Quick Update on the Big Move

After a 2500+ mile drive, I've successfully made it from Southern Illinois to Western Washington. Traveled through Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Took way too many photos, which should be on Facebook soon. You would think I would learn my lesson to not take an abundance of photos because going through them, though fun, is also rather time consuming. However, I have not, and there are hundreds upon hundreds of photos.

I'm way, way, way behind, which I probably don't have to mention because it's completely obvious. Not only do I have to post, but I haven't had the chance to follow any blogs for a few weeks. Time to catch up!

Happy Blogging!

PS - The Yellowstone bison say hello!

Thing 7: Face-to-Face Networks and Professional Organizations

Well, I don't belong to any organizations, so I can't add much regarding the subject. I've had the opportunity to attend several conferences that were put on by different organizations that I don't belong to, but that's as far as my involvement in organizations goes.

My lack of involvement is entirely my own. When I first began working in libraries, I had no idea about different organizations, and, honestly, I didn't really care. Once I started to have more interest in continuing working in libraries, I became aware of the organizations, but I felt they were more of a librarian thing. Since I wasn't a librarian, I just figured they weren't for me. Later, though still not a librarian, I decided to research some of the organizations. From some people, I still felt that my involvement might be somewhat frowned upon. However, I didn't really let it discourage me because I do have an interest in joining, librarian or not. Since there have been certain changes in my personal library land--CPD23 and changes at work, I no longer feel that way. I feel that the library world is much more welcoming than some people may have led me to believe, which is a very nice feeling. Side note: I can also be rather paranoid and tend to overthink things, which is highly possible. Regardless, feeling welcomed in a community I thoroughly enjoy being a part of is quite lovely.

Mostly, I've researched ALA, and I do have a strong interest in joining. The only thing stopping me now is not knowing what position I'll be in next month. And by that I mean, not knowing if I'll have a library job or not next month. Even if I don't have a job, there are still options, and I'm still interested in joining. I would like to keep myself in the library world in as many ways as I possibly can whether it be through volunteering, joining the Friends, and being a member of ALA. In my dream of dreams, of course, I hope to get a library job. Currently applying, and will continue to apply as jobs are posted. There is also potential to join a state organization, which I'll look into after my move.

For the informal organizations, I looked into Library Society of the World, which looks pretty neat and a lot of fun. I always enjoy some humor with my work.