Welcoming new colleagues to Penn State University Libraries is an essential part of bringing new ideas and energy into the organization. As we hire new professionals into entry-level positions, these new professionals are going through many transitions that can make their first professional experience more challenging than they may have anticipated. This session explores this period of transition by reviewing research on factors commonly associated with job satisfaction for new professionals and highlighting specific issues and situations associated with these factors. We will discuss solutions and strategies for supporting new librarians, and identify best practices for recruiting, retaining, and supporting new librarians.

Librarian/Helping New Librarians 
Thursday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m.
Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park and Mediasite Live.

Stepping into your first — or second — professional position can be challenging. New professionals experience many transitions very quickly as they orient themselves to their new role, their new organization, and their new professional identity. If any of this sounds familiar, then this session is for you! During this session, we will discuss many of the issues that new professionals often experience, and identify factors related to these issues that can impact job satisfaction and performance. You can expect to leave this session with strategies for dealing with the transitions you’re facing, for proactively seeking job satisfaction and enjoyment, and for recognizing the support systems and community surrounding you.

Exhibition Information Literacy Class
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 11 a.m.-noon
Pattee Library 140 (Knowledge Commons)

During an average academic year, Library Learning Services engages with more than 250 students in ENG 015, CAS 100, ESL, and other classes identified as opportunities to integrate foundational-level information literacy concepts into a student’s experience. What actually happens in these classes? What sorts of things do we teach as part of our foundational-level program, and how do we teach them? If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on in these classes, then you’re invited to our first-ever Exhibition Information Literacy Class, where we will lift the veil and expose the ideas and strategies that we bring to these classes. Come prepared to experience some hands-on activities and to gain a new perspective on teaching and learning in the Libraries.

– submitted by Carmen Gass, User Training Services