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From Timid New Committee Member to Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect
by Trudi E. Jacobson
Back in 1989, I was looking for ways to stretch myself professionally. I'd been in my job about eight years, and while I wasn't looking for such a radical change as a new position, I did want something different to do. I was employed as the Reference Coordinator at a small liberal arts college. A key part of that position was coordinating the scheduling of and teaching many library instruction sessions. I enjoyed this part of my position immensely, and already was a (non-active) member of the Association of College & Research Libraries' Bibliographic Instruction Section (now called the Instruction Section).
A call for volunteers in the section newsletter caught my eye -- maybe this would provide the challenge I was looking for? I filled out the form and mailed it in (no web forms back then!), with mixed feelings. Yes, this could provide the stimulation I was seeking. But I didn't know anyone in the section. Did I really want to attend two national conferences a year, when before I'd made it to maybe one every three to four years? And did I really have anything useful to contribute?
I soon found I'd been appointed to the Education for Bibliographic Instruction Committee. Attending the first meeting was pretty nerve-wracking. I really didn't know anyone, and worried about being an outsider. I needn't have bothered. Committees are used to getting new members each year, as terms often only last a year or two. I've found they welcome new faces, particularly if you are willing to work.
I was appointed this first year as the committee intern, which meant that I took minutes at the meetings and then distributed the approved copies to members. This was an excellent way to fit in immediately, and to get to know more about the working of the organization. I spent four years on this committee, and was involved in a number of useful projects. During this time, I got to know quite a few people in people in the Instruction Section, not only from committee meetings, but also from occasionally attending Advisory Council meetings (attended by all section chairs, but anyone is invited to observe) and section programs.
Finding More Challenges: Moving Beyond Committee Membership
My work must have been noticed, since I was asked to run for Secretary of the section. Having won, I was thrown into the thick of the workings of the section and its relationship to ACRL. This was eye-opening, as well as very demanding. The section recognizes this, and the role of secretary is only a one-year term. From there, however, I was then asked to chair a number of committees.
I was invited to run for vice-chair/chair-elect of the Instruction Section. This was commitment of a totally different order, but I did eventually decide to run. I lost the election, but didn't lose my interest in the section. Several years later, I was asked to run for this position again, and this time I was successful. The term begins this summer, and I am certain it will be extremely engrossing, and also extremely demanding.
I am not sure I completely understood what I was getting myself into back in 1989, but looking back, I wouldn't have changed what I did for the world. I've been stretched much more than I expected at the time, and I've also had a chance to meet and work with some fabulous people. This benefit has been invaluable-in terms of both professional networking and developing close friendships.
Is This for You?
Here are some points to consider when thinking about becoming a participating member of a national organization, based on my own experiences.
- Determine the level of involvement.
You will want to get a sense of the demands made by committees you are considering. All the Instruction Section committees ask that members play active, involved roles, which includes work between as well as at conferences. In contrast, I was a two-year member of another national committee that didn't demand much of anything, other than that I turn up to a crowded meeting twice a year. If you have the desire to be a dedicated committee member who really would like to make a mark, this second type of committee will frustrate you. If you don't have the desire to work hard, but get on an active committee, you will frustrate the committee chair!
- Determine committee expectations.
So, how do you know what a committee expects? Try to attend a committee meeting as an observer, if this is allowed (it often is). Contact the chair and ask direct questions about what the committee has done recently, and what its future plans are. Check the committee web site, if available.
- Be flexible.
When submitting a volunteer form, you may need to specify more than one committee you would be interested in joining. You may not be appointed to your first choice. However, you may find the committee you are assigned to quite interesting. And once you've built up a track record as a contributing member, it will probably be easier to get on the committee you initially wanted the next time around.
- Look for opportunities.
I found that being an intern on my first national committee provided all sorts of benefits. See if there might be some special role if you are brand new to active participation in the organization.
- See if you can attend meetings.
If you become involved with a national association, you not only have to travel to meetings, but also to finance the trip expenses, (unless your employer picks up the costs). Consider whether you really want and will be able to do this for the full length of your term.
I have found my experiences in moving from section committee member to section chair to be exciting, challenging, and not to be missed. If you are interested in active involvement at the national level, I hope you will too!
Trudi E. Jacobson actually did end up getting a new job a year after first becoming a committee member, so maybe she was looking for more challenges than she realized. Since 1990, she has been the Coordinator of User Education Programs at the University at Albany Libraries.