http://plablog.org/2008/03/first-day-for-a-first-timer-part-1.html The official blog of the Public Library Association Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:07:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 http://plablog.org/2008/03/first-day-for-a-first-timer-part-1.html#comment-2049 Beth Graham Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:31:34 +0000 http://plablog.org/2008/03/first-day-for-a-first-timer-part-1.html#comment-2049 WOW! I work with Rolf in San Antonio and I am so impressed to see him blogging here. Super idea, and thanks for putting SAPL out there, Rolf - WOW! I work with Rolf in San Antonio and I am so impressed to see him blogging here. Super idea, and thanks for putting SAPL out there, Rolf -

]]> http://plablog.org/2008/03/first-day-for-a-first-timer-part-1.html#comment-2044 Kathryn Foley Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:23:04 +0000 http://plablog.org/2008/03/first-day-for-a-first-timer-part-1.html#comment-2044 Okay I may never get to posting my own blog but it sure is fun to answer others! I am new to PLA, new to Meridian Idaho as their Youth Services Coordinator and new to the U.S.!! My director is here along with our Personel/Circ Supervisor and the IT guy - I'm so new I'm still learning their titles! I find 'my' library is very generous! This is a wonderful opportunity to network, take in great sessions and acquire way too many goodies! Okay I may never get to posting my own blog but it sure is fun to answer others!
I am new to PLA, new to Meridian Idaho as their Youth Services Coordinator and new to the U.S.!! My director is here along with our Personel/Circ Supervisor and the IT guy - I’m so new I’m still learning their titles! I find ‘my’ library is very generous! This is a wonderful opportunity to network, take in great sessions and acquire way too many goodies!

]]> http://plablog.org/2008/03/first-day-for-a-first-timer-part-1.html#comment-2041 C Rader Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:44:25 +0000 http://plablog.org/2008/03/first-day-for-a-first-timer-part-1.html#comment-2041 I attend out of choice, and this year it's costing me some. The last two times I attended, I was generously supported by my library, to the tune of registration, meals (per diem), accommodations and transportation, not to mention paying me while I am here (considered working). This year, due to funding cuts beyond our control, we have had to scale back funding out of state conference travel. My lovely director still managed to pull registration out of the funding hat, and I was told to keep all receipts and "we'll see" when I get back, plus I am still here on 'working time'. So I am doing the conference on my dime this year and it's worth it to me for the 'recharge' I get, hearing about how everyone else does things, and just being in the presence of so many others. How it is fun to strike up conversations with anyone carrying the blue bag, seeing where people are from. I have always noted the heavy representation of the managerial side, along with the younger looking frontline newcomers. I think I fall somewhere in-between. This is my third PLA (Boston just feels like yesterday), but I am almost a decade into my career, the last five being management. Conference attendance is a perk, make no mistake. It's nice to have managers who send new staff to conference, but in many cases, management (myself included) use the conference as a recharge, for networking, career advancement and vendor goodies. I attend out of choice, and this year it’s costing me some. The last two times I attended, I was generously supported by my library, to the tune of registration, meals (per diem), accommodations and transportation, not to mention paying me while I am here (considered working). This year, due to funding cuts beyond our control, we have had to scale back funding out of state conference travel. My lovely director still managed to pull registration out of the funding hat, and I was told to keep all receipts and “we’ll see” when I get back, plus I am still here on ‘working time’. So I am doing the conference on my dime this year and it’s worth it to me for the ‘recharge’ I get, hearing about how everyone else does things, and just being in the presence of so many others. How it is fun to strike up conversations with anyone carrying the blue bag, seeing where people are from.
I have always noted the heavy representation of the managerial side, along with the younger looking frontline newcomers. I think I fall somewhere in-between. This is my third PLA (Boston just feels like yesterday), but I am almost a decade into my career, the last five being management. Conference attendance is a perk, make no mistake. It’s nice to have managers who send new staff to conference, but in many cases, management (myself included) use the conference as a recharge, for networking, career advancement and vendor goodies.

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