PLA to offer four preconferences for public library staff at ALA Annual Conference

For Immediate Release
Tue, 02/22/2011

Contact:

Amy Sargent

CHICAGO – On Friday, June 24, at the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, the Public Library Association (PLA) will present four unique preconferences dedicated to public library professionals. The programs include: 

Turning the Page 2.0, Friday June 24, 8:30 a.m. - noon, FREE EVENT

Turning the Page 2.0 addresses core issues of advocacy, communications and relationship building in a convenient blended-learning format. This half-day kickoff introduces librarians and supporters to the basic tenants of TtP 2.0. Participants will leave this pre-conference ready to undertake a six-week course of synchronous and asynchronous online work aimed at completing an individual advocacy work plan. Attendance at this meeting is encouraged but not mandatory for participation; non-members are welcome.

Presenters: Dr. Steve Yacovelli, owner and principal, TopDog Learning Group; Judith A. Drescher, former director of libraries, Memphis, Tenn.

Cost: There is no additional cost to attend this preconference.

Top 10 Benefits of Tough Times, Friday June 24, 8:30 a.m. - noon

It’s time to stop wringing our hands. Sure, times are tough. It’s going to take a while to adjust to budgets, staff sizes and everything else in this “new normal.” Learn how to do more with your staff by stretching talents and interests. Hear how your facility design and spending can take some trimming and still come out stronger! Find out how to keep your organization well designed and growing, learning, stretching and succeeding, even as your budget continues to shrink.

Presenters: Kimberly Bolan Cullin, consultant, Providence Associates LLC; Catherine Hakala-Ausperk, deputy director, Cleveland Heights-University Heights (Ohio) Library

Cost: $149 (PLA Member), $199 ALA Member (ALA Member), $249 (Nonmember)

Cirque de Peoples, Friday June 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Working in a circus? Oh yeah. Begin the day exploring the “what-ifs” and the “how’d that happen” of daily life of leading in a library. The fun continues in the afternoon with three acts: Leading in Place, Dealing with Difficult People and Take This Job and Love it!

Presenters: Gail Johnson, founder, Face to Face Communications & Training; Pam Parr, consultant, Face to Face Communications & Training

Cost: $239 (PLA Member), $289 ALA Member (ALA Member), $339 (Nonmember)

Interactive Spaces for Families to Play, Learn, and Discover, Friday June 24, 1:30 – 5 p.m.

Three libraries present information about newly developed children’s spaces that allow for interactive family learning—Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) Library, St. Mary’s County (Md.) Public Library, Fort Vancouver (Wash.) Regional Library.

Presenters: Ruth Coates, consultant, The Miller Hull Partnership LLP; Amanda Ellington, children’s supervisor, St. Mary’s County (Md.) Library-Lexington Park Branch; Michelle Perera, assistant library director, Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) Library Services

Cost:$149 (PLA Member), $199 ALA Member (ALA Member), $249 (Nonmember)

Register today and join PLA for conference programming dedicated to public library staff. Please note: Preconferences require a separate registration; however you do not need to be registered for the ALA Annual Conference to register for a preconference.

PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.