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n the current climate (political insecurity, environmental woes and economic uncertainty) it is hard to remain positive. Add into that burnout and imposter system and it’s a wonder we get out of bed in the morning! So, in our final column for 2019, we thought we would focus on some of positive elements of our profession and signpost to some resources that may help you navigate your way through the rest of the year.


Opportunities


As Manchester Metropolitan University Library School Alumni, we were pleased to hear that the Library School have included a specific module on Health Librarianship for the 2019/20 cohort of students. The module will enable students to learn about the skills required to work in the sector and thus increasing their employability. CILIP launched a BAME network this year, designed to support the advancement of under-represented people of colour in the library and information sector. They hosted their inaugural meeting on 12 September and presentations from the day can be found here: https://bit.ly/33BMEzl


The network also has an Allies Forum, which non-BAME individuals can join to show their support: https://bit.ly/33tUqLi As co-founders of NLPN, we are really heartened to see people continue to add their details to our job shadowing page. Job shadowing is a great way to gain an insight into someone else’s role. It is particularly useful for students, new professionals and as well as those looking to move sector or are completing Chartership, Certification or Fellowship. If you would like to be added to the list let us know via Twitter or email. If you are interested in shadowing


October-November 2019


CILIP launched a BAME network this year, designed to support the advancement of under-represented people of colour in the library and information sector.


someone, head over to our blog for more information: https://bit.ly/2CG0Edb


Achievements


We were lucky to be part of the judging panel for UKSG’s inaugural Innovation Award for new professionals in both the library and publishing sector. The winners of the awards will be announced later this year, so keep your eyes peeled! This year, via our blog, we’ve celebrated the founders and co-founders of independent groups including SLIP Ireland, DILON, and UKLibchat. In each interview the groups explain what inspired them to create opportunities within the sector, advice they would share and the resources they want to highlight for new professionals: https://bit. ly/31nUtao


Imposter Syndrome


The technical term for the niggling voice that tries to convince you that you are out of your depth or that you shouldn’t apply for that new role. It is something that most of us feel or have felt at some point in our careers and it is completely normal! If you don’t believe us, here are some resources that might help:


l In her piece for Hack School Library, Alyssa Kay discussed her tips on combatting imposter syndrome whilst studying for a Library post-graduate degree. Whilst Alyssa aims her tips at students, we’ve found that the tips are relevant to everyone, particularly at times when life can be overwhelming.


l @newlibsuk recently held a Twitter chat on the topic, check out their Wakelet to find out what was discussed.


Burnout In a similar vein, it can be easy to suffer from burnout. Harriet articulates what burnout is, how it affected her and the coping strategies she adopted. Find them at https://bit.ly/32iTmdc


A main one for us is saying no – this is more freeing than you can imagine! As new professionals we can feel pressured to say yes to everything. Moving through our career we’ve found it better to take our time and assess whether the opportunity is right for us at that moment in time. IP


INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 29


Amy Finnegan is Information Specialist, NICE.


Helen Monagle (@HelenMonagle) is an Electronic Resources Manager at The University of Salford.


Amy and Helen are co-founders of the New Library Professionals Network (Twitter @NLPN_ and blog at nlpn.wordpress.com)


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