2007 FLA Annual Conference Program Summary

The FLA-NMRT sponsored two programs during the 2007 Annual Conference and Exhibition, the “New Members Orientation” (sponsored, in part, by the Leadership Development Committee) and “Make Your Resume Work for You: Stay Sharp, Get Ready and Be Competitive!” In addition, the 2006-2007 FLA-NMRT Chair (Tomaro Taylor) and Immediate Past President (Rachael Cathcart) participated in the session “Does it Matter How Many Piercings I Have?”

“New Members Orientation”: Wednesday, April 11

• Speakers: Tomaro Taylor (Outgoing Chair, NMRT); Sol Hirsch (Outgoing President, FLA); Elizabeth Curry (Leadership Development committee); Charlie Parker (Incoming President, FLA); Tracey Reed (Incoming Chair, NMRT); and Beth Lucas and Magali Kirwan (Local Arrangements committee)
• Attendees: 30
• Summary: For the second year in a row, this session was met with overwhelming success. Attendance nearly doubled that of last year’s session [last year’s figures included members of the Executive Board, who had been encouraged to attend] and included individuals from all library types. Many attendees stayed after the session to discuss opportunities available through active involvement in both FLA and the NMRT. Others spoke with presenters about specific topics covered during the session, such as: proposing conference programs, roundtables and poster sessions; expressing/stating interest in serving on an FLA committee or member group; and applying for the Sunshine State Leadership Institute. A number of attendees stated that the session provided a good overview of FLA, making active involvement seem less daunting or restrictive. The 2006-2007 FLA-NMRT leadership feels that the session accomplished at least three of the NMRT’s main goals- to orient new members to Florida and the library and information studies profession; to promote and encourage active participation in state professional activities; and to provide a venue for leadership opportunities and serve as a starting point for furthering such opportunities. Overall, we were very pleased with the session and look forward to hosting it again next year.
  

“Make Your Resume Work for You: Stay Sharp, Get Ready and Be Competitive!” Thursday, April 12

• Speaker: Tracey Reed (Incoming Chair, NMRT); six library/ library cooperative professionals served as resume reviewers: Rachael Cathcart (FAU), Kiersty Cox (USF), Beth Farmer (TBLC), Barbara Pickell (CPLS) and Tomaro Taylor (USF)
• Attendees: 15
• Summary: The “Resume Review Service” functions as an unofficial subgroup of the FLA-NMRT. Throughout the year, various members of the NMRT lend their expertise to those in the field (primarily students) seeking assistance with updating, formatting and/or presenting their resume. During the 2005 Annual Conference, the NMRT set-up a resume review service booth, at which conference attendees could make an appointment for a review with a librarian. The success of the booth, coupled with subsequent non-conference requests for reviews, led to the idea of providing a workshop/information session about writing and submitting resumes and/or curriculum vitae. The session went very well, indicated by the copious amounts of notes being taken by attendees. Following the 30-40 minute talk and Q&A, seven session attendees met with library professionals for informal reviews. Attendees participating in the review seemed pleased with the results of the service. The FLA-NMRT was happy with the program’s success and enjoyed providing this service face-to-face.
  

“Does it Matter How Many Piercings I Have?” Wednesday, April 11

• Speakers: Timothy Bottorff (UCF); Sheila Bryant (FAMU); Suzanne Byke (FSU); Rachael Cathcart (FAU); Dawn Lowe-Wincentsen (FSU); and Tomaro Taylor (USF)
• Attendees: approximately 50
• Summary: Surprisingly well-attended, “Piercings” generated much discussion from both attendees and non-attendees. An intriguing topic (and catchy title) helped draw a large crowd to a session that was both enlightening and informative.
  
  

Annual Conference 2006 Redux

A Change of Pace

The FLA Conference provides a much needed change of pace for librarians, students and graduate assistants.

By trade, librarians have the responsibility of assisting patrons and helping them find information that is of importance to them. It does not matter whether they are researching for personal, professional, instructional, or educational purposes. Without the librarian and their knowledge of materials and information, most users would be lost in the vast array of information available to them.

The FLA Conference attendees’ experience was just the opposite. There, librarians and librarians in training were like the patrons surrounded by a vast amount of information. We found ourselves, seeking other librarians for assistance…the librarians who organized the conference. However, because of careful planning, new attendees were able to find the information most important to them very quickly. We were also able to determine which sessions would be more beneficial because of careful planning.

As a student, it was a great experience. The FLA Conference was an opportunity to provide a different look at the profession we are being introduced to. Most memorable was, students were greeted and welcomed like the other librarians and library professionals. Students were also able to see the skills of competent librarians in action. Students observed librarians pull it all together with instruction, information, pamphlets, etc. Also while observing the speakers, students were introduced to the instructional portion of the profession.

For graduate assistants, who are somewhat in-between the status of a student and a librarian, the FLA Conference was a wonderful experience. For those with experience working the reference desk, the vendor display is a fascinating experience. Visiting the vendor booths provides the opportunity to meet many of the database representatives that are utilized for assistance in helping our patrons. Viewing the vendor displays also provides insight into the latest innovations and tools of the librarian trade.

Attending the FLA Conference is a true learning experience. It is one where the learning can be taken and utilized in future contacts with colleagues and patrons.

"A Change of Pace" was written by Will Tarver, USF SLIS Graduate Student and USF Tampa Library Graduate Assistant, June 2006. Contact Will at wtarver@lib.usf.edu.

Greetings!

Welcome to the official blog of the Florida Library Association's New Members Round Table member group.

Established in 2004, the FLA-NMRT serves Florida's library communities by:

• bringing together new librarians for orientation to the scope and potentialities of the library and information science professions;
• encouraging idea exchanges among its members;
• acquainting its members with the structure and purpose of the Florida Library Association; and
• providing a venue for leadership opportunities and serving as a starting point to further said opportunities.

This year (2007-2008), our group leaders are Tracey Reed (Chair) and Tomaro Taylor (Immediate Past Chair). The FLA-NMRT currently is seeking a Vice-Chair/Chair Elect. If you are interested in this position, please contact Tracey at tracey.reed@gmail.com.