Recommendations for LIASA Conferences

Illinois Library Conference

The full programme for the Illinois Library Conference is at this web site.
I have some ideas for LIASA conferences, and although the group will be pooling these to send one email, I want to get some of my thoughts down on paper.

Registration

Every single person who registered (with the exception of non-members) were issued with ribbons that indicated whether they were members, new members, executive committee, speakers, conference organisers, exhibitors , award winner etc.

We could do something similar and order a large supply of ribbons which could be standard at all conferences. Would suggest we include a category "institutional member" and possibly something for "branch committee" or "interest Group member"

I understand that when people register, they are sent their name tags, so the actual registration process on the day is very quick, with the name tag considered proof of registration and the conference bags (or whatever) are handed over. There were no queues!


Vendors/Exhibits

This was an eye-opener ... and an indication that we need to look differently at our vendors, to think out of the box. There were architects, computer people, library furniture, LIS schools, Government Departments, companies that do promotional materials for libraries, the State Library. Got me thinking a bit more - what about banking institutions or insurance aimed at librarians, sell those large companies (and get some sponsorship) some space -- what about Musica? CD Warehouse? Kalahari.net? Waltons?


There was a computer display which doubled as an internet cafe manned by salespeople. It was an interesting arrangement as they had one CPU and 8 pcs connected to it. (I have a brochure about this)

Poster Sessions

There were quite a number of poster sessions on all sorts of topics and these were very practice-orientated. There were different posters each session. What an unintimidating way of presenting at a conference as one can chat or just view. None of the topics, as far as I can recall, were very academic, but covered aspects like
activities or special services in the libraries.

Table Talks

Another very unintimidating way of presenting a topic or starting a conversation and having a discussion with a group or individual. A presenter or group of presenters would sit at a round table and invite others to talk to them. Would be a good way of building up confidence to present.

Some other thoughts

* Start calling for proposals for papers early in October/November so people have
time to submit -- with guidelines that will make librarians out there think "hey I can do that" especially in poster sessions or table talks. Presentations etc at conference always seem to be *academic* - and that scares people as they think that the work they are doing should be presented in a formal, academic manner -- so we need to be more inclusive and that way, would encourage librarians to market themselves and their activities.

* Suggestion for a speaker: What about getting Heather Parker Lewis to do a presentation on self-publishing? She has just written an excellent book.

* Door prizes (or lucky draws) at the opening session and at the Members Meeting (their AGM) and Awards Committee. I really liked the way they recognised people's efforts and achievements, especially those who work on committees etc, calling out their names and having them stand up and take a bow from where ever they are. I must say though that the Awards side of things went on for a while, with the President or chair of the committee calling out the award winners and giving a bit of a spieel , these guys coming up with someone who would introduce them saying why they won and then the thank you speech. But this AGM ended on time when it was scheduled to do --- something LIASA must learn to do! (I understand that this past LIASA AGM went on from 2 pm to 7 pm -- not at all acceptable! We have to learn to manage better.)

* Breakfast or evening reception - there were several reunions for alumni of various library schools. For example, University of Illinois alumni had a big red I on their name tags (which was entry to breakfast). Is this not something to be considered. I'm thinking particularly those distance education students of UNISA - I didn't really know any of my fellow students at the time. Would be a good networking opportunity.