ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim: Orange County

My ALA Annual Conference experience was definitely a whirlwind. I was constantly on the run but accomplished a lot. This was definitely a conference of getting things done.

I attended the Library Journal Movers & Shakers luncheon at The White House. The highlight of that event was seeing William Kamkwamba speak. He was engaging, informative, and funny. I look forward to reading my signed copy of his book The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind.

I also had the opportunity to go on the Queen Mary with my Sage Reference colleagues. The 40 minute drive to Long Beach was definitely worth it. It was also the only sightseeing on my trip.



My two back-to-back presentations went extremely well. I was the keynote for the New Members Round Table President's Program. I had the pleasure of presenting at the RUSA MARS Virtual Reference Discussion Forum. I was asked to talk briefly about technologies that may have a future impact on virtual reference service. I particularly enjoyed the discussion following my ideas and generated from the round table discussions. A very positive write up of this session was posted by Library Journal.

On Sunday morning I introduced author Sapphire. That evening while at a reception hosted by Oxford a few people said hello to me and they recognized me from introducing Sapphire that morning. It was nice to meet new people and get positive feedback. I also ran into a bunch of people I know at Oxford's reception hosted at Bowers Museum. I'm always thrilled when that happens.

This conference also marked the conclusion of my term on the ALA Executive Board. It has been an absolutely wonderful experience. I am still incredibly grateful to the members of the board nominating committee and ALA Council for giving me the opportunity to serve the Association in this capacity. I have worked hard, taken this responsibility seriously, and had so much fun.

NMRT Annual Program: Professional Networking for New Librarians

The 2012 NMRT Annual Program took place online. Professional Networking for New Librarians covered the who, what, when, where, why, and how of networking. The session presenters included Ned Potter, Loida Garcia-Febo, JP Pocaro, Pat Hawthorne, and me. I covered "Professional Networking Tips for New Librarians: Where to Network". I learned a lot from my co-presenters. I am also happy I had the opportunity to think about this topic in a more organized way. Do check it out, and please let me or any of the presenters know if you have any questions.

Thanks again to NMRT and the committee for a useful, timely, and accessible program.

Round table recognition

Thanks NMRT for the congratulations!

Saturday at Midwinter

Today's schedule
7:30am-9am Focus Group
8-10am Council Orientation
10:30-12pm NMRT Executive Board
12-1:30pm Budget Analysis Review Committee
1:30-2:45pm Closed Meeting
2:45-4:30pm Exhibit Hall
5-5:15 ACRL Meeting - Missed due to member conversations at convention center, no worries
5:30-7pm Sage Reception
7:30-9pm Dinner, much to my surprise
9-10 Council Reception
10pm-2am Facebook After Hours Social

This was probably my most conflict filled day. I had too many places to be at once Can you say 5 meetings during the 8-10am slot?) which meant attending all were a physical impossibility. There were also a few events I couldn't hit (NMRT Orientation, RMRT meeting, NMRT Social). I just have to hope for more success at the next ALA.

I didn't make it to the Council Orientation until a little after 9 when the chapter councilors had gone into their own meeting, but was greeted by applause and cheers by the attendees still in the room. It was later noted that I was the only person who received that type of reception and that I should feel very special. I did and still do.

I stayed for most of the NMRT board meeting. I presented our slate of candidates, all were approved by the board. We also received a visit from Betty Turock, chair of the Spectrum campaign, asking for the round table's support of the Spectrum Presidential Initiative. We are halfway to our goal. I strongly encourage you to give to Spectrum.

I'm really pleased I was able to squeeze in a little time at the exhibit hall with my good friend and NMRT past president Laurel Bliss. She currently lives in San Diego, so I was guaranteed to see her at Midwinter. This was also a great time for me to thank vendors for their support of ALA and exhibiting at the meeting.

We enjoyed ice cream at the Council Reception. It was nice to sit down for a few minutes and talk to my fellow councilors. I think I managed to meet a few new councilors.

The Facebook Social was good fun as always. No issues getting into the venue like Midwinter in Boston. I saw many familiar faces and got to meet a number of Facebook and Twitter friends face-to-face. Great stuff.

Notes from a new councilor flashback

I recently discovered my original notes from when I attended my first ALA Council Orientation in Chicago, June 2005. I was the NMRT Councilor.

General advice:
1. Don't be afraid to speak up.
2. Attend the Council Forums.
3. Learn and understand the Resolutions process.

Council is the policy making body of the Association. There are three meetings during the Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference. Council gives the orders/direction for the organization.

As a member of Council, you are encouraged to get involved and bring up questions.

Mentor program for Council
- reception at midwinter meeting for new councilors, a great place to meet people

Executive Board member elections take place at Midwinter

Use the listserv

ALA Council Suite
- always a suite for caucus

Actions of Council are posted on the web after each MW or AC

Resolutions
- guideline to resolutions
- be prepared for amendments (some are friendly, some are not)
- send to Resolutions Committee before sending them out to Council
- can be carry over; need a seconder
- you must give all amendments to the projectionist in writing on the appropriate form
- voting record is recorded

Membership meetings

Council Forums
- informal meetings of council
- one for chapter councilors, two general forums
- opportunity to meet and talk with other councilors
- meetings scheduled, open forums

ALA/APA
- we area also members of that council
- improve salaries for all library employeees
- certify individuals
- special session and information session
- has its own listserv
- will also have more committees

Lois Ann Gregory-Wood
- key person for all things related to Council

Parliamentarian: Eli Mina
- Roberts Rule of Order, Sturgis
- assists the president and president-elect
- assists the resolution committee
- reduce anxiety about process
- all councilors will receive a copy of the rules - standard codes of parliamentary procedure
- Councilors have three minutes to speak at meetings: green light, yellow light, red light
- "Suffering is optional"
- procedure brings structure to the meetings
- right to object from your seat
- quorum is shared responsibility

Library degrees and professional experiences put to use outside the library

The article "What can you do, here and now, to broaden your scope of potential employers?" about my NMRT President's Program was posted yesterday on the ALA Student Membership Blog. As you can imagine, I'm very proud.

ALA Annual Conference - Washington, D.C.

This was probably my best ALA annual conference to date.

Even with a visit to the ER.

This was my big conference as President of NMRT. I also completed my first full year on the ALA Executive Board. Both roles were incredibly rewarding and I accomplished so much. It was my pleasure to speak at the NMRT orientations Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. I think I got attendees excited to be there. Then my president's program, "Innovative Career Choices: Opportunities Beyond Public and Academic Libraries", was standing room only (mostly because of a room set-up error, but it would have been jam packed regardless). I along with others did not get the opportunity to hear the program because the room was overflowing, but our panelists were kind of enough to share their presentations here. The program was also featured on the ALA Member's Blog. I'm also proud to have partnered with Loida Garcia-Febo on the REFORMA/NMRT joint program "The New Professional Paradigm: Redefining the New Librarian". The last NMRT event was the Awards Reception where we recognized the winners of the 3M/NMRT Professional Development Grant award winners and the Shirley Olofson Memorial Award winner. However, I took a point of personal privilege to recognize Past President Laurel Bliss with a plaque for her leadership and service to NMRT (pictured below), and to thank 3M for their 35 years of support.


Laurel Bliss and Courtney Young, 2010 NMRT Awards Reception

I also completed my first full year on the ALA Executive Board. In addition to participating fully in Executive Board meetings, my liaison visits with a variety of ALA divisions, round tables, and committees continue to be an eye opening experience. It's been a tremendous opportunity to serve the ALA membership in this capacity. It has also been incredibly rewarding to work with the people who make up the board. As a reference librarian at an academic library I might not have crossed paths with these library directors and deans, public library directors, library school faculty, school librarians, and Library of Congress staff. Add to that the chance to work with the incredibly hard working and talented ALA Staff. Ours is truly an association of good people.


Rod Hersberger, Charles Kratz, Jim Rettig, and Larry Romans

Both roles are incredibly rewarding and I accomplished so much. I am thankful for all the support I've received over the past year and the support I know I will continue to receive for many years to come.

Midwinter 2010 in Boston

This evening I arrived in Boston for the 2010 Midwinter Meeting. It will be a busy one with a full NMRT and Executive Board agenda. I still have some prep work to do but I think I'm ready. Plus I have support and encouragement from lots of colleagues. It's going to be a great meeting.

It will be my intention to actually blog throughout the conference. I can't promise insightful or interesting posts, but I think it would help me better process some information and improve my role as a liaison and ALA member. Wish me luck!

NMRT President (so far)

I've started my term as NMRT President. The committee appointments are pretty much done. I have written my first short article for the August issue of Footnotes. I've even started working with the chair of the President's Program committee about my program idea for the 2010 Annual Conference. The term is up at the end of June (a short year compared to 2008-2009) and I know it will fly by.

Speaking of the 2008-2009 president, Laurel Bliss noted that AL Direct highlighted a resume review service video featuring Sarah Johnson. Johnson was one of the speakers at the NMRT President's Program on July 11.

We're trying something new this year and hosting our orientation sessions for new board members and new committee members online. I'm almost done capturing the content from previous orientations in the session slides I'm creating. We'll do the training using Opal, the software ALA has made available for this type of work. Fingers crossed!

ALA Chicago 2009

This was my longest and busiest ALA ever. I arrived in Chicago on July 9 and did not return home until July 16. Here are some of the highlights of my week.

I answered a total of four reference questions on the streets of Chicago. Three of them were directional. Only one required a reference interview. I was actually able to answer all of them. Correctly. Definitely a highlight of my conference.

ALA Meetings: I attended all of the Council meetings (I, II, and III), ALA-APA Council, and the Council Forum on July 13. I attended the second ALA Membership Meeting on July 13. I staffed the Resolutions table in the (surprisingly conveniently located) ALA Office area on July 10, and attended the committee meeting on July 11.

NMRT Meetings: I attended part of the TOLD committee meeting the morning of July 10 before running to the other end of McCormick Place to attend the Round Table Coordinating Assembly meeting. I attended the Orientation bright and early (8-10am) on Saturday, July 11. That afternoon, Laurel Bliss and Amanda Roberts, and I represented the round table at the "Conference for a Day" luncheon. Tracie Hall was the featured speaker and is always a treat to listen to and hear. The Conference for a Day was one of Jim Rettig's wonderful Presidential initiatives. On Sunday evening, I attended the NMRT Awards Reception and took several photos. July 13 at 8am I finally arrived at the NMRT Board meeting (despite leaving my hotel and hour before due to some shuttle bus traffic) where I posted about the meeting from the NMRT Twitter.

Executive Board Events and Meetings: I was introduced as a new board member at the Inaugural Banquet on July 14. I was officially seated on the board at their third meeting the afternoon on July 15. We were scheduled to meet from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. We did not adjourn until 5:30pm, but it was an enjoyable meeting.

When I was not or running between meetings, there was time (although not enough of it) to connect with friends and colleagues. I also made some new friends. After the Scholarship Bash, Amanda and I wandered around Millennium Park. I'm glad she dragged me along.

ALA HQ: NMRT and Executive Board Observer

The great thing about being onsite in Chicago is the opportunity for face time with the people I know and work with at ALA. I used my post orientation time to meet with staff in HRDR on New Members Round Table (NMRT) work. This included selecting and placing orders for NMRT ribbons to be available at Annual, get an update on our fund raising efforts for the 2009 Awards Reception, and preparing for my work as President for 2009-2010. Much to my surprise I spent a lot of time working!

When I was not in an ALA staff member’s office generating a to do list to execute when I returned to Pittsburgh, I was observing the Executive Board 2009 Spring Meeting. The current Board met on Friday morning to hear a presentation by Jenny Levine on ALA Connect. The presentation got me excited about using Connect more to do just that, connect with members in the association. It has a great deal of upside particularly for committee work. I hope NMRT will use it, especially those committees currently working with googlegroups and yahoogroups. I also learned about new developments with the at your library Web site.

Saturday's agenda very full. This included a membership update, development office report, research survey results, several reports related to finances, and closed executive session (I could not observe). There's a lot going on at ALA. The meeting agenda and documents are available from the Executive Board page.

Library Bar

I was invited to attend Pitt's ALA Student Chapter networking night. It was an evening of "library themed food, fun, and networking" held appropriate at the Library Bar. It was a lot of fun. I did not get to meet everyone, but I stayed for the entire event. It was even more fun to have someone I'd never met before, upon learning my name, be thrilled to meet me because of my roles in NMRT and ALA.

I wonder if I'll win something from their raffle.

Amazing Midwinter Meeting

Also known as a long week in Denver.

I observed the ALA Executive Board meeting on Friday morning. As a candidate for the EB, I wanted to get a sense of what was currently going on. It gave me a bit more to stress about until the Candidate Forum on Monday morning.

Friday evening was the NMRT Meet & Greet (photo right). It was nice to see familiar faces and meet new people.

Although I was the NMRT Councilor from 2005-2008, my Vice-President hat kept me much busier. Lots of business cards to collect of librarians and library students I hope get involved in the round table. Also meetings to attend, like the Round Table Coordinating Assembly. I worked a lot, learned a lot, and met so many new people.

Remainder of the conference included the Resolutions Committee, Task Force on Electronic Member Participation, and ALA Council (as a Councilor-At-Large). By Wednesday afternoon I was exhausted and ready to go home, but very happy.

I was elected by Council to serve as a member of the ALA Executive Board!

A full schedule

aka my ALA Midwinter Meeting schedule. We'll see how the best laid plans really work out.

FRIDAY

8A – 12P: ALA Exec Board Mtg (observe)

10:30A – 12P: Round Table Coordinating Assembly

12P – 2P: lunch with colleague

7:30P – 8:30P: NMRT Meet & Greet

SATURDAY

8A – 10A: NMRT Meet & Greet

8A – 10A Data Dashboard

10A – 12P: Exhibits & Lunch (we'll see about this)

12:15P – 1:15P: Task Force on Electronic Member Participation

1:30P-3:30P: Resolutions Committee

1:30P-3:30P: NMRT All Committee

4P – 6P: JCLC Fundraising Reception

5:30P – 7:30P: NMRT Midwinter Social, Crocs Restaurant

9P – 10P: Council Reception

10P – 2A: Facebook Librarians Social, The Corner Office - 1401 Curtis Street

SUNDAY

8:30A – 10:30A: iFactory Focus Group

9A – 10A: Council/Executive Board/Membership Information Session

10A – 10:30A: ALA-APA Information Session

10:45A – 12:15P: Council I

3P – 4P: Greeter, Resume Review Service

4P – 5:30: Task Force on Electronic Member Participation

5:30P – 7P: President's Reception

Dinner with Laurel Bliss

MONDAY
(note double booked all morning)

8A – 10A: NMRT Executive Board Meeting

8A – 12P: ACRL Scholarships meeting

10:15A – 11:15A: ALA/APA Council

11:30A – 12:30P: ALA Executive Board Candidates Forum

Dinner with Kate Corby

8P – 9:30P: Council Forum

TUESDAY

9:15A – 12:45P: Council II

2P – 3P: Resolutions Table, ALA Office

4:30P – 6P: Council Forum

Dinner with Matt

WEDNESDAY

8A – 12:30P: Council III