Recruiting for NLM Fellows

I've heard glowing reviews about the National Library of Medicine's fellowship program for new librarians.  Read on for details.  - AC

 

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is accepting applications for its Associate Fellowship program, a one-year training program for recent MLS graduates and librarians early in their career.

In the first half of the year, a formal curriculum offers exposure to library operations, research and development, intramural and extramural research, development and lifecycle of NLM’s web-based products and services and the extensive outreach and education program reaching consumers, special populations, health professionals and librarians. In the second half of the year, Associate Fellows have the opportunity to choose projects based on real-world problems proposed by library divisions and work with librarians and library staff over a six-seven month period. Successful projects have led to peer-review publications and to services that have become a regular part of library operations.

The September through August program also offers professional development and an introduction to the wider world of health sciences librarianship that may include:

·         Supported attendance at national professional conferences, often including the Medical Library Association’s annual meeting, the American Medical Informatics Association annual meeting and others

·         Additional brown bags, seminars, field trips and learning opportunities available on the National Institutes of Health campus

·         Opportunities to meet and interact with senior management at the National Library of Medicine

·         Experienced preceptors from National Library of Medicine staff

·         Potential to compete for a second year fellowship at a health sciences library in the United States

 The Fellowship offers:

·         A stipend equivalent to a U.S. Civil Service salary at the GS-9 level ($51,630 in 2012)

·         Additional financial support for the purchase of health insurance

·         Some relocation funding

Who is eligible?

All U.S. and Canadian citizens who will have earned a MLS or equivalent degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited school by August 2013.  Both recent graduates and librarians early in their career are welcome to apply.  Priority is given to U.S. citizens.

Applications and additional information are available on the Web at www.nlm.nih.gov/about/training/associate/.  Application deadline is February 1, 2013.   Between 4 and 7 fellows will be selected for the program.

Feel free to contact Kathel Dunn, Associate Fellowship Program Coordinator at 301-435.4083 or kathel.dunn@nih.gov

2012 SCLA Conference Highlights

- Sharing and brainstorming at the Unconference sessions
- 12 people enjoying great Italian and conversations at Wednesday's NMRT luncheon at The Villa
- Hysterical laughter mixed with networking and fabulous hors d'oeuvres at Happy Learning Hour at RCPL
- The band Cancellieri rocking it out at the All-Conference Reception at EdVenture
- RenGen author Patricia Martin firing us all up at Friday's luncheon.  "People often can't tell you what they want.  When Henry Ford asked people what they wanted, they said 'a faster horse'."
- A roomful of crazy librarians hollering "We want pre-nup!!" at the "Out of the Stacks, Onto the Stage" Scholarship for Diversity fundraiser
- 39 attending for Kari Weaver's excellent presentation on mentoring at the NMRT session Friday morning
- Your 2012-2013 NMRT officers: 
Chair:  Amber Conger, Richland County Public Library
Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect:  Megan Johnson Palmer, Coker College
Secretary:  Hunter Deas, Florence County Public Library

Couldn't make it?  Conference handouts are available for you on SCLA's website.

We hope to meet more of you in Greenville in 2013!

October 24-26! Are you coming?

The SCLA Annual Conference is almost here!  Since it's in Columbia this year, I hope many more are able to attend.  Last year's conference was a blast and this year's has a terrific lineup as well.

Check out these New Members Round Table conference events:
Happy Learning Hour, Wednesday, October 24, 5:30-7:30pm.   This FREE event will be hosted at RCPL and will offer heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and great connection-building.  Registration is required, so please mark the appropriate area on your registration form.  Already sent your registration form?  Shoot an e-mail to scla@capconsc.com and request to be registered for this event.

Mentoring 101 and NMRT Annual Business Meeting and Elections, Friday, October 26, 10-11am.  Join us as Kari Weaver from USC-Aiken presents about how to make mentoring work for you as a new librarian. 

Annual elections will be held at Friday's meeting.  Interested in becoming an officer?  E-mail me (aconger at myrcpl dot com) with a brief professional bio and the position you are interested in holding, and I'll add you to the ballot.  Nominations will also be accepted from the floor during the meeting.  Officer positions are:  Chair, Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect, and Secretary;  see the SCLA Handbook for more details.

September 15 Summerville Brunch

Our first three brunches were a success, so let’s end the year with a bang!  Our final New Members Round Table brunch will be held Saturday, September 15 at 10 am at Sweetwater Grill in Summerville (103 S. Main St.).  We’re going informal and dutch-treat for relaxed conversation and great food.  Get to know fellow SCLA librarians and join us for a fun morning! 

This event is open to anyone who’d like to join us, new and veteran librarians alike!  If you plan to attend, please RSVP by Thursday, September 13 to me at aconger@myrcpl.com. 

Sign up now for Greenville brunch and mentoring!

Greenville Brunch

Our third brunch of the year will be held on Saturday July 14 at 9:30am at Mimi’s Café in Greenville.  Join us (dutch-treat!) for a fun morning of relaxed conversation and good food.  This event is geared toward new members of SCLA, but if you’re in the Greenville area and would like to join us, then please come on!   RSVP by July 12 to Megan Johnson at majohnson@coker.edu.

And another reminder...

SCLA Mentoring Program

Calling all librarians, new and “seasoned” alike!
Would you like to make a difference in the career of a fellow librarian?

Participate in SCLA New Members Round Table Mentoring!
Apply by July 15, 2012

Program details:
• Commit to participate from September 1, 2012 – May 31, 2013
• Mentors initiate contact with mentee with introductory e-mail
• Mentee meets mentor face-to-face within 60 days of matching
• Communicate monthly through whatever channels work for you
• Monthly discussion topics will be provided

Mentee role and expectations:
• 0-5 years as a full-time library employee/professional
• Be willing to meet face-to-face with mentor within 60 days of matching
• Communicate at least monthly with mentor
• Share experiences and lessons learned
• Take responsibility for your professional growth and development

Mentor role and expectations:
• Have at least 5 years of library experience
• Be willing to meet face-to-face with mentee within 60 days of matching
• Communicate at least monthly with mentee
• Share lessons learned from throughout career & provide suggestions
• Encourage your mentee’s professional growth and development

Download a registration form and return to Amber Conger by July 15

Announcing the SCLA Mentoring Program!

Calling all librarians, new and “seasoned” alike!
Would you like to make a difference in the career of a fellow librarian? 

Participate in SCLA New Members Round Table Mentoring!
Apply by July 15, 2012

Program details:
 • Commit to participate from September 1, 2012 – May 31, 2013
 • Mentors initiate contact with mentee with introductory e-mail
 • Mentee meets mentor face-to-face within 60 days of matching
 • Communicate monthly through whatever channels work for you
 • Monthly discussion topics will be provided

Mentee role and expectations:
 • 0-5 years as a full-time library employee/professional
 • Be willing to meet face-to-face with mentor within 60 days of matching
 • Communicate at least monthly with mentor
 • Share experiences and lessons learned
 • Take responsibility for your professional growth and development

Mentor role and expectations:
 • Have at least 5 years of library experience
 • Be willing to meet face-to-face with mentee within 60 days of matching
 • Communicate at least monthly with mentee
 • Share lessons learned from throughout career & provide suggestions
 • Encourage your mentee’s professional growth and development

Download a registration form at https://dl.dropbox.com/u/85429503/NMRTMentoringRegistration.docx

Want to Attend National Library Legislative Day on April 23-24?

SCLA President Yvonne Davis mentioned to me yesterday that funds are available to assist with expenses to attend National Library Legislative Day as part of the South Carolina delegation.  The event takes place in Washington, DC on April 23-24.   I'm not sure of all of the details, but do contact Yvonne ASAP if you are interested (ydavis at fmarion.edu).