Speaking of librarian activism, Greg from Shush, the conservative librarian blog, has been at the MA Library Association conference doing a little conservative library activism. Greg and I may disagree politically about pretty much everything, but he was personable when I met him, works a few towns over from where I grew up [and may very well represent the views of a lot of that community], and anyhow I’m always interested in people’s activist awakenings, even if it’s not for “my” side.
Category: blogz
yay, it’s late April
Like the Male Librarian Centerfold, I too am glad the tax season is mostly over at my library.
how to talk at conferences
Michael has a great short list of tips for giving presentations at library conferences. I agree wholeheartedly with everything he says [especially being prepared to do the material cold, and sitting through other speakers]. I even have a few more points based on my experiences…
- Being well-prepared includes being mindful of time limits. Even if you have a normal stump presentation, try to tailor it for the time you have available. It’s good practice for you and polite to your audience who often has many presentations to attend.
- I always tell people to raise their hands if I use words they don’t understand. This reminder gives me a chance to informally talk to an audience beforehand and lets me know if I’m misjudging their level of knowledge.
- Offer multiple ways for people to talk to you after your presentation. Not everyone feels comfortable asking questions in front of a large group, but if you stick around afterwards, or make your email/IM/web address clear, they can follow-up with you. I also put all my talks online so people can refer to them, or click through some of the links I had later on.
- I always try to thank the people who invited me or otherwise facilitated my being there. Conferences are often stressful for everyone involved and trying to be affable and low-maintenance as a speaker, as well as appreciative as an attendee afterwards can help ensure that you are invited back.
thoughts on an evolving profession
Has librarianship survived?
I like to think that even if rooms full of books are no longer the most important sources of information, at least the principles of Librarianship are growing in importance, value, and respect. [thanks hanan]
Greg retires from ODp
Greg from Open Stacks is retiring as the editor of the Dmoz Library and Info Science Weblogs category [and not without good reason]. Any one else want to step up to the plate?