NSLA News - May 2018: A Look Back

As the end of my two year term draws to a close I look back at how and why I joined this awesome group.  I was asked if I would serve on the board. If I remember correctly it was Cynthia. I said, “Okay;” thinking I would be a board member. Next thing I know I am the Secretary.  All right, I can do this.

Why did I volunteer to join the board?  I wanted to bring the voice of Western Nebraska to the organization.  AT the same time the voice of NSLA needed to be spread to Western Nebraska. Every region of our state has its unique character.  Many of the librarians in the Panhandle are sole librarians. That makes us rather independent and self sufficient. Being so far removed from the action we are behind in some things, but that has to do with always being an hour behind the other end of the state.  My hope for the future is that events like School Librarians Day and Saturday conference sessions will bring the voice of NSLA to the Panhandle.

I have attended the NLA/NSLA conference for at least 10 years.  In the beginning I looked forward to interesting sessions that spurred me to improve and vendors that had great giveaways.  I would see a few faces I recognized. In the years that followed I would add more faces and friends. Now I look forward to renewing friendships with the people I have met and worked with.  They are no longer just long-distance, social media friends.

There are many changes and new visions ahead for NSLA and this board is ready to guide, encourage, and support the members through the journey ahead. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve with these fellow librarians.  As we said in our Ignite session, “Hold on tight! It’s going to be a wild ride.”

Carole Matthews, Secretary