Our classmate Katherine Trouern-Trend has created a smart way for GSLISers to connect on finding library and info-sci projects–ones in process and ones you’re interested in creating. Learn more:
Hello to all,
This is an invitation to GSLIS Westers to join the new ALA Connect group Rad Grads, that I created, inspired by dialogue with students from the recent LIS Online Career Fair. The purpose of this group is to create a collaborative support network for recent/almost library school graduates, from around the country, who need experience in the library field. Current students with or without library experience are invited to join and participate in collaborating on library related projects determined by group interest. For example, we could form a volunteer corps of grant writers, those of us with experience guiding those who are not familiar. Or we could create a series of screencasts on, well anything. The possibilities are endless. Participation is open to ALA members and non-members alike. If not a member, ALA Connect has provided a brief screencast to walk you through the sign up process http://connect.ala.org/node/83337.
ALA Connect is the brain child of Jenny Levine aka the shifted librarian. It is an effort to create virtual workspaces for library professionals with the use of social networking tools. Participation in Rad Grads,or creating your own group, is a great way to gain visibility in the national library realm and network with seasoned and new library professionals. If interested, visit ALA Connect | Rad Grads http://connect.ala.org/node/91986 .
Be a part of the buzz.
Feeling like you need more library in your ‘tween-semesters life? Here’s what’s happening in the coming weeks:
- Tuesday, January 12, online: The Alliance Library System (ALS) of Illinois and TAP Information Systems are teaming up to bring you a full day of information about starting, changing or improving your library career, beginning with a keynote speech from Rachel Singer Gordon, the webmaster of LISjobs.com (http://lisjobs.com). The student associations at Simmons College GSLIS have purchased a group free. To find out more and RSVP, please visit http://liscareerfair.eventbrite.com.
- Saturday, January 16, Boston: From 5:30-6:30 pm, GSLIS alum Molly Raphael will host a kick-off for her ALA President candidacy. All Simmons students and alums are invited to attend: Westin Waterfront, Lewis Room. If you’re interested in meeting up afterward for dinner downtown somewhere, perhaps even with our GSLIS Boston comrades, please drop a note to lissawest@simmons.edu.
- Tuesday, January 19, South Hadley: Mount Holyoke College will host a Library, Information, and Technology Services (LITS) Open House, a celebratory showcase of the wide range of work done at LITS, including collaborations with partners among the faculty, staff, and students on campus and across the Five Colleges. Come see what awesome projects and services are being devised on the same campus we attend class at year-round: Topics range from cutting-edge digitization practices and the implications of web 2.0 tools when teaching todayÂ’s digital natives, to unique resources (web and physical services) for students and faculty across the Five Colleges. Williston Library Reading Room, 1-2:30 pm. (For more info, see http://www.mtholyoke.edu/lits/openhouse/index.html.)
- Friday, January 22, Ipswich: Field trip to EBSCO. A crew will be escorting up to 10 of us around their Integrated Search and Discovery Service division and providing a tour of the servers and explanation of EBSCOhost technology. The trip will also include tours of the museum, library, and historical scanning operation. Lunch will be provided. WeÂ’ll be on the EBSCO campus from 9:30-1:30, so itÂ’ll be an early morning but a super trip all around. If interested, please RSVP to lissawest@simmons.edu. (Carpools will be arranged.)
- Tuesday, January 26, Northampton: Librarian Libations. Come have a drink or two with fellow GSLIS Westers at the Northampton Brewery, 7-9pm.
- Saturday, January 30, South Hadley: First day of class breakfast in the GSLIS West office. New semester, new breakfast sweets.
This is going to be excellent. Also, you deserve it. We hope to see you there!
Here are several LISSA events we cordially invite you to attend.
- Sat., November 7, 4:30pm: Happy hour at Johnny’s Bar & Grill in the Village Common (South Hadley). Librarianship is about networking: Grab a libation with your classmates and future colleagues.
- Sat., November 14, 12:15pm: Lunch with Dean Cloonan in the Cassani Room of Shattuck Hall. We’ll provide sandwiches, salads, chips, and dessert on the first floor of Shattuck; come meet the Dean and hear the latest program updates.
- Sat., November 14, 4:30pm: GSLIS Job Search Resources & Professional Networking Workshop with Cheryl Kohen, Career Resource Librarian. (Meet in the GSLIS West office.) Cheryl will reveal where you should be hunting for LIS specific job banks, paraprofessional postings, internship resources, networking opportunities, and job market trend information. This workshop will provide you with the skills and resources needed to conduct successful job searches and career-advancing networking opportunities.
- Tues., November 17, 7-9pm: Happy hour at the Northampton Brewery. (We heard you when you asked for an away-from-campus gathering; meet us in Noho if you can!)
- Sat., November 21, 4:30pm: Terry Plum’s slideshow and presentation about his library assessment experience in Belarus. Potluck snacks + beverages.
ALSO: As you’ve likely heard, registration is open now for the American Library Association 2010 Midwinter meeting, which will held be in Boston, January 15-19, 2010. You can sign up here.
And a final reminder: Oct. 30th is the deadline for professional development reimbursements. The form can be found here. Use this to be reimbursed for Midwinter ALA early registration, or any other professional organization you’ve signed up for this semester.
Join us for drinks after class on Saturday, November 7th
at Johnny’s Bar and Grill in the Village Commons.
Meet fellow students, kvetch about classes, try our library-themed drink special!
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