Comments on: Why Are You Here? Reflections on ALA MidWinter #alamw12

By: Debbie S.

Debbie S. — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 05:00:22 +0000

What an interesting post! I attended ALA Midwinter a year ago and I debated what to put on my badge. I completed my MLIS but after the company I worked for went out of business I wasn’t able to find a library job so I returned to my software career. I am a book blogger but I know often we get a bad rap at these types of events. I went not just to see the books but also to learn more about the industry, check out the sessions and just get a feel for what it is like. I was asked the same question about what was I doing there and given the look of disgust that told me they assumed I was just there for the free books. It was quite discouraging as an aspiring librarian and I was already feeling like the ugly step child as I was unable to find a position in a library. It almost felt wrong to try and learn more about the profession and keep up to date if I didn’t currently hold a librarian position.

By: The First Rule of ALA Executive Board is You Don’t Talk About Executive Board | Librarian by Day

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:26:25 +0000

[...] me and asked me to elaborate on the Executive Board process and experience I mentioned in my MidWinter reflections post. It does seem odd to me that there isn’t more information out there about the process, [...]

By: Bobbi Newman

Bobbi Newman — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:42:16 +0000

Thank you Will. I’m enjoying it so much and learning so much I can’t imagine regretting it.

By: will manley

will manley — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:18:51 +0000

Bobbi, very cool that you are taking a break from work to get your MPA. I got my MPA mid-career and it took me places I never expected. Best of luck. You won’t regret this decision.

By: Bobbi Newman

Bobbi Newman — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:58:22 +0000

Hi Wendy, I agree. I’m all for spreading around the opportunity to attend conferences. but at the same time all too aware that there are many who want to go to get a “vacation” or just because someone else got to go last year. I’ve started asking people what their favorite thing about the conference is instead of asking where they work. I find this tells me far more about them and lets me find out about the great things I missed.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:32:49 +0000

Bobbi,
Nothing that irks me more than the converse of your post, when someone turns up at a conference “because their library sent them.” What a waste of resources! I do really appreciate the time and thought you devote to the profession, you are inspirational, and on the forefront of anticipating and appreciating the role of policy on information in a digital age…

By: Bobbi Newman

Bobbi Newman — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:29:41 +0000

Hi Marge, Thanks for letting me know! I knew I had to be missing people. I’ve added you to the list.

By: Marge Loch-Wouters

Marge Loch-Wouters — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:47:18 +0000

I’m a new Councilor (hi Bobbi) and tweet under @lochwouters

By: Jennifer Stubbs

Jennifer Stubbs — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:46:40 +0000

Re: “the future of libraries and ways to demonstrate our value.”: During the Lankes Conversation sessions, an idea formed in my head about outreach. Dr Lankes suggested we need to train the public to use the newer aspects of the library, to help them break free of outdated, physical-library limitations. I propose being available at soccer (or other sport) events where parents and kids remain for an hour or two. There, librarians can model early literacy exercises, lap-sits, remote database access for homework help or researching Opposing Viewpoints, or the library’s website. The stories of “oh!” epiphanies, increased literacy, or library usage that might arise will become the foundation for evidence of value. Outreach events at senior centers, medical clinics (especially indigenous?), or business associations could target the needs of more perspectives. My library has difficulty timing presentations for when to draw in visitors, so reaching out might work better (if we can manage the staffing). I would appreciate more realistic views or current experiences on my plan, too.

By: Bobbi Newman

Bobbi Newman — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:26:52 +0000

Hi Dawn,
First I’d ask why you want to participate more in ALA? Is there a particular interest or cause you’re interested in? What role do you want to play? Midwinter is generally more business meetings that programming events so it might not be the best choice for general attendance. Annual is full of great programs and events that are open to everyone. If you’re looking to get involved check out the MidWinter schedule, it’s still up http://alamw12.scheduler.ala.org/sessions There are a couple of things that come up related directly to support staff issues
http://alamw12.scheduler.ala.org/node/908
http://alamw12.scheduler.ala.org/node/905

There is a Library Support Staff Interests Round Table too. and there are plenty of things for School librarians that you would be welcome at!

Hope that helps.