Developing Library Leaders by Fostering Partnerships Nicole Barajas, Nicole Carney, Fawnie Erickson & Elizabeth Wilson

The Agenda Common Challenges Social and Professional Network Solutions Professional Librarian Engagement

Challenge 1: It is difficult to foster relationships and connections between students.

Challenge 2 The online atmosphere does not allow for the informal learning and networking interactions that occurs in a traditional classroom setting.

Challenge 3 DE students struggle to find ways to interact and network with librarians on an informal level.

Challenge 4 It is difficult to maintain continuity between classes of officers.

Challenge 5 Student-created initiatives are not able to grow from year to year.

Challenge 6 Lack of involvement of male students in ALA/TLA-UTK as officers.

How do social and professional networks meet these challenges?

Solution 1 Professional networks, through UTK, have to make a concerted effort to use technology to connect students.

Solution 2 Social and professional networks provide an alternative way to learn and engage.

Solution 3 Social and professional networks connect students with information professionals through the Mixer, Brown Bag Sessions and Tech Petting Zoos.

Solution 4 Sustained online social networks… enable outgoing and incoming officers to keep in touch maintain shared online spaces to access important documents.

Solution 5 ALA/TLA-UTK provides connections between practicing professional and graduate students.

How Can Librarians and Libraries Partner with Student Organizations?

Let’s Connect List of TLA Librarian Liaisons to UTK Coordinate Field Trips with Student Cohorts Communicate your volunteer needs to student groups Contribute to Student Organizational Blogs Email alatlautk@gmail.com

Now it’s your turn 1. Reflect on and discuss the activities you engaged in as students. 2. Discuss the ways you engage with Master’s degree students now. 3. Discuss potential opportunities or solutions.

Let’s Think of Solutions To... Foster relationships and connections between students. Increase informal learning and networking interactions. Help DE students interact with librarians on an informal level. Increase continuity between incoming outgoing organization officers. Maintain sustainable student-led programs.

Addressing Gender Imbalances Is this a problem we can address? If so, how should we address it?

Thank You! Enjoy the conference!