Learning at ALA in DC

Yesterday I attended WebJunction's Rural Sustainability Workshop.

What a day!

And what a terrific group of libraries. The folks at WebJunction organized quite a program, packed with engaging speakers, innovative ideas, and much fun! Danny Hales, the energetic and dynamic director of the Suwannee River Regional Library (and colleague to Sherry Millington, a contributor to the latest Cookbook) may have offered the most practical and sage advice to first-time ALA participants. Described as the "5-2-1 Rule," he encouraged the audience to get at least 5 hours of sleep, 2 meals, and 1 shower a day. "If you're doing that, you're doing all right," he mused. Good advice. I'm going to keep that in mind!

Stephanie Gerding, of the AZ State Library (and my former colleague at the Gates Foundation), led a particularly intriguing and fruitful session, called the "Rural Cafe." Participants sat at tables with other libraries, discussing broad and timely topics until we were directed to move along to the next table. We scampered about the room, like a bunch of kids playing musical chairs until we found an unoccupied seat for the next round of discussions. Here are a few of the topics my tables discussed:

* How do we encourage staff to attend training, to increase skills, particularly when they may be intimidated or uninterested in technology?
* To filter or not to filter, that is the question.
* Is your WIFI wide open? Do you offer it during open hours only? Is it a part of your network, or separate?
* Do you have laptops at your library? If so, what are your policies?
* What is the best method to manage patron time at the computer?
* Do you encourage gaming at your library? How do you do it?
* How do you handle the influx of patrons needing help with online forms?

Later in the afternoon, Jana Ponce, Director of the Parker Public Library in Parker, AZ, shared her experiences around creating a library that truly IS a hub of her community. Her engaging and effusive style sparked excitement in the audience, and her tips and tricks certainly appealed to all. Parker is lucky to have such a devoted and driven leader at the helm of their library.

Later that night, I attended the WebJunction member reception. I had the pleasure of catching up with old friends and making new ones, while learning about the exciting future of WebJunction. I shared a lovely conversation with librarians from small towns in Minnesota who were attending ALA for the first time, and also had the pleasure of meeting Sherry Millington face-to-face after many phone calls and emails over the past few months. What a full day!

Technorati Tags: Parker Public Library Suwannee River Regional Library