The first day of Annual Conference is over – at least for me – and it’s been pretty busy. Two highlights of the day are:
- YALSA 101 – in this session YALSA members, and those interested in learning more about the Division, get to hear what’s going on with YALSA, and have a chance to have their questions answered. The room was full with a combination of brand new ALA attendees, those new to YALSA, and those who wanted to hear what was happening with the hottest Division in ALA. Attendees, had the chance to hear about how YALSA Committee appointment processes work, found out about initiatives such as Teen Tech Week and Teen Read Week, learned about publishing opportunities, heard about social networking resources, and got the chance to win door prizes. One of the things that stood out to me, was the chance this session gave people to ask questions about various YALSA procedures and events.’ Presenters and attendees were obviously very interested in what each other had to say and it definitely felt like when the hour was over a lot of information was exchanged.
- Happy Hour – right after YALSA 101 many attendees (and presenters) walked down the street to the YALSA Happy Hour.’ As usual the bar was packed.’ The Happy Hour takes place on the first Friday night of both Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference. This Hour proved to be as successful as others in giving Annual participants the chance to mingle and catch up at the start of Conference. It’s also a really good way to meet new people and find out what other teen librarians around the country are doing in their libraries.
Tomorrow is another full day that starts with YALSA Leadership Development, where Board members and Committee Chairs discuss various aspects of the work of the Division. That’s immediately followed by All Committee Meeting where Process Committees (those committees that are not involved in lists and awards) meet to plan and get work done.’ Check back on the blog to find out what transpired at these meetings.
