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

CHICAGO — On Friday, June 22, at the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif., the Public Library Association (PLA) will present three unique preconferences dedicated to public library professionals. Preconferences require a separate registration; however, you do not need to be registered for the ALA Annual Conference to register for a preconference. The programs include:

Turning the Page 2.0 Kick-Off, 8:30–11:30 a.m., Friday, June 22, 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 six-week course, which will include virtual classroom sessions and self-paced online work aimed at completing an individual advocacy work plan. Attendance at this meeting is encouraged but not mandatory for the six-week course.

Speakers: Judith A. Drescher, former director of libraries, Memphis, Tenn., and Steve Yacovelli, EdD, owner, TopDog Learning Group, Orlando, Fla.

Cost: There is no cost to attend this preconference.

Build a Great Team: One Year to Success, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, June 22

Based on the self-development style of the popular publication "Be a Great Boss: One Year to Success," this new project focuses on a year of education and exercises to foster team building. The preconference will introduce attendees to both the habit of continuing one’s own professional learning and the value inherent in building and sustaining strong teams in any organization.

Presenter: Catherine Hakala-Ausperk, executive director, Northeast Ohio Regional Library System (NEO-RLS), Warren, Ohio

Early Bird Cost:$200 (PLA Member), $255 (ALA Member), $310 (Non-member)

Mental Model Busting, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Friday, June 22

“The library is all about books.” “Libraries can’t charge for services.” “The customers don’t want to learn.” “We must have databases!” When we have a mental model of something, it shapes our behavior and limits our creativity in finding solutions. With all the changes in the library world, innovative, out-of-the-box thinking is required. Come do some mental model busting and experience how shifting your thinking can open a new world of possibilities for you and your library.

Presenters: Cheryl Gould, consultant, Petulama, Calif.; Gail Griffith, consultant, Glen Bernie, Md.

Early Bird Cost: $140 (PLA Member), $195 (ALA Member), $250 (Nonmember)

Enhance your ALA Conference experience with one of these public library focused preconferences. Register today.

Find out about the many other ALA Annual Conference & Exhibits highlights as they’re added—speakers, events, networking opportunities, and more. And for general information about the conference June 21-26, 2012 in Anaheim, Calif., visit us at www.alaannual.org. Save money with Early Bird Registration, open until midnight, Sunday, May 13, 2012.

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.