NELA News December 2008

NELA News is a monthly e-newsletter of the New England Library Association

NELA IS ABOUT PEOPLE

Welcome from the NELA President

In 2009 NELA will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of its founding! The New England Library Association was first established in 1939 as a regional organization to plan and present conferences for the exchange of ideas and to promote the welfare of libraries throughout New England. It provided the unique opportunity for librarians from different states and from different types of libraries to connect, to share experiences, and to learn from each other. In 1963, NELA was officially incorporated to serve as a dynamic association reflecting the regional aspirations of the six New England states. Its mission then and now continues as a collective forum serving librarians from across the states and from diverse types of libraries.

NELA offers YOU:

Networking opportunities with a cross section of librarians around New England.
An annual conference with vibrant workshops and vendor exhibitions.
Standalone programs that teach, inspire, enhance skills and provide a forum for peers.
NELLS, the New England Library Leadership Symposium, for building leaders.
Counterparts Days for information exchange between state association leaders.
Financial assistance for graduate MLS programs and continuing education courses.
Mentoring opportunities.
Sections and committees to enrich your careers.
An online listserv devoted to library issues and information.

If you haven't poked around our web site lately, take a look around. On the home page, you'll find important dates, recent announcements, and links to NELA's special-interest Sections. The menus at the top give you direct access to the rest of the site. Look around, see what interests you, and get involved with your regional association!

Opportunities await! Connect with NELA!

Dr. Mary Ann Tricarico
NELA President, 2009

NELA Mentoring Program

NELA is offering a mentoring program for NELA members and non-members alike.

Benefits of a mentoring program:

Mentors gain personal satisfaction from helping others while expanding their coaching and leadership skills.
Mentees or protégés often expose mentors to new perspectives along the way.
Mentees are exposed to networks; receive career guidance and skill development.
Successful mentoring relationships build confidence.
Librarianship in general is strengthened by such positive relationships.
Interested? Visit our Mentoring area and peruse the lists available.

Thank you to the volunteering "charter" mentors.

Watch for programs such as resume review and an informal networking luncheon at the 2009 NELA Annual Conference. Comments and suggestions are always welcome at membership@nelib.org.

Deborah Gadwah-Lambert
NELA Membership Chair

Meet the Executive Board

Our Executive Board has four elected members and twenty four appointed members. Their photos have been posted on the Board page. Perhaps you will recognize this hard working crew. If not, make a point to meet them at one of our events.& They meet six times a year to oversee all the administrative aspects of our Association. Together, the Executive Board members represent all six New England States with two each from Vermont, Rhode Island, and Maine; three from New Hampshire, five from Connecticut, and fourteen from Massachusetts. 15 of the Board members work in public libraries, seven work in academic libraries, and six are from other types of organizations or libraries.

Remembering our Fabulous Fall Conference

Our Publications group has put together a nice slide show of conference people and events. Take a moment to stroll down memory lane and relive the great time we had this fall.

NELA News is a monthly e-newsletter of the New England Library Association.
31 Connor Lane, Wilton, NH 03086 | 603-654-3533 | 603-654-3526 fax
To submit news or articles contact: publications@nelib.org | Jan Drake, Publications Committee