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). 

April 28 Florence Brunch; Conference Program Proposals

It's time for our 2nd NMRT brunch!   We're meeting in Florence at Bazen's Restaurant at 9:30 am on Saturday April 28.  Join us for a great meal (dutch-treat!) and enjoy building connections with other librarians in the Pee Dee region.  Please RSVP by Thursday April 26 to Hunter Deas at huntermdeas at gmail dot com.

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Thinking about presenting at the SCLA Annual Conference in October? Click here for submission details.  NMRT seeks a presenter for our sponsored program; please e-mail aconger at myrcpl dot com if interested in this opportunity.

Scholarship to Attend ALA Annual Conference - Apply by April 6

The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) has opened applications for the 2012 Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship, which will enable a library school student or new professional to attend ALA’s 2012 Annual Conference, held June 21-26 in Anaheim, Calif.

The goal of the Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship is to advance two principles that Conable held dear: intellectual freedom and mentorship.  The scholarship provides for conference registration, transportation, housing for six nights and six days per diem. In return, the recipient will be expected to attend various FTRF and other intellectual freedom meetings and events at the conference, consult with a mentor/board member and present a report about their experiences.  The recipient also will be invited, although not required, to provide daily updates about his or her experience on the Freedom to Read Foundation blog.

The deadline for submitting an application for the 2012 Conable Scholarship is Friday, April 6; the award will be announced in May.

Who is eligible: Students currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited library and information studies degree programor an AASL-recognized master’s programs in school librarianship and new professionals (those who are three or fewer years removed from receiving a library school degree) are eligible to receive the Conable Scholarship. Those interested must submit an application that includes two references and an essay detailing their interest in intellectual freedom issues. Applicants also are required to attach a résumé. If the recipient is already registered for ALA’s Annual Conference, he or she will have the conference fee refunded.

To apply for the Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship, visit www.ftrf.org. For more information, please contact Jonathan Kelley at (800) 545-2433, ext. 4226 or jokelley@ala.org.

New Academic Librarians - SELA Call for Papers

SELA UCLS New Voices Program

Are you new to the profession and looking for the perfect venue to present and publish your research?

If you answered yes, then New Voices wants to hear from you! New Voices is an opportunity for new librarians to present and publish their ideas and perspectives on current library issues.

The University and College Section of the Southeastern Library Association will be selecting one librarian to present a paper at the upcoming GLA/SELA Conference. The winning paper will also be published in the SELA journal, The Southeastern Librarian.

What: Paper to be presented at the 2012 joint Georgia Library Association /Southeastern Library Association conference and published in The Southeastern Librarian

Theme: A current library issue of interest to the academic library community

Who: Professionally employed librarians with less than five years of experience. MUST be able to attend and present paper at the conference

When: October 3-5, 2012

Where: Macon, Georgia at the Macon Marriott City Center Hotel

Deadline: Completed papers MUST be received by May 3, 2012

Winning paper receives $150 honorarium sponsored by EBSCO

Please submit your paper and/or inquiries to Deana Groves, SELA UCLS Chair, at deana.groves@wku.edu

Great time at Columbia brunch!

Thanks for the wonderful turnout at DiPrato's last weekend!

The next brunch is scheduled for Florence-area librarians, Saturday April 28, 10:30 am, location TBA.  Don't miss it!

Opportunities: Columbia NMRT brunch, LIBRIS Conference, & ALA-NMRT

Don't forget about our NMRT Columbia brunch at DiPrato's on Saturday, February 25th at 10:30.  Please let me know by the preceding Thursday if you can attend (e-mail Amber at aconger at myrcpl dot com).  Dutch-treat and informal, come enjoy a fabulous meal in the company of fellow new librarians in the Columbia area.

*****

The SC LIBRIS (LIbrary Resources and Information Sharing) conference planners seek session presenters for the May 11, 2012 event at Francis Marion University.  I checked out the requested presentation subject areas and they are quite broad, so if you are interested in a regional presentation opportunity, I'll bet your topic of interest would fit their guidelines.  See http://sclibris.org/conference-program.html for proposal submission details.

*****

Lastly, the ALA-NMRT is seeking volunteers for 2012-2013 committee appointments. 
- Committee information:  http://www.ala.org/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm
- Detailed descriptions of committee work and responsibilities:  http://wikis.ala.org/nmrt/index.php/Section_4:_Committees
- ALA-NMRT volunteer form:  http://www.ala.org/nmrt/nmrt-committee-volunteer-form
- Contact Janel Kinlaw with questions, jkinlaw@npr.org

NMRT Networking Brunch - February 25!

Join us on Saturday, February 25 at 10:30 am at the delectable DiPrato’s Delicatessen in Columbia!  Meet fellow librarians and NMRT members for conversation and delicious brunch.    This is a relaxed event for NMRT members to connect with other librarians, discover possibilities for collaboration, learn more about opportunities within SCLA, and make new friends. 

Brunch is informal and dutch treat.  See the DiPrato’s website for their menu and directions.

Please RSVP by Thursday, February 23 if you plan to attend; e-mail aconger at myrcpl dot com.  Hope to see you there! 

* NMRT officers will also be hosting brunches in the upstate, lowcountry, and Pee Dee regions; dates and locations will be announced throughout the year. 

February 25: Save the Date!

Have you renewed your membership yet? 

SCLA has changed the terms of enrollment, and beginning January 1, 2012, all memberships will be valid for an entire year from the date of enrollment.  Prior to this year, memberships expired at the end of the calendar year.  This is a terrific change that will allow all of us to get the most out of our membership dues.  When you renew, please remember to mark NMRT on your application!  Renew online at http://scla.org/content/join-scla

Columbia-area librarians:  save the date!   On Saturday, February 25, we will be holding the first of four NMRT networking brunches to be held across the state.  I'll be back soon with details!