Ok not really. At least I don’t think so. Based on how many people I talked with at MidWinter who didn’t know about the election process or what Executive Board does it might be. Several people contacted 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, especially from past candidates. No one said I couldn’t talk about it and since I have been very transparent over the years about most, if not all, of my professional endeavors I thought I would share what I know and reflect on the experience. And use this as an opportunity to encourage you to become (more) involved! What executive board (and ALA and Council) does and why it matters or Why You Should Pay Dues and VOTE! First some background on Executive Board and where it fits in ALA: The ALA president is the “chief administrative officer and legal head of the organization.” While many of the roles of an administrative leader are delegated or shared in policy (and practice) to the ALA executive director, some key roles have clearly and consistently
ALA
Why Are You Here? Reflections on ALA MidWinter #alamw12
This Midwinter was different for me. It is the first one I have attended since returning to school full-time. It means I paid my own way, every penny of it, and I was on my own time. It also means I chose to have my badge just say my name and city and state. This is not my first conference since returning to school, I was at Internet Librarian in October, but MidWinter was markedly different. The first question you are often asked when you meet new people is where you work or what type of library you work in. My response was usually that I wasn’t currently working full-time in a library, that I do consulting work with libraries and I am working full-time on my masters in public policy. If people wanted to know more about my masters and how it relates to libraries I happily told them, if not they had enough information and we could move on and I’d talk about Council or OITP or my other ALA involvement. Once or twice this introduction led to the very direct question – Why are you here? Despite getting this question multiple times I don’t think I ever really answered it
Be There or Be Square, Things of Note at #ALA11
My schedule in NOLA is jam packed, lots of meetings thanks to my involvement in the Digital Literacy Task Force, OITP Advisory Committee, Council and of course my Transliteracy Interest Group. Rather than bore you with my crazy schedule I thought I’d share a few things of note I think you’ll be interested in attending. Also if you haven’t read my tips post, and the comments left by readers, be sure to do so ! Friday, June 24th OCLC Americas Member Meeting and Symposium at ALA, the entire event runs from 11:30-4:00. From 2:00 to 4:00 is The Infinite Collection: Resources in the Digital Age, I will be one of the panelist responding to remarks by the speakers & questions from the audience. Its free, if you are interested register here. The explosion of ways in which we are digitally connected impacts every part of our lives. Whether we’re researching, building social connections or sharing our own media, the digital realm has extended its influence into nearly every aspect of what we do. What does this do to the boundaries of your library’s collection? What does it mean to curate a collection that is becoming, for all intents and purposes, infinite? Join digital
ALA Survival Tips, New & Improved for #ALA11
I’ve made some updates to the conference tips I shared last year before ALA. Hopefully, there is a little something for everyone, I’ve added a short packing list of things I can’t live without and a reading list with suggestions on networking and tips for introverts. Packing list These are the things I can NOT live without at conferences A good bag in a light weight material. Forgot leather its hot & heavy. Instead go for something lightweight like the bagallini bags, I have two big ones, the Only Bagg and the Ala Carte Medium. Both of these are large tote style bags great as a carry on or if you like a bigger bag. My favorite one is smaller though, the Hobo Style Tote. It’s just big enough my netbook will fit in it, the outer end pockets are big enough for a water bottle and the strap can be shortened to wear as a shoulder bag or long to wear as a messenger. External Battery Pack I can not express enough love for this device. It’s slightly larger than my cell phone and will fully charge it, twice. Yep. I just remember to plug it in and charge it each night
Now the Real Work Begins
Yesterday while I was traveling and taking some much needed down time away from the internet ALA announced the results for their recent elections. I was pleased see my bid for Councilor-at-Large was successful. Thank you to everyone who voted for me and for all your support. I hope to live up to expectations, I represent YOU, so feel free to email, message, DM or whatever with questions and concerns. I got some great responses on my post, I Want to Know Your Thoughts on ALA. Love it? Hate it? Tell Me Why, I read each one carefully and thoughtfully. This is also seems like the time for a couple of other “look at me” announcements! OITP Advisory Committee – Earlier this year I was asked to serve on the OITP Advisory Committee, and I accepted. This service begins after Annual this year and lasts for two years. This is exciting on so many levels. As you know, I’ve expressed concerns about the digital divide, the failure of other institutions to recognize the role of libraries in the access to the technology and skills needed to bridge that divide, and I believe being involved with OITP will allow me to work to
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