ALA at SI is a student chapter of the American Library Association. They’re open to any SI student interested in libraries (you do not have to be a member of the ALA national organization to join). The main purpose is to facilitate the professional development of SI students who are interested in any sort of library career. They accomplish this by sponsoring events that provide opportunities for learning and networking. They also sponsor social events to help like-minded people get to know each other and to give everyone a chance to relax during those busy semesters.
Activities from last year included a tour of the Chelsea library, an event called Cataloging the Librarian (in conjunction with Career Development) that discussed connections between Myers-Briggs personality types and career preferences, and semi-regular happy hours. They are considering a lot of fun and interesting things to do next year, including a “day in the life of a public librarian” panel, discussions of current issues or “breaking news” in the library world, study breaks, a movie night, more happy hours or coffee evenings — and much more, including things that members suggest (so get those wish lists ready)!
This year’s officers are Anand Kalra (president), Anita Shankar (vice president), Heather Backman (secretary-webmaster), Betsy Eggers (treasurer), and Rachel Doepker (events coordinator). Please feel free to contact any of them if you would like to know more. You can also consult the Web site (update coming this summer!) or join their Facebook group, ALA @ SI.
