When I reflect on my time with the Australian Library and Information Association’s Students and New Graduates Group (ALIA SNGG), one word comesto mind: transformative. It was a period that not only shaped my career but also solidified my passion for library marketing, leadership, and community building. Here’s the story of how ALIA SNGG became the launchpad for my professional growth- and the lessons I learned along the way.

Discovering My Passion for Social Media and Marketing

Joining ALIA SNGG was like stepping into a laboratory of ideas. I quickly found myself gravitating toward social media management, drawn by its potential to connect people and amplify messages. Over time, I became the go-to person in our group for all things social media. Whether it was brainstorming campaigns or refining content strategies, my peers would often come to me to bounce ideas off or seek confirmation.

This role allowed me to deep-dive into understanding human behavior—what makes people click, share, or engage—and how to craft messages that resonate. I wasn’t just promoting ALIA SNGG, I was building a narrative that showed students and new graduates that we were more than worth their time—we were fun too. 

This experience reignited my love for design and marketing research, skills I hadn’t actively used in years but now embrace wholeheartedly through my work as Misskoko the Librarian.

Leadership in “Libraryland”: A Lesson in Lifting Others Up

ALIA SNGG also gave me my first real taste of leadership within the library field. But leadership in “libraryland” is unique—it’s less about commanding and more about collaborating. Through this experience, I learned that being a leader means shining a light on others’ strengths, fostering collaboration, and being willing to put in the work alongside your peers.By lifting others up and celebrating what works well, you create an environment where innovation and teamwork flourish. This philosophy has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to guide how I approach projects today.

From Student Advocate to Marketing Specialist

The skills I honed during my time with ALIA SNGG became the foundation for my later ventures. Today, as Misskoko the Librarian, I specialise in helping libraries and librarians elevate their online presence through marketing strategies, personal branding, and content creation. My journey from student advocate to marketing specialist is deeply rooted in the opportunities ALIA SNGG provided me.

For example, my ability to design engaging promotional materials—a skill I rediscovered during my time with ALIA—has become a cornerstone of my consulting services. Whether it’s creating social media policies for libraries or coaching individuals on how to build their personal brand, the seeds of these skills were planted during those early days with ALIA SNGG.

Key Takeaways for Students and New Graduates

For those currently navigating their own journey through librarianship or considering joining groups like ALIA SNGG, here are some lessons from my experience:

• Embrace Opportunities: Whether it’s managing social media accounts or organising events, every task is an opportunity to learn something new.
• Focus on Community: Leadership isn’t about being at the top, it’s about fostering collaboration and lifting others up.
• Invest in Your Skills: Use your time to explore areas like marketing, design, or communication—skills that will set you apart in today’s library landscape.
• Network Early: Librarianship is a small world where connections matter. Start building relationships now, they will pay dividends throughout your career.

To anyone considering getting involved with ALIA SNGG or similar groups, dive in wholeheartedly. You never know where it might take you—or how it might transform you along the way.

Make sure to follow the wonderful Jade via Instagram and Facebook at @misskokolib

Subscribe to her YouTube channel Misskoko the Librarian for Library Marketing, Social Media, Content creation and Job Help tips.

Image 1: Jade aka Misskoko the Librarian smiling in a yellow t-shirt. A shelf filled with books at the back.

Image 2: Jade in a black top with an assortment of pins and badges.

#PhotoCredit Jade KoeKoe