By: Mars Brint, NMRT Communications Committee Chair
Hello everyone and welcome!
The NMRT Notes blog is for everyone, including new students, emerging librarians, and those looking for some advice, insight, and overview of events. This blog will cover both American and Canadian events and developments, as MLIS programs in both countries require ALA accreditation. Here’s a few helpful resources from NMRT and ALA that you can use to become familiar with the field, learn more, or connect with others in the community:
Resource Guides: Need some answers, advice, or guidance on certain topics like copyright for libraries? Or library policy development? Take a look at ALA’s Resource Guides which cover a wide variety of topics and issues here.
Job Seeking: If you’re in your final term of your MLIS program, a fresh graduate, or a new librarian, job seeking resources can be found under the Education and Careers section on the ALA’s website located here.
eLearning: Want to learn something new? Brush up on some skills? ALA provides a vast catalogue of courses, webinars, and customized elearning content to advance knowledge and skills for library and information professionals. With 14 categories, this learning platform has something for everyone. Check out learning opportunities here.
Resume Help: If you’re interested in polishing your resume or receiving some helpful advice from library professionals, take a look at the NMRT Resume Review Service found here.
November Celebrations: November is full of fantastic events, including month and week long celebrations, and several conferences and festivals such as:
National Entrepreneurship Month
National Family Caregivers Month
Native American Heritage Month
National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week
Sharjah International Book Fair
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by reading a book by an Indigenous author and consider taking a look at these recommended reads:
Truth Telling: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada by Michelle Good
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Celebrate Transgender Awareness Week by reading a book by a transgender author and consider taking a look at these recommended reads:
Becoming a Visible Man by Jamison Green
The Last Time I Wore a Dress by Daphne Scholinski
Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg
Stag Dance by Torrey Peters
Library Support
As we know, library funding is under threat. This impacts the abilities for libraries to operate, programs to occur, and creates barriers preventing communities from accessing meaningful services, content, and information. As of 2025 there are approximately 124,903 libraries of all kinds in the United States today including public, schools, academic, government, special libraries, and armed forces. Millions of users access libraries for community building, learning, connecting with others, and accessing services–it is imperative that we stand up for libraries and show support!
Join Us and Show Up #ForOurLibraries. Find more information on ways you can help your libraries here.
Upcoming News
With only two months left in the year 2026 is nearly here! 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the American Library Association (ALA)!
The ALA began in 1876, serving as defenders for libraries as places of meaningful access, community building, freedom of speech, and rallying together to protect libraries. Please take a look at the official ALA150 Blog to read the history of the ALA, browse curated digital displays, and learn about more ways you can support libraries here.