Working Knowledge A Monthly Column about Life on the Job

By Elisa F. Topper American Libraries Columnist Elisa F. Topper is a career consultant in the Chicago area. Contact her at working@ala.org. Column for June/July 2003

I've been a reference librarian for seven years, and while I've been to a couple of state conferences and continuing-education classes, I've never attended an ALA Annual Conference. My boss will be on maternity leave during this year's conference, however, and she's asked that I go in her place. Since I'll be reporting back to the library of my experience, I want to make the most of it. What advice can you give this first-time conferencegoer?

Old dog ready for new tricks

While they can be initially overwhelming, with some careful planning ALA conferences can be extremely rewarding. Follow the tips below and be assured you'll have an energizing experience—in fact, you'll likely ask yourself why you didn't go before!

TOPPER'S TIPS

• Look through the preliminary conference program to map out a tentative schedule before you even arrive at your hotel. Be sure to allow for travel time between sessions and for meal breaks. Once at the conference, review the final program to verify your sessions, as times and locations may change.
  
• An excellent way to get a quick overview of the conference is to attend the New Members Round Table orientation session, Saturday, June 21, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the Fairmont Royal York Hotel's Imperial Room.
  
• Take advantage of the free shuttle buses between conference hotels and the convention center.
  
• Wear your badge at conference activities but not on the street. You do not want to advertise that you are a tourist.
  
• Glance at name tags and try to strike up conversations on shuttle buses, while waiting in line, and during session breaks. You can meet some of the most interesting people in this manner, and you are likely to make valuable professional contacts.
  
• Interested in getting involved in committee work, or want to find out more about a specific division or ALA office? Attend one of the committee's sessions or visit the ALA information booth.
  
• Wear comfortable clothes—especially shoes. Bring a sweater or jacket, as often the air-conditioned meeting rooms can be quite chilly. And, of course, don't forget a tote bag to carry all of your conference “equipment,” which should include energy bars and a water bottle to keep yourself nourished and hydrated.
  
• Don't forget to attend the exhibits; you may even want to break the exhibits up into two or three half-day trips. Be selective in what giveaways you pick up, as “freebies” can get heavy. Also consider using ALA's post office in the exhibits area to mail back your materials. Caution here: The lines tend to be long, so expect to wait.
  
• Library-school reunions held during conference are a great place to renew old acquaintances and meet new colleagues. Check your school's Web page for location and advance notification of the event.
  
• Interested in applying for a new job, or need career information, a critique of your resume, or job-search advice? Take advantage of the ALA Placement Center.
  
• Pick up daily issues of Cognotes, the Conference newspaper, for additional conference information, last-minute session changes, and job listings.
  
• Always keep a supply of business cards with you, and be sure to exchange them with colleagues you meet during the conference. Graduate students should consider having cards printed, making sure to get the school's permission to use its logo.
  
• Take a few minutes on your return flight, train ride, or drive home to reflect on your conference experience. Jot a few notes to review before your next one. What did you especially like? Who did you meet? What would you do differently? What did you wish you had more time to do?
  
• Enjoy the experience of being energized by new ideas and colleagues.
  
  
  

  (c) Copyright 2003 American Library Association