Conferences & Web Organization

I had a really fascinating conference in South Africa. I was able to put together a presentation - Raised by Librarians for the School Librarian's Pre-Session. I took all of the classes for a school media certification so school librarian ship is certainly an interest of mine. The pre-session was outstanding. There were more people in attendance than there ever are in the States, and I think it was simply that hunger for libraries in a country where books are not taken for granted as they often are here. I learned so much from these teachers given the care of a library not more than four walls and some shelves. Perhaps more than they actually were able to learn from me - but I suppose I'm not a good judge of that. The presentation went very well, and I genuinely appreciated the opportunity to do such.

The conference was also useful. There was a session on reference that I found very useful and I have taken away some good ideas for use in our library. Several presentations from South African librarians also demonstrated how, although we may be an ocean apart physically, the needs of our libraries and institutions are in many cases not so different.

And of course, the tour afterward was quite enjoyable as well, as you can see.

All in all, a good trip, well worth the taking.