Big Sky Ideas: 

Just thinking off the top of my head, it would nice to have a group that is focused specifically on the challenges facing academic librarians, but which has a broader relationship with other groups, i.e new public librarians, new special librarians, etc. There might be some ideas to borrow/steal from the SLA's efforts with their "First Five Years" program. 

One thing I'd like to see improve now though, is to somehow have a broader base to engage new academic librarians -- something like what the Ning space was trying to achieve but with more interaction/activity on it. I'm not sure how to make this happen, of course! It just seems that there is so much interest from people to join Re:gen throughout the year, but of course we're a small group and people can't always commit to a formal committee role. I'm thinking of a place where people can connect with potential research/conference session partners, post good reads, discuss practical challenges. As well, it would be nice if we could get the listserv situation figured out, though I have no idea how we'd go about doing that. Just heard from Gillian Byrne, and she says that Pam Ryan "owns" the Ning site if there is interest in inheriting it from CACUL. Otherwise it's going to die in December 2011.  

Other things to consider in terms of structure: How will we relate to other "newbie" groups? There is a pre-existing New Information Professionals group within CLA. There are also student chapters, and the possibility of creating city/region-based chapters too (i.e. CLA-Vancouver, CLA-Montreal, etc.). There are lots of ways that networks will/might sprout up. 

Down in the weeds: 

Some things I think would be useful for newbs that aren't really acknowledged by CLA/CACUL right now: 

• A really introductory/low-level webinar on Canadian copyright. We can call it "Copyright: WTF." (What're The Facts) :D:D:D:D:D. Because I have had to sit through so many copyright discussions, and I still have No. Idea. Whatsoever. I'm invisioning some copyright wonk who knows this stuff, and liasing with them to create a sufficiently simplified preso on the topic. 

• Better outreach to the Library Schools (MS) - There is A LOT of discontent at the library schools re interaction with CLA itself.  Let's make a point to interact effectively with our upcoming grads.  More Social and PD events, more communication, more opportunities to share..
• Homegrown PD (MS, ME, KS) - We have a lot of knowledge to offer one another, and we already have the tools to share it.  Let's use some IT to do online professional development.  yes, Webinars
• LibraryCamp (MS) - Why limit outselves to a few mere sessions at every CLA.  Let's hold a real unconference that run concurrently with CLA.  You know you love this idea.
• Space to share research ideas -  Have an idea, but no time to start yet? Have time, but no where to start? The best research comes from brainstorming and collaboration. Let's have a space where people can come together with ideas and people power to get some amazing legit research done.