Networking
Are there any networks or discussion groups for new special collections professionals?
New librarians and library school students are welcome to join RBMS and become involved in its professional activities. The RBMS Mentoring Program assists members who need help in becoming more involved with RBMS and in navigating the rare books and manuscripts profession. The RBMS Buddy Program helps introduce first-time attendees of the annual Pre-Conference to the organization and to other members of the profession.
Additional groups include:
EXLIBRIS-L
http://www.lsoft.com/scripts/wl.exe?SL1=EXLIBRIS-L&H=LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU
The main rare book electronic discussion list. Subscribers to the list can ask questions about the profession or read ongoing discussions.
ALA’s New Members Round Table
http://www.ala.org/nmrt/
NMRT is an organization for people with fewer than 10 years of membership in ALA.
NEWLIB-L – The New Librarian’s List
http://www.lahacal.org/newlib/
A discussion list for librarians new to the profession who wish to share experiences and discuss ideas, issues, trends, and problems faced by librarians in the early stages of their careers. However, this list is also of interest to those who are considering becoming librarians, and to those established in the profession who might wish to mentor newcomers. The list is open to all librarians--academic, public, special, etc.
NEXGENLIB
http://groups.google.com/group/NEXGENLIB
Google discussion group for young, young-at-heart, and forward thinking libraryfolk.
Society of American Archivists (SAA)
The Society of American Archivists welcomes new librarians and graduate students. Groups for students and new professionals include:
- SAA Student Chapters at many of the schools offering substantial coursework in archives administration.
- SAA Discussion List for Graduate Students
- SAA Mentoring Program "Designed to facilitate communication and to cultivate career development between archival generations.” The SAA mentoring program is only open to members of SAA.