ALA 2010

Greetings  and salutations!

I hope that everyone reading this is doing well, and that my fellow attendees all made it home without incident.

So, what have I been up to?

June 12, 2010 I attended graduation at Drexel University and got to meet some of my fellow students, hurrah!

I also spent several days exploring Philladelphia with my husband, guided by my aunt and cousins before visiting Missy Harvey, the Computer Science Librarian for the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries in Pittsburgh.  We moved on to Harrisburg to visit the  National Civil War Museum, which I highly recommend seeing, and Gettysburg.  After that we moved on to New York, NY to visit my step-son and one of my oldest friends, and then turned south to Delaware.  I realized from the signage that I was near the University of Delaware and gave myself an impromptu campus and library tour, they have an awesome audio/video center in their library!  We spent a few days in Maryland relaxing with some friends, and then moved on to D.C. for ALA 2010.

A Few Washington, D.C. Highlights

Revisiting Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum (Twice!)

What can I say, you can’t take the science out of the girl and I always adore seeing the new takes on the NASA display and all the other changes, it really did take two visits to see all the new stuff and I still didn’t have time to see one of their IMAX presentations!

Spectrum Professional Options Fair

This event is part of the Spectrum Leadership Institute, I was there as a representative of ACRL’s Residency Interest Group.  The purpose of the event is for Spectrum Scholars to learn about various career paths and professional groups, and to provide general networking for them as well.  My group passed out flyers, business cards, pointed people toward other groups of interest at the institute and generally had a good time promoting Residencies, scholarship and mentoring opportunities, and librarianship.

ARL’s 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Intitative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce

As an ARL Diversity Scholar I was asked to attend this lunch celebration of the Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce.  I showed up early to help setup with my husband and we helped out and generally had a good time.  Not only was the food excellent, but the speakers were as well.  I was particularly proud of my fellow 2009-2011 Diversity Scholar Jeff Cruz’s speech. Jeff also challenged us to see which of us would become the first ARL director.  I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a multi-way tie in the end, good luck to us all!

Sunday – Best day!  I’ll do a separate post on this next week

Privacy -

Monday as I wandered in tired and without a plan and only 2 hours to spare, I had the good fortune to run into Brian Leaf who suggested I go to a session with him on privacy issues.  I’m not sure what the name of the session was but I really enjoyed one of the speakers analogy for privacy issues, a black box sitting on a rotting net with a flag.

Exhibits Report

As per usual there was the usual assortment of people watching and free books.  I was especially impressed by the determination of the woman who brought her daughter to sit with bags and had 8 bags of books within about 30 minutes of the exhibits opening.  I myself snagged 8 which looked interesting, and even managed to snag a free copy of a book being sold Saturday by staring rather wistfully at a book as they were closing the signing and mentioning that I had the first book at which point the vendor gave it to me for free and I was the last person to have their book signed

I was disappointed in the selection of science related vendors, even the vendors with science products were not nearly as helpful as I had met at midwinter.  To that I say, science people want convention attention too!  If I ask about your science products and you are a representative for your vendor telling me you don’t have any handouts and only know that name of the products makes me wonder if you really want me to buy them.

In contrast I was very pleased to speak with the people from the Oxford University Press they were very helpful, interesting, and I learned about new products which were in my area of interest.  I was also very happy to meet up with Dave, Ryan, and the rest of the Mango Languages crew, if you haven’t tried their product yet see if you have access through your library and check them out!  I really love how they not only have lessons for English speakers to learn foreign languages, but also English as a second language lessons. (No I am not affiliated with them, I just like their product and want it to continue succeeding so I can continue using it!)

Poster Sessions

I really enjoyed the chance to see what people were doing to improve their libraries and their services.  I really enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other librarians and discover people with similar interest and specialties who I hope to collaborate with in the future.  Talks and presentations are useful, but if you don’t drop by the poster sessions when you can you’re missing a fun and highly useful opportunity to connect with your peers/future colleagues/future bosses.  Most interesting poster has to go to the librarians that created a virtual tour using adapted dolls, some model props, and photos to simulate  a library tour for online students in a video clip.  I also loved hearing about successful scavenger hunt strategies and brain storming for overnight mystery events in libraries.

All in all I had a great time, met great people, and learned a lot, if you have a chance to attend a convention I highly encourage you to go.

Attended ALA 2010 in D.C.?  What were your highlights?

Portrait of an ARL Diversity Scholar

What’s it all about?

As you may or may not know, I am a 2009-2011 ARL Diversity Scholar.  This means that I was chosen to receive financial aid, mentoring, professional development and networking opportunities.  The above benefits are provided by the ARL Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce (IRDW).  In return for this, ARL Diversity Scholars promise to try and work at an Association of Research Libraries member library for two years after graduation.  I use the word try because ARL can’t guarantee you a job and, as we all know, there are many libraries that are cutting staff instead of hiring.  What they can do is provide support and advice during your job search, and introduce you to leaders, movers and shakers in the library world heightening your exposure and recognition.  The impression you make and the ability to follow through on those connections are your responsibility.

ARL Leadership Symposium

ARL Leardship Symposium

The ARL Leadership Symposium is the first event you attend as an ARL Diversity Scholar.  The Symposium is a free event for MLIS students and was officially open January 16 and 17, 2010.  For Diversity Scholars, this event started January 14^th and included an extra day and a half of speakers, panels and networking opportunities.  All costs for the Leadership Symposium were paid for by ARL and I was able to schedule my flight back two days later so that I could stay and meet my ALA Midwinter obligations.

In addition to the panel discussions and speakers, the Leadership Symposium was the first chance I had to put names to faces and meet the rest of the 2009-2011 Diversity Scholars.  The group is very dynamic and I am in awe of everyone.  They make me feel like I’m a slacker with all of their energy and projects.  We are made up of people from a variety of ethnicities and age groups.  Some of us, like myself, are career switchers. Others are experienced library workers, and some are just starting their careers.  The scholarship is nice, but what really makes the ARL Diversity Scholar experience is your cohort.  While I can’t speak for past years, my cohort is inspiring, challenging and completely supportive of each other and I’m delighted to be a part of them.

Eating with the scholars in Purdue.

ARL Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce Visit to Purdue University Libraries

The Purdue University Libraries visit is a well-organized two-day whirlwind affair that introduces scholars to current issues in research libraries, cutting edge services and the staff of the Purdue University Libraries.  Additionally, scholars participate in small group meetings with librarians specializing in one of their areas of interest. The first day ended with an informal gathering at the Dean of Libraries’, James (Jim) Mullins, house where we were treated to excellent food, a relaxed venue and time to get to know the Purdue University librarians.  The second day ended with a larger, more formal, reception that was attended by even more of the Purdue University librarians allowing us to visit with, and be advised by librarians who specialize in a wide variety of topics.  Because these events were less hectic than the Symposium the Scholars were able to spend more time getting to know each other.  You may be wondering why we needed more time. There are 20 Diversity Scholars in the 2009-2011 cohort all of whom are well worth knowing on a personal basis and doing exciting things in librarianship.  I wish I had an extra day to spend visiting with everyone, hopefully some of us will be able to meet up at ALA Annual but I’m a little sad knowing that the whole group will probably never again be able to meet at the same time as professional obligations will dictate our future schedules.

ARL Mentoring

ARL provides several levels of mentorship outside of the conference.  For my group the first level would be Mark Puente, Director of Diversity Programs for ARL.  Mark coordinates the scholarship program and also provides advice on networking, job and scholarship applications, interviewing and the odd job lead.  The scholars also practice peer mentoring.  Many of us have a wide range of experience and because of our different backgrounds we can often help each other whether it be giving feedback on a websites, or posting new job leads we think someone might be interested in.  One thing we try and keep in mind is that we are different individuals with different interests and goals.  Because we are so different we are not competition for each other, but support.  In addition Mark finds mentors for each applicant based on similar professional interests.  My ARL mentor is Geetha Yappa, a science librarian at the University of California, Riverside.  Geetha has provided advice and insight into the application process, reviewed my resume and cover letters, introduced me to other librarians with similar backgrounds and interests and provided me with job leads.

In Summary

In addition to fewer student loans I have enhanced my leadership skills, made connections with librarians from around the country, become part of a community of new librarians who are advancing librarianship, and in some cases redefining it, and gained a broader perspective on the missions and services of large academic research libraries.

I hope that this post encourages those who are eligible to apply when the call for applicants is made for the 2010 IRDW.

This is a wonderful program, I hope that in the future donors and funders will look at the people it has supported and continue to pledge funds based on the success of those who it has helped.

Get to know your fellow professionals!

This post was written as a supplement to Conference Attendance Advice by Erin Dorney.   Erin’s post covers a lot of ground, but I have a few more additions based on my own conference experiences both locally, and at ALA MidWinter.  I suggested an addition in the comments section of Erin’s post, and I’ll start with that.

1. Invited Parties and Receptions: Try and attend all of the receptions/parties you are personally invited to, and if you can fit them in, try and attend some of the open invitation receptions/parties. The ones you are invited to are usually based on your membership in a group and will provide great semi-relaxed places to get to know others with similar interests. The open receptions are more intimidating, but the people are just as interesting to get to know. Of course you should keep in mind Erin’s #6 and pace yourself.
2. Talk & Panel Etiquette: If you are attending a talk or panel session you are probably very interested in the topic, so is everyone else in the room.  If you are uncomfortable sitting for long periods of time take a seat at the back or sides of the room so that you won’t disturb others when you need to stand.  Limit yourself to 2 questions per session, 3 absolute maximum in extenuating circumstances.  The speakers are there for everyone and it is not only rude to dominate the entire presentation, it makes it difficult for the speaker to present all of their material if they are being constantly interrupted.  If you have a lot of questions think about walking up to the speaker after the session is over, unless they are in a hurry most speakers enjoy speaking with enthusiastic listeners.  Again, be courteous, if you have a lot to talk about but there are other people waiting for the speaker exchange information and contact them at a later time.
3. Expo Goodies: If you like to read don’t bother bringing any books with you.  There are free and discounted books ($3-$5 paperback, $5-$15 hardback) in every genre.  Think about under packing on your way to a conference if you are a bibliophile, that way you won’t be over your weight limits on your way home.  There are plenty of reusable bags being given away if you want to save some space in your luggage.  The most giveaways are at opening and closing.
4. Take Care of Yourself: Erin touches on this in her #6 Make a Schedule, but I’d like to emphasize the importance of taking care of yourself at these events.  Drink lots of water, if water is provided and your table runs out don’t be shy about flagging down a waiter or grabbing some off of a deserted table.  Wear layers, hotels often have the heat set high in the winter, and the AC set for freezing in the summer.  A thin jacket or sweater that easily fits in your bag is ideal for personal temperature management.  If you are wiped out take a break and have a nap.  The only things you absolutely have to attend are your own committee meetings, and paid workshops, everything else is negotiable.
5. Add People You’ve Met to Your Personal Network: It is best to do this as soon as possible after meeting them.  I spent the morning I left adding the majority of the people I met.  Not all the people you will connect with will currently be librarians.  Several vendors and recruiters are former librarians and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to connect with them.
6. Be Generous With Job Leads: In this trying time a lot of librarians and library school students are searching for jobs.  If you speak with someone who is looking, and you know of a job that is a good fit, tell him or her, even if you are applying too.  You may be scratching your head at this point thinking, why would I give away a job lead?  This seems counter intuitive but ask yourself these questions:  Do you want to work for someone knowing that they settled for you instead of choosing you because you were exactly what they wanted?  If you are chosen because the hiring manager is settling how will your co-workers view you?  The best reason to pass on a job lead is because it feels good to help others.

I hope these tips, combined with Erin’s, help you have a fun and meaningful conference experience.  See you at ALA Annual!

8:15 AM  Log-on to computer.  Check Twitter feed for any relevant library news or job postings, read those.

8:32 AM  Move on the school E-mail, decide RSS feeds can wait till later.  Most of my e-mail was ACRL: Residency Interest Group related, offered to hook up applicant with current resident to help review their material before submission.

8:48 AM Login to Blackboard and catch up on message board posts for 3 classes and Graduate Student community.  Only light posting, not unexpected for the beginning of the week, decide to see if I can’t finish listening to and reading my Social Science Resources Lecture for the week (Drexel Weeks run Monday – Sunday).

9:15 AM  Not quite done with lecture, but will have to save the rest for later, time to go be a volunteer intern at RSABG.

9:45 AM Arrive at RSABG’s research library.  Sign-in and catch-up, it’s my first day back after a 3 week break due to the start of classes coinciding with ALA MidWinter.  Start researching the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for a possible grant proposal and open access repository models.

10:30 AM  Get handed a Japanese serial publication for original cataloging, plus 3 other Chinese titles.  Look up Jim Breen’s WWWJDIC and start looking up characters by radicals.  Realize how long it’s been since I’ve studied kanji. Eventually get all the publication data in Japanese input correctly in Connexion.

1:30 PM  Take a lunch break.  Finish Social Sciences Resources Readings and posting for the day.

2:30 PM  Back to cataloging the Japanese serial publication.  Now that I have the correct characters it’s time to start putting the information in the correct fields.  As I start inputing the item description I realize that the book contains articles which are given in both Japanese and English,  with some Latin descriptions, look up Latin language code, it’s LAT.  Start checking fields for all necessary foreign language additions, measure size of book.

4:00 PM  Decide to call it a day since it takes a while to work my way through the CONSER website to check my serials cataloging.  Get gas and groceries on the way home.

5:30 PM  Log-on to computer, check school e-mail and discussion boards while eating dinner.

6:05 PM  Decide to start writing my 3-4 page Learning Context Paper for Information Literacy Instruction Class.  It feels overwhelming, but I’ll just start and follow the directions and then it’ll stop being so intimidating.

6:45  PM  Finished a little over a page of my paper.  Must stop for now, time to go be Assistant Director for the play Self Help.

10:52  PM  Back from rehearsal, time to check the Drexel message boards and then work on that paper again.

11:39 PM  A little over 2 pages are written, with a little light editing.  Fading fast, time to call it a day after a quick look at my RSS Feed, mainly library related.