NMRT (New Members Round Table) at ALA in Washington, D.C.

Midwinter Meeting Website

Are you a library science student or a new member of the American Library
Association?  Will you be attending the 1997 ALA Midwinter Meeting in
Washington, D.C.?  Is this your first trip to our nation's capitol?  As a
veteran conference attendee would you like information to reacquaint
yourself with the District?  If you've answered "yes" to any of these
questions then our website is a must-see while you're surfing:

http://128.118.90.101/ala-nmrt/washdc.htm

The New Members Round Table offers new members or individuals with less
than ten years' experience within the American Library Association the
opportunity to become involved within the profession by serving on
committees and acquiring leadership skills.

Visit our website to learn more about our Round Table, the District of
Columbia, and to see the program of meetings and events scheduled during the
Midwinter Meeting.

New and current members are cordially invited to attend the NMRT Midwinter
Orientation Meeting from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 1997.
The program which will feature a guest speaker and presentations by ALA
leaders, is designed to acquaint you with the New Members Round Table and
help orient you to the conference and the District.  Also, please plan to
attend the NMRT social/dinner at the Capitol City Brewing Company, near
Union Station and the historic post office from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday,
February 17, 1997.  Cost (not including beverages) is $20.00.  Contact
Catherine Marion at (202) 547-1656 or via e-mail at cmar@loc.gov.

***********************************************************************

Mentor Program for New Attendees in San Francisco

Are you a library science student or a new member who is planning to attend
the American Library Association's Annual Conference in San Francisco in
June 1997?  Would you like to have a mentor at the conference, someone to
talk to or to help you acclimate?

Are you a seasoned conference attendee who would like to share your
experience with a student or a new member?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Conference Mentor
Program is for you!  The Mentoring Committee of NMRT is sponsoring this
program to help make new attendees feel at ease at a conference whose size
can often be overwhelming and intimidating.

Who is a mentor?  A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor.  Within
the context of ALA conferences, it is someone who can help a new member
negotiate a path through the numerous meetings, programs, exhibits, and
acronyms.

Mentees, or proteges, (those being mentored) may be library science
students, new librarians, first-time conference attendees, or anyone who
would like to feel more comfortable attending the annual conference.

The only qualification for being a mentor is to have a sincere interest in
helping someone get the most out of the conference.  This involves being a
good listener, a thoughtful advisor and a role model.  Mentors should expect
to meet at least once with their mentees, or proteges, during the conference
to answer questions, give guidance or just to listen.  More contact during
the conference or, even afterwards, is encouraged.  Mentors can be from any
ALA division or affiliate group in order to show mentees (proteges) the many
opportunities for involvement in ALA.

To complete the web version of the Mentor Program application open the
following URL:

http://128.118.90.101/ala-nmrt/mentapp.htm

To be considered for the 1997 Mentor Program, the committee chair must
receive your application by May 16, 1997.

**************************************************************************
Joan Arlene Reyes
Access Services Librarian
The Pennsylvania State University Libraries
E506 Pattee Library
University Park, PA 16802
Tel:  (814) 865-1858
Fax:  (814) 863-7293
E-mail:  JXR@psulias.psu.edu
(Home of the Nittany Lions--"GO, STATE, GO!!!")