Over 20,000 librarians attended the 118th Annual American Library Association Conference. The University of Pittsburgh was well represented by both faculty and students. The food in New Orleans was delicious, the city was beautiful and the number of new associates to meet and old friends to greet kept everyone busy from sunrise to well past sunset.
Chris Maestas, President of the Student Chapter of ALA was willing to give us an overview of the Conferences.
What programs/meetings were you able to attend?
Since I will be serving on two committees for next year, I attend most of the New Members Round Table discussions. This was important to me as I needed to get a handle on what I should do for San Antonio and Chicago 2000. I also participated in the Students to ALA program and worked in the Public Information Office. This was a great experience as I was meeting media and officers of the ALA.
What did you think of the ALA Conference overall?
I thought that it was a very useful experience. The workshops were very interesting, but most importantly, one got to network with other future librarians, current librarians and administrators. Going to ALA was especially great because we had the full support of SIS. ALA is such a compliment to our program and helps to round us out..
Were the conferences helpful?
Anytime a professional discusses the profession with other professionals, it is beneficial. I know that the meetings and programs I attended will help me think more multi-dimensionally about my profession, my job and my future.
What did you think Powell's Speech?
I really thought it was provocative. He illuminated many approaches to serve and reach out and touch people. He has a profound love of libraries and indeed he remembers visiting the library in his childhood neighborhood. He complimented librarians on their stand for Freedom of Speech. His views on the Internet were highly political. While he didn't necessarily advocate filtering on the whole, he did indicate that more needs to be done to protect some users.
What was New Orleans like?
Well, it was hot on some days, and always humid. But it was the best place to eat dinner. The restaurants for lunch and dinner were excellent. I really liked the variety of places. There is something for everyone. For the first time going to Annual, I would absolutely go with friends with whom I was close. While the day can be busy, the nights should be for sharing experiences that occurred during the day. Not everyone can go to everything.