North Carolina Library Paraprofessional Association
The North Carolina Library Paraprofessional Association (NCLPA) is a round table of the North Carolina Library Association (NCLA). Most members are paraprofessionals, but all who advance the interests of support staff in the library workplace are welcome to join. We invite you to contact any Executive Board officer with your questions about NCLPA. Get involved today!
NCLPA News:
- Next Meeting: Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 10:00 AM, Asheboro Public Library
- Minutes: November 10, 2011 [PDF]
- Newsletter: Spring 2010
- Blog: Paraprose
- Google Group
About NCLPA:
Officers & Contact Info: 2012-2013 Executive Board Officers [PDF]
- Chair - Jackie Cornette
- Chair Elect - Harry Frank
- Secretary - Gloria Nelson
- Treasurer - Linda Haynes
- Region 1 Director - Gloria Nelson
- Region 2 Director - Vacant
- Region 3 Director - La-Nita Williams
- Region 4 Director - Evelyn Johnson
Committees
- Archives - Wendy Barber
- Communications - Cathy Wright
- Conference - Harry Frank
- Membership
- Nominating
- Programs - Evelyn Johnson
- Scholarship - Rita Van Duinen
- Webmaster - Angela Davis
Highlights of the 2009-2011 Biennium:
- 41% increase in membership
- 5 programs + conference programming
- Members of the Executive Board attended 28 programs representing NCLPA members
- Meralyn G Meadows Scholarship awarded to Jonda Sanders
Associates is a forum for and about
What do you receive from being a member of NCLA/NCLPA?
I encourage North Carolina library support staff to join NCLPA. It is a gateway to opportunities. As a member, I have met professional as well as support staff across NC. Enrollment is open to all – professionals as well as paraprofessionals. I have been able to network and use resources outside of my library system. I was awarded the 2007 Library Journals’ Paraprofessional Of The Year. My involvement in NCLPA was a contributing factor; thus opening more doors for networking across the United States. NCLPA is a good source for networking, personal growth and promoting library support staff!Jackie Cornette
Western Watauga Branch Library
NCLPA Chair-Elect
NCLA/NCLPA gave me the confidence to take on more responsibilities in my duties as a Library Branch Manager. I was assigned the position of Branch Manager of the only branch in our County and have maintained the position since 1996. This being my second career (former school librarian and teacher), I was uncertain I could give directions and training to others. Being the Scholarship recipient of the NCLPA in 2005 and attending the Conference, I was treated with such respect and appreciation that it bolstered my confidence and has been the contributing factor in maintaining my position within my profession. There is so much value to becoming a member of the NCLA/NCLPA for staff members to become more aware of what they can contribute to their library for the community enrichment.Dee Daughtridge
NCLPA District 4 Director
As the lead instructor and advisor for the Library and Information Technology program at Central Carolina Community College, I find that membership in NCLPA is extremely beneficial for me and for LIT students. NCLPA works toward advancing a profession that is almost 70% of library employees. Students in the LIT program, who are members of NCLPA, benefit from an organization that provides up-to-the-minute information through its web site, quarterly workshops, and a scholarship for one library paraprofessional to attend the biennial NCLA conference. Personally, contact with NCLPA members provides me with a balanced perspective of today’s work in a variety of libraries.Ellen E. Dickey
Central Carolina Community College
NCLPA Chair of Scholarship Committee
NCLPA and NCLA help me to stay connected. Every day I make connections for others: people to information; services to people; people to people. Being a member of these organizations lets me broaden my own connections through scholarship, mentoring, and collegiality. This grows me as a library employee and as a person.Harry Frank
ECU Music Library
NCLPA Region 2 Director
I stumbled into the library world with a computer background/education and found a home. My background and education is in the computer field and finding a place to fit in the library world is not always easy. My job title is IT but I do much more. Working in a small library, I wear many hats – circulation, cataloging, serials, tech services, and IT. I am a member of several sections/roundtables but my feet are firmly planted at NCLPA. NCLPA gave me a home and provided me with the variety that I crave with a diversity of backgrounds, education, and job functions. I am able to network with individuals from all areas of the library community from various types of libraries. Exploring the library world beyond the walls of my library is an enriching experience even if it is through the eyes of others. The library profession has a diverse menu and NCLPA helps me experience this mixture. My experience with the NCLPA Executive Board has allowed me the privilege to work with some of the most dedicated individuals I have ever known. Every undertaking was completed in a professional manner. I truly believe paraprofessional is a mind-set and NCLPA has given me proof.Jackie Frye
Harnett County Public Library
NCLPA Chair
Ten years ago, I was seeking one final career opportunity to round out my five decades in the work force. Within a year, I discovered and promptly enrolled in the online LIT program at CCCC, began working at the Harnett County Public Library, and responded to an invitation to join the NCLPA.What have I received from NCLA/NCLPA membership? A connection with like-minded, goal-oriented people dedicated to serving the greater library community. A sense of purpose that drives me to give of my time and energy. A belief that I am needed and appreciated. An opportunity to use again the knowledge and skills I acquired so many years ago before my move to the other side of the circulation desk.Marcia Johnson
Retired from Harnett County Public Library
NCLPA Secretary and
NCLPA Chair of Publications Committee
I have been a member of ALA for nineteen years and am a charter member of the ALA Library Support Staff Interests Round Table (LSSIRT) and a charter member of the North Carolina Library Paraprofessional Association (NCLPA). These organizations have been a major source of networking and learning for me. They are a place for me to meet and communicate with others who work in libraries – many who do the same type of work that I do. We share good ideas with one another through conferences, workshops, and email lists. One personal bonus for me has been the opportunity to work on different ALA, NCLA, and NCLPA committees with others from across the United States and the State of North Carolina. I invite all persons who work in a library in North Carolina to join NCLA/NCLPA and know the joy of finding useful information and enjoying personal growth. At the same time, you will be giving back to our library community
Meralyn Meadows
Recently retired from Stanly County Public Library
NCLPA Chair of Membership Committee
