Formally known as ‘Spend a Day’, the Make-a-Connection program enables students to understand what it means to be in a specialized environment such a special library by connecting them with practicing LIS professionals to learn more about their jobs, work environments, and career history.

This program allows students to explore different types of work situations and make connections within the local community of information professionals. For the LIS professionals this program allows them an opportunity to give back to the profession and interact with a new librarian.

We are looking for interested students who are currently enrolled in a library program and/or have graduated in the past six months as well as LIS professionals who are willing to host one or more students in various ways.

Feel free to reach out to any of the committee members if you have questions about the program.

Committee Members

Aimee Babcock-Ellis (aimeebe at gmail dot com)

Anna Forsher (anna dot forsher at gmail dot com)

Aileen Marshall (cyndera at gmail dot com)

Janel Kinlaw (jcwlibnpr at gmail dot com)

Testimonials from Past Participants

This program is a great opportunity for meeting and making a one-on-one connection with an established librarian. Touring the special library facility and learning about the scope of work was very helpful. The librarian I met went out of her way to explain to me her work, her background and education, and provide me with advice that will help me in selecting courses that will best prepare me for finding a job. She offered to be a resource for me for class projects and in any other way. –Katie Rapp

The opportunity to participate in this program allowed me to gain knowledge about careers in the LIS field that I was unaware of, gain insight into ways to make my passions into a secure job, and helped me meet and learn from Information Professionals that I hope to stay in contact with for a very long time. It was informative and very enjoyable and I am incredibly thankful for my new connection. –Rachel Keiko Stark

It was wonderful to able to talk with someone who is working in the type of organization that I am interested in (nonprofit) and doing the kind of work I think I’m most interested in (research/reference). Sometimes classes (in the master’s program) can seem really removed from the real world of librarianship so it’s great to hear firsthand what someone does day-to-day. –Sarah Caldwell

Thanks to Janel, Anne, and Aimee for reconstituting a valuable, long-standing DC/SLA program.  I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed a “Monday” so much (the day of the work-week my student and I met)!  – Eileen Deegan

Fall 2011 Matches

Once you have completed your connection, please fill out this feedback form.

Guidelines

Hosts

The Make-a-Connection program does not involve a particular day or format. Students and hosts should work together to determine a mutually convenient time. The format is also flexible and may include:

• job “shadowing”
• an informational interview
• a library tour
• an in-person conversation over a cup of coffee
• one or more virtual meetings
• meet at a DC/SLA event

Additional Guidelines:

• Whatever time you are able to share with a student will be appreciated
• If you agree to host more than one student, please meet with each student separately so each participant can have an individualized experience
• The committee will provide you with the contact information of the student
• It is the student’s responsibility to contact you to find a mutually agreeable time
• After the in-person connection has been made, fill out the short questionnaire to provide feedback so we can further improve the program

Students/Recent Grads

Students and recent graduates who sign up for the Make-a-Connection program will be provided with the contact information of a potential host. It is up to you to start the connection and find a mutually agreeable date and time to meet. Your experience will vary depending upon your host’s availability. Distance learning students (both located in DC and outside of DC) are welcome to participate.  If you are not based in DC, you will be matched up with a host that are able to meet virtually.  Some hosts are able to:

• have a visitor for the whole day
• have a visitor for part of a day
• provide a tour of their office
• have lunch or coffee
• meet virtually
• meet at a DC/SLA event

Additional Guidelines:

• You will meet with your host individually
• After you have completed your visit fill out the short feedback questionnaire to improve the program in the future.
• If you are not able to make a connection with your assigned host within 10 days of the matches be sent out, we cannot guarantee the host will be available.
• If you have any questions or difficulties, let one of the committee members know.