Activities for New Members

The Membership and Professional Development Committee is delighted to extend a special welcome to new members attending the upcoming 2017 RBMS Conference, “The Stories We Tell,” held in Iowa City, Iowa, June 20-23.

M&PD hosts a number of activities for new members designed to introduce you to the conference, to our organization, and to other members. We hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about RBMS and to mingle with other passionate members of our profession.

RBMS “Buddy” Program: Pairs first time conference attendees with an experienced RBMS member to serve as a guide through the conference experience. Buddies can recommend conference sessions and activities; answer questions about serving on RBMS committees; and introduce you to other RBMS members. Buddy pairs often meet between conference sessions or join up for coffee and/or a meal! Signing up is easy!
Conference Orientation & “Speed Dating” Introduction to RBMS (Tuesday, June 20, 4:00-5:00pm, Vetro Lehman I): This hour-long orientation is designed to welcome you to the conference and introduce you to RBMS as an organization. We will begin with a few words of welcome and introductions. These introductions will be followed by a 30-40 minute “speed dating” session in which representatives from several RBMS Committees will be on hand to discuss their projects. Every 3-4 minutes, attendees will receive a signal to visit a different committee representative, allowing for maximum exposure to our various activities. Don’t worry if you can’t visit as many committees as you’d like! M&PD representatives will be happy to direct you to the appropriate contact person after the event.
- Please note: RBMS Committees do not convene at the RBMS Conference itself. Committee work occurs at the Midwinter and Annual ALA Conferences.
New Members’ Mixer [$25 ticketed event] (Tuesday, June 20, 5:00-6:30): Following the conference orientation, M&PD invites you to join us for a snack and glass of wine (included in the ticket price) at the New Members’ Mixer. This is an excellent opportunity for new members to get to know one another in a relaxed, intimate setting. Make sure to include this event in your registration!
New Member Lunch Meet-Up (Wednesday, June 21, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm): Get to know your fellow new RBMS members over an informal lunch meet up! We will have a few veteran members on hand to answer questions but we hope that this is an opportunity for new members to get to know each other as you form a cohort of future leaders of the Section! This event is co-sponsored with the Diversity Committee.