We Did It!

I feel that quoting Dr. Seuss is appropriate for beginning this blog post:

"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own.  And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go."-~Dr.Seuss, Oh The Places You'll Go!

So, this year our president of the URI student chapter of ALA(Stefanie Metko) set out on a quest.  The URI ALA had been quite dormant for some time and she decided this needed to change.  She saw a vision f a student group that could provide connection and networking options for a Library school in flux.  With a clear vision in mind, she rallied people behind her and began crafting events for which the students could flourish in their desired profession.  At first it was bringing new members to the group, electing a Vice President/Secretary/Tresurer, and then the meetings began.  By the end of this 2012-2013 year we held a conference(just a week ago actually) and now her vision has come full-circle:

"Just found out that Student ALA at URI has WON the Student Chapter of the Year award through ALA's NMRT! Thank you so much for all of your hard work this year. This would never have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our team. Many of you never missed a meeting, and committed to making something happen, even when we had very little to begin with. I can't wait to see what the future holds for each of the Student ALA'ers this year. You are an amazing bunch of future librarians, and I am so proud to have been a small part of such a BIG organization on campus!! THANKS AGAIN!!"- Stefanie Metko


 So, to anyone that had a part in our success, thank you and have a Happy weekend!

"Catapult Your Career in 2013" Conference Success

Our conference, "Catapult Your Career in 2013" was an amazing success! We had over 75 participants including librarians, teachers, alumni, and students attend the first ever Student ALA organized conference.

The amount of feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive and to see our year-long work come to fruition and flourish was an amazing achievement.

While I could go on and on about the day, the Rhode Island Library Report has graciously reported on our workshop sessions and keynote speaker, Peter Bromberg. You can view their article at the following link: "Librarians need a breed of bold, passionate leaders, students told"

I'd like to thank our conference committee and volunteers for working so hard to make sure this day was a fabulous experience for all involved.

Katherine Boden
Student ALA Secretary/Treasurer

Conference Press

We've received some press for our conference!

The Rhode Island Library Report has written an article on their blog highlighting our upcoming March 23rd "Catapult Your Career!" conference.

The article may be viewed at the following link: http://www.rhodeislandlibraryreport.org/1/post/2013/03/uri-library-students-facing-tight-job-market-organize-their-own-career-conference.html

Happy Saint Patrick's Day: Don't Forget the Conference Next Week!

Hello everyone, hope you had a wonderful break!  I know many of us needed the rest(catching up with Daylight Saving's Time) and many just wanted to go on a new adventure! I myself headed to Maine and shared my stories from this semester with friends and family(over many cups of coffee!).  

Believe it or not, our Conference is approaching!  If you haven't registered yet, please do so.  If you do not have the email information, please see the Facebook page and contact Stefanie Metko or Kirsten Anderson for further details.

Don't forget to bring cash or checks to the event either!  We'll be having an awesome silent auction! 

So, we hope to see you in a week! 

Silent Auction

The "GSLIS Conference: Catapult your Career in 2013!" is just around the corner! In addition to having a great keynote speaker and some awesome workshops, we'll also be having a silent auction to raise money for URI's student chapter of ALA! Here's a sneak peak at what we have up for auction: Lots of coffee gift cards, gourmet chocolates, art supplies, books, and so much more!

Due to the fact that we do not have a way to accept credit cards, we can only accept cash or check as a form of payment. 

The countdown to the conference-- and the silent auction-- is on! We hope to see everyone there! 

Comps Study Session

A Comps study session is scheduled for Monday, March 25, 2013 at 6:00 pm in Rodman Resource Room, Kingston campus. Snacks and drinks will be available to those taking the comps.

Please RSVP to Stefanie Metko at stefaniemetko@my.uri.edu by Sunday, March 24th so I can order enough pizza.

If you cannot make this time or location, please email Stefanie and she will share your contact information with other students who can't make it and hopefully you can start a study group of your own!

Also, remember the Comps exam location has changed to Ranger Hall, Room 103!