On August 23, 2022, the New Brunswick Libraries (NBL) Learning Community hosted its second annual Engagement Day for all New Brunswick Libraries faculty and staff. This professional engagement event is an important part of the NBL Learning Community’s effort to enhance the New Brunswick Libraries’ culture of collaboration, communication, and success.
Despite the challenges of our busy schedules, over 55 New Brunswick Libraries staff and faculty members participated in some or all of the day’s programming. The event was held online and in person to accommodate as many people as possible.
Before the virtual morning programming began at 9:00 a.m., we received warm welcomes from Consuella Askew, our new Vice President for University Libraries and University Librarian, and Dee Magnoni, the Associate University Librarian at Rutgers–New Brunswick.
Throughout the morning, presenters shared their expertise through nine sessions that ranged from interactive workshops to conversations and learning presentations. Two of the nine presentations were given by external specialists, six by Rutgers faculty and staff, and one by an NBL professional. Attendees were split into groups of three and chose from the following sessions:
- Integrative Medicine
- Do You Really Know What Time It Is? Horology: The Science of Measuring Time and Watchmaking
- Employment Discrimination Law: What Is It and How Does It Affect Me?
- Global Health and Its Impacts
- Professional Development at Rutgers
- Sharpening Your Resume and CV
- Build Your Professional Brand
- RU Aware of the Software Portal and OIT Help Desk
- The Rutgers Geology Museum
Following the virtual programming, we traveled to Rutgers Gardens for lunch and an afternoon filled with learning, music, hats, and engagement. Lauren Errickson, Director of Rutgers Gardens, gave a presentation about the history of the gardens. Afterward, we participated in many entertaining activities such as games, origami, button making, a photo booth, self-guided walks through the gardens, and plenty of conversations.
Because of the pandemic, many attendees had not met in person for at least three years! Some of our new librarians met their colleagues face-to-face for the first time. It was wonderful to connect—and reconnect—this way.
The day concluded with career acknowledgments and recognitions, which included length of service tributes and promotion announcements. All Rutgers Gardens attendees were invited to participate in a Tricky Tray game. Raffle tickets were distributed for gift baskets generously made and donated by NBL staff and faculty. Lastly, we took a group photo to remember the day.
The NBL Learning Community Advisory Group thanks everyone who helped make Engagement Day a huge success! We are grateful to those who:
- volunteered to be session hosts and emcees for the afternoon’s proceedings,
- set up and broke down equipment in the Gardens,
- organized carpooling and covered chat reference shifts,
- donated items and helped assemble the gift baskets,
- wore hats, and
- contributed to many more efforts that aren’t listed here!
We especially thank Consuella Askew and Dee Magnoni for their incredible support, which included, but was not limited to, funding, pausing operations for the day across the libraries, and starting our day off by welcoming and encouraging us to engage and learn.
We also thank the Engagement Day presenters:
- Dr. Lauren Adamo, Director of the Rutgers Geology Museum
- William Constantine, Director, Organizational and Talent Development
- James M. Cooney, Esq., Associate Teaching Professor, Labor Studies and Employment Relations
- Lauren Errickson, Director of the Rutgers Gardens
- Julia Fuchs
- Dawn Heintz, BSN RN OCN
- Arpita Jindani, Associate Program Manager at the Institute for Health
- Nicholas Manousos, Executive Director at Horological Society of New York
- Carol McCarty, Research Collaborator at Rutgers University
- Dr. Mindy O’Mealia, Program Director of Medical Professions & Life Sciences Career Interest Communities at Rutgers University
- Laura Palm, MD
- Dr. Sacha Patera, Strategic Partnerships and Industry-University Relations
- Andrew Ruggiero, NBL-Unit Computing Specialist
- Toi Tyson, Director of Career Communities and Campus Partnerships
Lastly, a huge and enthusiastic shout-out to all the New Brunswick Learning Community Advisory Group members: Stacey Carton, Becky Diamond, Erika Gorder, Grace McGarty, L Miller, Jill Morrow, Sue Oldenburg, Andrew Ruggiero, Luke Sangiamo, Elena Schneider, Jeff Teichmann, Kate Van Riper, and Ryan Womack! Without their behind-the-scenes and on-stage creativity, resourcefulness, willingness, and hard work, this day would not have been possible.
