First Day for a First Timer (part 1)
March 26th, 2008 by Rolf LaunIt started off pretty relaxed this morning (a nice cup of coffee at Dunn Brothers) but things picked up pretty fast after that Unfortunately, not having an actual bus map, I calculated wrong as to where the bus stop would be, but that wasn’t a big problem. While a wee bit chilly this morning (by Minneapolis standards, hell frozen over by San Antonio standards) it turned out to be a nice day for a walk and a pretty walk it was through downtown. And even though I am staying in a “distant” hotel it didn’t take more than 30 minutes to reach the Convention Center. Fortune was with me as well, as not only did I find a MetroTransit center (and now I have a real bus map) but I also got to walk by the Mary Tyler Moore statue and the Minneapolis Public Library downtown (which I swear I will visit at some point).
Being a first timer, the whole sign-in process was a bit confusing to me (I completely missed the boothes), but using the tried and true method of asking somebody, I got my materials and still had some time to sip another cup of coffee while looking though the conference schedule. So far, I’m very impressed with the facilities here at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and the PLA folks have done a great job of making things as easy to find as possible (with the possible exception of teh sign-in booth…okay that was probably just me). If I had any complaint, it was the problem with finding a place to sit, but even that I eventually figured out as well (he typed, sitting in the “Seasons” on one of the upper levels of the Convention Center).
So on to the main event: Buzz Talk with Nancy Pearl: my first true PLA event. And it was…well, enjoyable. It ended up being a little too rushed for my tastes, but I do know I got some good tips on some upcoming books (the one that sticks in my mind is The Drunkard’s Walk by Lenard Mlodinow — a book about randomness, which is a subject near and dear to my heart) which is always a good thing. Tons of other titles were mentioned as well and now I have several publisher web sites I need to delve into further. Certainly a fun start to my first day.
I did have to slip out early, though, so that I could attend my first vendor event; EBSCO’s luncheon at the nearby Hilton (easily acessible though the skyway). Not only did I get an amazing lunch out of the deal, but also details about the new NoveList Plus (now with added nonfiction content) and the upcoming EBSCOHost 2.0 interface. I’d have to say that both impressed me greatly, and I look forward to finding out more about them.
So here I sit, listening to German Polka music wafting up from the floor below, typing up these small notes. Next up will be the Opening Session, then the Exhibit Floor, and finally the New Member Reception. No more slow time for the next couple of days I fear.
Okay, this is a blog, so I feel kind of obligated to post something that might actually generate some comments. So here, in my usual long winded way, are some questions for those reading this and attending the conference (or not, for that matter). I’m what I consider a “front-line” librarian. I work a public service desk about half of my day (i.e. the Reference Desk) so I guess I’d have to say my primary interest in attending the conference is in hearing how others do all the wonderful things I read about in the library journals (so I can…what’s the word…apropriate their great ideas). But I did notice that a lot of the people sitting around me seem to be more from the managerial side of things. So, the question, should you decided to answer it, is what brings you to the conference? And what kind of support does your library provide for those wishing to attend? Inquiring minds (or at least one mind) wants to know.
Tags: book buzz, EBSCO, nancy pearl, PLA2008, plablog, randomness, the drunkard's walk
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March 26th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
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.
March 26th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
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!
March 27th, 2008 at 10:31 am
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 -