Page 25 - BCALA Summer 2018

Get the Most out of a Post
By Jina DuVernay, Alabama State University
BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 3 | 25
At times you may find yourself
in a less than supportive work environment, one that may make you feel stifled for one reason or another. Do not let your colleagues with oppressive, linear attitudes prevent you from exploring the many wonderful opportunities that are available to you to help you grow professionally.
You might be thinking, “Well,
where exactly do I find all of these wonderful opportunities?” An all too easy way to find such opportunities is through social media. There
are a variety of pages and groups that cater to specific interests such as the “Programming Librarian Interest Group”, “Black Librarians
and Archivists”, “Future Ready Librarians” and “We Here” just to name a few.
In my second year as a librarian, I graduated from learning the lay of the land at my library to seeking out ways in which I can grow professionally. It was by joining several of these Facebook groups and following other libraries and librarians on Twitter that I became aware of opportunities to not only network with other librarians but to become involved in meaningful and exciting collaborations.
For instance, it was through a social media post that I learned about a travel grant prospect that resulted in an opportunity to give my first presentation as a professional librarian.
Likewise, I have been selected to have a seat at the table on projects that I would not have known even existed had I not been a member of numerous Facebook groups or followed an array of people and organizations on Twitter
and Instagram.
Often what will separate you from the people that are experiencing growth opportunities is the simple fact that you did not apply; you did not fill out
that application or upload your letter of interest, etc. However, if you will take the time to do so, you just may find yourself learning new aspects
of the library profession as well as allow yourself the chance to meet wonderful colleagues.
This was my experience when I took advantage of an opportunity that I saw posted about ALA’s New Member Round Table Mentoring Program. Based on the information that I provided, I was paired with a mentee who turned out to be an awesome, knowledgeable library director who was easy to talk to. He even put
me in touch with another librarian who agreed to meet with me when I attend my very first ALA Conference in New Orleans. So you see, one connection led to another and the more opportunities and people that you know, the more you will grow.
These experiences have truly enriched me and I look forward to taking advantage of more such opportunities. I encourage you to do the same.
Jina DuVernay is the special collections librarian at Alabama State University where she manages the library’s African American resources collection and library’s blog http:// mylwlc.blogspot.com/.