A worthwhile experience

 

Reflections as the Students and New Professionals Champion for CILIP North East Members Network

This blog post was written by one of our committee members Claire Eastaugh who works at Newcastle University and is soon to complete her Masters degree soon. Sadly, Claire is leaving our committee but before that she has kindly written up her experience which we hope will inspire people who are curious about what it's like to be on a committee. Claire has contributed a lot to our committee and certainly made the most of her tenure. If you're thinking of joining our committee or any other one) then have a read...

After over a year a half I will be leaving my position as the Students and New Professionals Champions for the CILIP North East (NE) Members Network.

I joined the committee in 2020 and attended my first committee meeting March 2020 (pictured). This was during my first year as a student at Northumbria University studying for my MSc Information Science Library Management degree. It was suggested as a good opportunity by my tutor Dr Biddy Casselden to network with local professionals, learn from them and bolster my CV in the sector.

The Masters course had started in September 2019 and I was suffering from concerns over making such a drastic change in my career, something I wrote about for this blog in September 2020. I didn’t have any practical experience, had only recently started volunteering at the Hancock Museum Library and didn’t know anyone within the library and information sector other than my wonderful cohort, but we’re spread out globally and work in different sectors; it was the local connection I craved.

It was at the 2020 AGM, held at the beautiful Prior’s Hall in Durham Cathedral, that I volunteered for the open Student Representative role. I’ve served on committees in the past which were hobby based rather than professional and I was currently serving as the Student Programme Representative for my course; but I didn’t really know what I was getting into. My biggest fear was that I’d be seen as a fraud and kindly asked to step aside. How completely unfounded those worries were!

Everyone on the committee welcomes you warmly, are interested in your perspective regardless of experience. The committee wants to help you make the most of being part of the committee; you shine, the network shines, and everyone benefits.

I was able to offer my ideas and make recommendations during our committee meetings, support the expansion of the student representative role to encompass new professionals and contribute to decisions, events, and discussions including making a video for the CILIP Conference in November 2020. It was based on my own experiences, both professional and personal, such as co-presenting Fictional Hangover podcast not specific to being a librarian and information professional. Committees need different skills and experiences to bring to the table, they need drive and enthusiasm.  My lack of practical library or information professional experience ultimately didn’t matter, but my willingness to help and learn certainly did.

What I consider my biggest contribution was helping to organise and run the annual Beyond the Horizon conference in May 2021. It is a highlight of my time on the committee and the source of my greatest stress (studying, working, and home schooling during a pandemic do not make great fellows). It was a learning experience I’m ultimately glad I participated in and the lessons learned will not only help shape future conferences and virtual events for the Network, but are skills I can take with me in my own career. It’s something I can point to and say, I did that.

Unfortunately, because of the pandemic there has never been a face-to-face meeting during my time on the committee. This has somewhat been a benefit as virtual meetings have meant that more people have been able to dial in and I’ve been able to meet a broader range of professionals.

I’m so glad I volunteered on the CILIP North East Members Network committee. I’m grateful for the opportunities it has offered me and chance to meet some wonderful people who are truly dedicated to helping library and information professionals in the North East.

Thank you to the committee members for the chance and community, and in particular, thank you Suzie Williams, Committee Secretary; Leanne Young, Interim Chair/Digital Champion; Jennie Hillyard, Youth Library Group NE Representative and of course Biddy Casselden, Library School Representative.

I’m sure we’re still owed a games night, let me know when and I’ll bring the meeple.

 

Contact information:

Claire Eastaugh
Twitter: @vadania82
Instagram: @clairedrinkstea