Today I am at one of my favorite Library Conferences-- Reaching Forward. This is put on by the Illinois Library Association as a library support staff focused conference. Back when I worked at the library, I used to take as many staff members as would fit in my minivan for the entire day.
The library paid all of our registration but me offering to take people way key. Why? Because there are a few barriers toward library workers getting involved in professional development especially at the conference level.
First, the paying for a conference. Often when we talk about library conferences usually only the librarians and managers get to go. We here in Chicagoland are lucky because ALA Annual comes through town every few years and with it, the systems offer discounted exhibit passes ($40 this year) to allow anyone to go. But the vast majority of library workers never get the chance to go to ALA or even their regional or state conference, purely because there are no funds for support staff to attend.
Second, even when there is funding, going to a library conference is a bit scary the first time. It is overwhelming. So many people, sessions, and the giant exhibit hall. Where do you go first? The great thing about Reaching Forward is, everyone is like you and the entire conference, including presenters, is there to mentors help, and guide. When the experience is tailored to the library support staff, they are treated as the top of the heap, and that matters; it makes them more comfortable.
Third, and don't underestimate this, lunch is included. This is more important that you think. Because everyone is given a sit down lunch with their ticket, everyone goes into the same giant room, there are dozens of tables. You pick one and sit. No assigned seating. Those of us who are the presenters are also there at lunch and we are encouraged to engage everyone in conversation and make them feel comfortable. You won't spend the time hunting for something to eat and sitting alone in a corner between sessions. You will be together with others and have great conversation. And again, because it is a support staff conference, you will meet other people who have a similar job to yours from another library.
And finally, during the lunch two awards are given to library support staff. It is important that all library workers are honored for all they do, not just those with the masters degree. While almost everyone is NOT one of the winners, seeing someone who does a similar job to yours, being honored by the Illinois Library Association, is an inspirational moment.
Click here to see the schedule and learn more about this year's Reaching Forward conference.
I am excited about my presentation this year, as I am reprising a program I was a part of a few years ago, and it is literally a program that can be described as the summary of what Reaching Forward is:
Level Up Your Career: Professional Involvement Opportunities for Library Staff
Are you eager to grow personally and contribute professionally in the library world? Are you looking for more ways to become engaged in librarianship and gain more training without going back to school? Then this is the program for you. We will introduce you to the numerous committees and professional organizations you can beginning participating in right now. Your skills will grow while you network with library professionals and add positively to the entire library community. You will also hear from three people whose library careers all started as paraprofessionals but eventually followed very different professional paths. We want you! And you really can choose your own library adventure!
Click here for access to my and Karen's slides and here for Rosie's handout. For the record, Rosie is doing all of her awesome stuff-- incoming chair of the Reaching Forward Committee, RAILS Board, REFORMA, presenting all over the country about bilingual programming-- all of it without a MLIS. We are speaking from experience.
I will also be working at the RAILS booth from 12:30-1:30. And I will be at lunch as mentioned above. I will have a name tag on and will be wearing my "Ban the Fascists, Save the Books" T-Shirt for most of the day (Changing into RAILS t-shirt for booth time). Please come up and say hi. You will have an easier time identifying me than I will you. I will have stickers and pens to give out as well.
I know not all of my readers can be there, but please note that anyone can access the slides and handouts for all programs on this site. No password or registration needed. Click here.
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