Looking at my calendar and new 2010 diary, I just can't believe how fast 2009 came and went and the amount of work I've done during the last 12 months and indeed how much professional development I've gained from a variety of different sources and experiences.
The highlights of 2009 began with hosting the British Library's Sacred on Location Exhibition in March, which went really went and gave me valuable experience of hosting a nationally travelling exhibition and organising events. In preparation for receiving this exhibition I had the opportunity to visit London for only the third time ever in my life and to also visit the British Library for the first time, which is a fantastic building and well worth a visit should you find yourself in London. I also made an excellent friendship with the regional facilitator, whose support was invaluable and we're still very good friends now and regularly stay in touch with each other.
Also during 2009 I successfully gained Chartership after 18 months of hard work and dedication. There were times when I struggled and felt I couldn't reach the end of the tunnel, but with the support of my Mentor, colleagues and good friends I was successful first time round, which was a great confidence boost. Although Chartership has no immediate benefits to my career, it's much like having my Information Management Undergraduate degree; it's the achievement of gaining it and getting there. And I'm sure it'll be useful and have long-term benefits.
A personal highlight of 2009 was my cat, Bronte turning 1 year old. I've never had a cat before and wasn't sure whether I'd even like one in my life, but she's really grown on me and indeed grown! I really enjoy coming home after a long day at work to find her sat waiting by the door to greet me and she's also great company and great stress relief.
During 2009 I worked as Newsletter Editor for Yorkshire and Humberside Career Development Group, which was very rewarding and gave me valuable editing experience and skills. I also developed my ability to influence and communicate with others by coaxing people into writing articles for the newsletter. I also gave the newsletter a much needed revamp, which also received positive feedback. The Division Committee has also grown over the year and I really couldn't have achieved everything related to CDG without the support of everyone on the Committee over the past year. This gave me the confidence to remain on Committee at the 2009 and begin a new role as Events Co-Ordinator, which to date has gone very well. I've successfully organised several Library awareness visits and organised a regional training event on reflective writing. I was also instrumental in helping to build a better working relationship with Leeds Metropolitan University and helped to organise some events for the Information Professionals of tomorrow studying there in the form of career events, where different professionals from a variety of sectors give testimonies of how they got into the profession and what they enjoy about being a Librarian or Information Professional. During my time since being a member of the CDG Committee I've made a variety of excellent contacts (so many I've bought myself a work address book!) and I'm sure that this professional networking will be of massive benefit to my career.
I also helped to host and organise a programme of Polish cultural events in partnership with Museums, which went really well and sounded superb. I think musical events should be held in Libraries more often. The string quartet, violinist and Polish Folk band went down really well with the audience.
Finally to everyone reading this, I wish everyone a successful and Happy New Year!!!
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