Erin Schultz
ALA Annual Conference 2014
They say that “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” but I have been eager to share what I learned and what I took home from this year’s ALA Annual Conference in Las Vegas.
My experiences this year ranged from getting a full demonstration of microfilm scanning technology (from E-Image Data) to talking to one of my favorite YA authors about football – in addition to her books.
Besides all the published books and advanced reader copies, I also took home knowledge and inspiration. The information gained at the session, “The Accidental Map Librarian” will help me navigate and understand my library’s extensive map collection, as well as better serve patrons seeking geographic resources.
Inspiration came from the session, “Extreme Customer Service: Reference at its Finest,” with its reminders to “get out from behind the desk,” and most importantly, that whenever possible, a patron should leave happy.
I strongly encourage librarians and library staff at all levels to attend an ALA Annual Conference. And for those who attended this year, don’t let everything you learned in Vegas stay there. Share your knowledge and inspiration, (and your books!) with others in your library.