(via Dani Brecher Cook, University of California – Riverside)
The NMRT President’s Program Committee seeks potential speakers for an in-person preconference program at ALA Annual 2018 (New Orleans, LA) on the theme of authenticity and the library profession. In this preconference workshop, we will examine the presidential theme of “You Belong Here” by considering ways in which libraries and the library profession can create more inclusive environments that encourage individuals to bring their whole selves to their work and addresses imposter syndrome. We hope to hear from both new professionals and experienced administrators, who can put their personal experiences within a larger framework of inclusive practices. This active discussion-based workshop will encourage new professionals to engage with the tension between self-expression and externally defined ideals of “professionalism” in the library workplace, and deliver concrete suggestions for both individuals and institutions.
If you’d be interested in helping to lead this conversation in the preconference, please fill out the following form to describe your ideas and interest: https://goo.gl/forms/rNsA1yFrsj5YeKzR2.We would especially like to hear from applicants from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, and have no requirements for previous national speaking experience.
Please submit your statement of interest by Friday, January 5. All applicants will be notified by the end of January. Questions and comments can be submitted to:
Dani Brecher Cook
Director of Teaching, University of California-Riverside Library
2018 NMRT President’s Program Committee Co-Chair
dani.cook [at] ucr.edu
Madison Sullivan
Business Research and Instruction Librarian, University of Washington Libraries
2018 NMRT President’s Program Committee Co-Chair
madds [at] uw.edu