Getting Started with ACRL:

One Member’s Journey and Advice

Presentation by Anne Behler, ACRL Member 2006 - Present

In the Beginning

• San Antonio, TX, Midwinter Meeting, 2006• EVERYTHING WAS NEW

TravelNetworkingProfessional Conferences

• Jumped Right In…. Help from Colleagues at Home Learned quickly about Listservs

Exploring

• Network, network, network– Look for soirees, lunches, coffees, receptions in

your areas of interest– NMRT can help

• Attend sessions of interest – this may be your one and only chance

• Continue the conversation – have coffee

Engaging

• Attend Discussion Groups• Volunteer for Committees (Open Houses are

a great way to do this)• Offer to take minutes• More Coffee!

Growing Wings

• Start small – Newsletters– Columns– Blogs

• Take a leap – submit a proposal– Posters are a great way to start– Join a panel– Suggest your committee propose a program

• Attend the ACRL National Conference

Helpful Resources

• ALA Connect – subscribe to the posts from your committees and follow posts from ACRL

• ACRLog• Join your Sections’ listserv(s)• NMRT