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New Members Round Table

Mission

Welcome to the New Members Round Table (NMRT)!

NMRT is an organization for people with fewer than 10 years of membership in ALA. We have close to 2000 members representing every aspect of librarianship, from nearly every state and even some foreign countries.   Our mission is to help those who have been association members less than ten years become actively involved in the association and the profession. The goals are fourfold: (1) to structure formal opportunities for involvement and/or training for professional association committee experiences on the national, state and local levels; (2) to provide a wide variety of programs to assist, encourage, and educate those new to the association and the profession; (3) to offer a variety of leadership training and opportunities to help those approaching the end of their NMRT eligibility make the transition to future positions in the association and the profession, and; (4) to develop and implement ongoing programs for library school students which encourage professional involvement and networking.

One of the benefits of NMRT membership is that we guarantee a committee appointment, which provides networking and leadership opportunities.  You can work on our newsletter (Footnotes), plan annual social events, give away awards, organize conference and online programs, provide outreach to other members, or keep our website up to date. Check out more information about joining NMRT and volunteering for a committee.

The theme for my presidential year is "Catapult your career!"  I want our members to get the most out of their time in NMRT. Some of the initiatives I am working on include revamping our liaison program, transitioning the Annual Program to a fully online program, exploring ways for our alumni to stay actively involved, and looking at how new technologies can help our members collaborate virtually.

Have questions or suggestions about NMRT? Please feel free to contact me at lbliss @ rohan.sdsu.edu

Laurel Bliss
NMRT President 2008-2009

Responsibilities

  • to structure formal opportunities for involvement and/or training for professional association committee experiences on the national, state, and local levels;
  • to provide a wide variety of programs to assist, encourage, and educate people who are new to the profession;
  • to offer a variety of leadership training and opportunities to help those approaching the end of their NMRT eligibility to make the transition to future positions in the Association and the profession; and
  • to develop and implement ongoing programs for library school students that encourage professional involvement and networking.

Staff Liaison

Kimberly L. Sanders
Program Officer
American Library Association
50 E Huron St
Chicago, IL 60611-2788
Work: (312) 280-4279
Fax: (312) 280-3256
E-mail: ksanders@ala.org