the role you applied for?
I believe NMRT is well positioned as a bridge between other ALA divisions and RTs and working to develop additional programming with these potential partners will allow increased opportunities for NMRT members to explore ALA and librarianship and make connections that can benefit their work and career path. I will work to ensure the NMRT committees have what they need to continue to do their work and are supported in their efforts. I will also do my best to bring pertinent information back to NMRT regarding governance of ALA so NMRT is well informed and is able to advocate for new, student, and early career members within ALA.
What changes if any do you see need to happen for NMRT to make it more welcoming and inclusive to all?
NMRT can continue to work on increasing awareness of ways members can be involved and offering virtual and free or low cost options for members to engage with NMRT and ALA or other partners we have as these options allow for increased reach and engagement. I would like to revisit the suggestion the mentoring committee had regarding training for the committee and mentors to better support BIPOC mentees. There may be internal ALA tools or contacts we can leverage to support this.
What changes, if any, would you like to make for NMRT for the next year?
I want to continue the work to streamline the committee structure so that it is more accessible and we aren’t duplicating functions and can give committees consistent work.
Allison Grubs, candidate for Secretary:
What do you hope to accomplish as part of NMRT’s leadership?
As part of NMRT’s leadership, I would use my professional network to bring attention to the need for a deeper pool of mentors for new professional librarians and those who are looking to become a librarian or to change their career pathway. Mentorship (both formal and informal) is critical for several reasons: career guidance, skill development, networking, and emotional support and encouragement during a challenging time in a person’s career. Experienced mentors can introduce new professionals to important contacts, and assist them in mastering the more technical methodology of our field.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
The people I work with are the most enjoyable aspect about my current position as Director of Broward County Library (BCL). I work with a team of skilled professionals and our camaraderie and collaboration produce better outcomes for our organization. My team’s diversity in their backgrounds and lived experiences bring a wealth of knowledge and perspectives to BCL, which often leads to more creative solutions and innovative approaches to library services and programming. Finally, as Director, I have the privilege to develop relationships with our staff across the entire organization as well as throughout our community.
What skills and/or experience would you bring to this position that would benefit NMRT and the profession overall?
I reaped the benefits of various professional formal and informal mentorships, and it is so important to pay it forward. Mentorship of new and soon-to-be librarians (regardless of where they are in their career) is critical to moving our profession forward. I am at a place in my career where I can see the industry from a birds-eye level and can lean on my professional network to build up the next generation of librarians. I am someone who can learn from past mistakes and successes, I can balance my professional and personal opinions, and I can have the crucial conversations when necessary. All of this is critical in a time when attacks on our profession and toward ourselves personally are ramping up to an incredibly scary level. We need advocates to stand up and say, “enough,” and I am willing to do that.
(From the NMRT Membership Page) The New Members Round Table ( NMRT) provides a place for those members of the American Library Association (ALA) who are new to the library profession, new to ALA, or new to both. NMRT brings together people from all types and sizes of libraries and information centers, serving their diverse needs and interests as a gateway to the profession, pathfinder through ALA, and a stepping-stone to higher places. How would you support this in the role you applied for?
NMRT has come such a long way since I was a new professional, especially when it comes to making information accessible via ALA Connect. As a leader in NMRT, I would support its mission by drawing on my experience working at special and public libraries of all sizes as well as my experience working many different jobs within libraries to:
· provide a high level of advertisement for the services NMRT provides
· bring in similarly qualified individuals to participate on committees, either directly or indirectly via committee initiatives
· provide guidance and mentorship to new and existing members
· help them navigate the sometimes overwhelming number of resources and opportunities available through ALA.
What changes if any do you see need to happen for NMRT to make it more welcoming and inclusive to all?
NMRT is already making a positive difference in so many new professionals’ lives. I would like to see the language change to be more inclusive of those who are not yet professional librarians and/or those who are in the midst of a career change. They may not be a new librarian, but they could still be in need of professional guidance and encouragement.
What changes, if any, would you like to make for NMRT for the next year?
Mainly what I mentioned in the previous question, to be more welcoming to those who are not yet professional librarians but are solidly on track to reach that goal and to be more inclusive of those who are in the midst of a career change and need the encouragement of their colleagues to be as successful as possible.
Michelle Mitchell, candidate for Secretary:
What do you hope to accomplish as part of NMRT’s leadership?
NMRT as a whole opens up connections for new librarians and library school students; however, I do not know if everyone knows how to get involved or feel as though they are receiving the most from NMRT. I hope to find ways to make NMRT events and meeting notes more accessible to all members and receive feedback on how those can be improved upon. I strive to always represent NMRT members’ best interests upon introducing or revising any initiative through the NMRT Executive Board.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
As the current Reference and Instruction Librarian at Syracuse University, I have liaison responsibilities to underrepresented student populations on campus, including international students. International student relations within libraries is highly underrated and I am enjoying building stronger connections with those students and their support services. Learning from international students and understanding how their needs differ from some domestic students is essential to my position in creating a more inclusive space for them in the libraries. I really enjoy allowing students to claim the library space as their own and finding ways for how I (and the libraries) can better support them.
What skills and/or experience would you bring to this position that would benefit NMRT and the profession overall?
Currently, I am the Chair of the NMRT Shirley Olofson Memorial Award Committee, and I have served on multiple NMRT committees in the past, including the Nominating Committee, President’s Program Planning Committee, and the ALA Annual Social Committee. I am also heavily involved in institutional committees at Syracuse University. I am comfortable with taking extensive minutes during meetings and strive to advocate for the best interests of the parties I am representing in those meetings.
(From the NMRT Membership Page) The New Members Round Table ( NMRT) provides a place for those members of the American Library Association (ALA) who are new to the library profession, new to ALA, or new to both. NMRT brings together people from all types and sizes of libraries and information centers, serving their diverse needs and interests as a gateway to the profession, pathfinder through ALA, and a stepping-stone to higher places. How would you support this in the role you applied for?
I would support the various needs of our members by representing their concerns through the Executive Board meetings and taking careful notes regarding those concerns. I think a great way to solicit concerns or kudos is by asking the general NMRT ALA Connect page for feedback as well as asking NMRT committees if they have something to bring up at the meeting that would benefit all members. I believe the main way to appropriately serve all of our members appropriately is by making sure their voices are included in Executive Board meetings.
What changes if any do you see need to happen for NMRT to make it more welcoming and inclusive to all?
I believe NMRT needs to find ways to be in connection with their broader member base outside of the committees. Personally, I have only ever been connected with NMRT through serving on committees and I feel as though there should be other opportunities for NMRT members to connect with services NMRT offers regardless of their availability to be a committee member. Hopefully we can find additional ways to engage all members and create more of a community.
What changes, if any, would you like to make for NMRT for the next year?
Similar to the last question, I would like to see NMRT find various ways to engage and include more members into their activities, even if that means creating more opportunities for folks to get involved. I am hoping that through listening to our members and their experiences, we can develop new programs to offer that will benefit someone regardless of being right out of graduate school or 7 years into librarianship.
Lauren Puzier, candidate for Member Services Director:
What do you hope to accomplish as part of NMRT’s leadership?
As an early-career library professional, I found that attending conferences, meeting scholars and authors, and visiting art and book fairs are fantastic ways to get involved and learn new things with others. I am eager to share ideas on encouraging more new members to attend and participate in the conference and association. It’s amazing how much impact we can have when we work together to promote our profession and support our colleagues. I want to help make sure our current members get the most out of their membership, and will use my time with the leadership team to provide that support.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
I am currently the User Experience Librarian at UAlbany. I really enjoy the aspect collaboration plays in my position. My role extends across all areas of the library. I love to team up with colleagues from other departments and our students to find ways to make everyone’s experience with us better.
What skills and/or experience would you bring to this position that would benefit NMRT and the profession overall?
I have leadership experience in supporting and engaging emerging professionals, specifically in the New Members Round Table (NMRT). This includes leading the Mentoring Committee and Professional Development Grants Committee within NMRT, as well as serving as a leader in the Membership Committees of ENY/ACRL and ACRL/Arts. My experience with the College Art Association (CAA) on the Student and Emerging Professionals Committee will also be of value, as I organized numerous professional development opportunities for students, including workshops, lunch-and-learn sessions, and mock interviews. Supporting emerging professionals is both much-needed and fulfilling work.
(From the NMRT Membership Page) The New Members Round Table ( NMRT) provides a place for those members of the American Library Association (ALA) who are new to the library profession, new to ALA, or new to both. NMRT brings together people from all types and sizes of libraries and information centers, serving their diverse needs and interests as a gateway to the profession, pathfinder through ALA, and a stepping-stone to higher places. How would you support this in the role you applied for?
I was actually a member for a few years before discovering some of the amazing programs that NMRT offers! I think a focus on promoting valuable NMRT programs such as resume reviews, mentoring, and publication opportunities in Footnotes would go a long way. I imagine many of our own members and would-be members would widely benefit from learning more about our services and taking advantage of them to grow their careers.
What changes if any do you see need to happen for NMRT to make it more welcoming and inclusive to all?
I think there is always room for improvement. Polling our current members to understand their expectations and desires is one way to approach this.
What changes, if any, would you like to make for NMRT for the next year?
If elected, it will be my first time participating on the leadership team, so I would like to get familiar with our processes and reach. I often look to see how we can streamline and improve workflow for committees and leaders to be more effective in our roles.
Laura Birkenhauer, candidate for Member Services Director:
What do you hope to accomplish as part of NMRT’s leadership?
I hope to continue to support members’ professional development on a larger scale. As the Chair of the NMRT Online Discussion Forum Committee for nearly five years, I have had the opportunity to engage NMRT members around topics relevant to the profession. I view the role of Member Services Director as an avenue to continuing this work.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
I am the Student Success Librarian for Campus Engagement at the Miami University Libraries. The position leads and develops the Libraries’ campus engagement and student success programs, with a focus on underserved student populations. The position was newly created in 2018 when I was hired into the role. I have most enjoyed the opportunity to build the position from the ground up, establishing relationships with campus partners, setting goals and priorities, and getting creative in designing new programs and initiatives.
What skills and/or experience would you bring to this position that would benefit NMRT and the profession overall?
Strengths that I bring to this position include focus, follow through, and an aptitude for problem solving and creating consensus.
I have familiarity with NMRT, having served as the Chair of the NMRT Online Discussion Forum Committee and as a member on other NMRT committees. I am also currently acting in another, similarly membership-focused role after being elected last year as the Membership Chair of the Academic Library Association of Ohio.
(From the NMRT Membership Page) The New Members Round Table ( NMRT) provides a place for those members of the American Library Association (ALA) who are new to the library profession, new to ALA, or new to both. NMRT brings together people from all types and sizes of libraries and information centers, serving their diverse needs and interests as a gateway to the profession, pathfinder through ALA, and a stepping-stone to higher places. How would you support this in the role you applied for?
I will seek to increase member engagement in NMRT to ensure members are benefiting from the rich opportunities provided by NMRT and ALA.
What changes if any do you see need to happen for NMRT to make it more welcoming and inclusive to all?
I would like to create more opportunities to listen to NMRT members’ needs in order to identify paths to a more welcoming and inclusive NMRT. My experience with NMRT and ALA is not the same as others’ experiences. As Member Services Director, my role should be to break down barriers and empower NMRT members — and that starts with hearing from them.
What changes, if any, would you like to make for NMRT for the next year?
I have interest in amplifying conversations around occupational burnout, as I feel strongly that early career professionals can benefit from developing an awareness around and preventative approach to combating chronic workplace stress. However, in line with the previous question, I would like changes to be led by the expressed needs of NMRT members.
Elaine Walker, candidate for Leadership Development Director:
What do you hope to accomplish as part of NMRT’s leadership?
As part of NMRT’s leadership, I hope to maintain a safe and supportive environment that fosters growth and professionalism in librarianship through accomplishing the goals of the committees and connecting with other librarians along the way.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
As a Scholarly Communications Librarian, I love the outreach part of my job and being able to do behind the scenes work in managing submissions to our institutional repository and improving accessibility and discovery to our university’s research. I have really enjoyed meeting and connecting with faculty across all disciplines on campus to raise awareness for open access scholarly publishing options and supporting the shift to open research.
What skills and/or experience would you bring to this position that would benefit NMRT and the profession overall?
I have worked in a wide range of library institutions from archives and historical societies to academic and public libraries, and a couple of special libraries in between! I hope that my combination of professional and life experiences brings a different approach to contributing ideas and solutions that embrace and support the ever-changing climate of our profession.
The New Members Round Table ( NMRT) provides a place for those members of the American Library Association (ALA) who are new to the library profession, new to ALA, or new to both. NMRT brings together people from all types and sizes of libraries and information centers, serving their diverse needs and interests as a gateway to the profession, pathfinder through ALA, and a stepping-stone to higher places. How would you support this in the role you applied for?
I would look for opportunities to engage more with the members to identify needs across the areas of leadership and facilitate targeted programming and professional development opportunities.
What changes if any do you see need to happen for NMRT to make it more welcoming and inclusive to all?
I think there are opportunities for improvement in connecting members with each other, both virtually and physically, and helping people find their community.
What changes, if any, would you like to make for NMRT for the next year?
Streamlining the communication and networking among members.
