Service, Professional Development and Privilege

I've been thinking a lot about service expectations, professional development opportunities and privilege.  A lot has been written on the connection of conference attendance and privilege, conferences are expensive to attend and in the academic world that you often essentially pay to present your research.  If you're lucky enough to have a job that includes … Continue reading Service, Professional Development and Privilege

New Professionals and Hiring Committees

When I started my first job after grad school I was in a position that including hiring as one of its many tasks.  Prior to this point I had only sat on the opposite side of the hiring table and I remember feeling a bit overwhelming at being responsible for deciding who received a job.  … Continue reading New Professionals and Hiring Committees

Attire and Professional Identity

Earlier this week I participated in the SAA Student and New Archives Professionals Roundtable twitter chat on workplace attire.  The chat was co-hosted by Librarian Wardrobe and like most #snaprt chats invited students, new professionals, and seasoned archives staff to engage in meaningful discussion. I don't really fit in the new professional category but I … Continue reading Attire and Professional Identity

Supporting An Active Writing Practice

As you may have already guessed I like writing.  I've been blogging about public history for years, I maintain a personal/off-topic blog with my partner, I've written for other history outlets, and I also write occasionally as part of my job. I also write some fiction occasionally.  Like many people who maintain creative or academic … Continue reading Supporting An Active Writing Practice

NCPH Recap: Day One, March 16

Another year, another NCPH conference down.  This is by far my favourite conference.  It brings together so many diverse perspectives, there is a welcoming sense of community, and the sessions are always dynamic and engaging.  I had a fantastic time in Baltimore at NCPH 2016 and over the next week or so I will be … Continue reading NCPH Recap: Day One, March 16

Interviewing and the Power of Perspective

In December 2015 I interviewed for University Archivist position at a Canadian university. I've attempted to write about this experience a couple of times but have repeatedly deleted what I wrote.  I initially considered writing broadly about the university archives/faculty hiring experience. The interview process for this position was completely different than any of the … Continue reading Interviewing and the Power of Perspective

Look Back and Look Forward

Unlike in some previous years this December I didn't participate in reverb or any similar end of year reflective writing practice.  But I do want to look back at some of things that made 2015 a memorable year and my plans for 2016. Looking Back: My article, “Community Archival Practice: Indigenous Grassroots Collaboration at the … Continue reading Look Back and Look Forward

Peer Mentors and Peer Nurturing

Letters to a Young Librarian recently had a great post on the idea and importance of peer mentors.  Jessica Olin makes a great point about the value of having a support network and peers who you can turn to for support and honest feedback. Mentors can provide advice.  But sometimes having those close relationships that … Continue reading Peer Mentors and Peer Nurturing

Ongoing Challenges: Paper Writing and Committee Work

During the month of December I am participating in #reverb14 as a means of getting my writing habits back on track. I will be altering the prompts as needed to fit within the scope of this blog. Prompt: Challenges.  What did you wrestle with in 2014?  What did you learn?  What challenges do you foresee in 2015? This … Continue reading Ongoing Challenges: Paper Writing and Committee Work

Archival Community

During the month of December I am participating in #reverb14 as a means of getting my writing habits back on track. I will be altering the prompts as needed to fit within the scope of this blog. Prompt: Ah ha moment: Did you have an “ah ha” moment this year? Was it a big one? Or just a … Continue reading Archival Community