Parallel paths: How my experience in association work contributed to my career growth

By Shelby Thaysen

My path in academic libraries has been deeply intertwined with my participation with the Ontario Library Association (OLA) and the Ontario College and University Library Association (OCULA). What began as a student volunteer position with the OLA Super Conference has evolved into a path that parallels and catalyzes my career growth. As I reflect on my path as a librarian in academic libraries, both college and university, I can see how each association role has built upon the last, creating a foundation for both professional and personal growth.

Beyond student volunteer work, my involvement with the OCULA Council began as a Councillor-at-large, where I discovered the joy of collaborating with colleagues from across Ontario’s academic libraries. I was immediately struck by the welcoming environment both online and meeting in-person annually at Super Conference. The opportunity to learn from experienced members of the profession with varying experiences was exciting and invaluable in building a supportive network.

As an OCULA Councillor, I then volunteered to serve as Secretary. While taking minutes and managing documentation might seem routine, these tasks highlighted the essential role that skills like clear communication and meticulous organization play in enabling committees to be productive. Through this experience I sharpened these skills, which have since proven invaluable in my work as an academic librarian. Leading committees, capturing detailed minutes, and organizing project documents became significantly easier, thanks to the hands-on practice I gained as Secretary.

Serving on the planning committee for the OCULA Spring Conference pushed me to think strategically about programming while managing complex logistics and stakeholder relationships. This experience continues to be applicable as my career evolves, especially in conference planning and project management in general, where balancing multiple projects and fostering consensus among diverse stakeholders is essential.

Participating in the OLA’s MentorMatch program has been particularly rewarding. As a mentor to early-career librarians and recent graduates, I’ve had the privilege of supporting new professionals as they navigate their job searches, explore specializations, and build their professional identities. The structured program provides frameworks for goal-setting and regular check-ins, which help create purposeful mentoring relationships. Through the program I’ve honed my coaching and leadership skills, making me more effective in my own role where I supervise several graduate student staff members.

Now, as OCULA Vice-President and a member of the OLA Board of Directors, I see how each role  in the OLA builds upon the last, creating a continuous path of professional development. I look forward to further developing my collaboration, organization, and leadership skills in these new roles, where policy and advocacy work are central. This work directly relates to my position in scholarly communications where there is a rapidly evolving policy environment and need for ongoing advocacy and outreach related to rights of researchers.

The colleagues I have met through the OLA have become trusted advisors, offering perspectives that helped me navigate career decisions and professional challenges. This network is invaluable in understanding trends in academic libraries and identifying new opportunities for development.

Throughout my career transitions, association work has provided a constant thread of professional connection, offering stability and ongoing opportunities for growth despite changes in my positions and affiliations.

For those considering getting involved with OLA, OCULA, or another association, I can’t emphasize enough how association work can enhance your career development and personal enjoyment of the field. Whether you’re looking to develop new skills, expand your professional network, or contribute to the profession, association work offers countless opportunities for meaningful growth.

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Shelby Thaysen is is OCULA Vice President/ President-Elect (2025) and a member of the OLA Board of Directors (2025).