With just a couple weeks to go before the American Library Association Annual Conference in Chicago I’m starting to firm up my schedule. While I love my publisher events and connecting with my friends and colleagues I also love the inspiration I get from programs.
I wanted to highlight for you some of the sessions and programs I plan on attending. Even if you can’t make it this year you can usually find slides and handouts online after the conference.
Friday
YALSA YA Lit Bloggers’ Summit 12:30-4:30
To be fair I am on the planning committee for this, but objectively I think it’s going to be an interesting session. We’ll be talking to bloggers including Sarah Bean Thompson, Emily Pukas, and Gretchen Kolderup from The Hub. If that wasn’t enough authors who blog including Sarah Dessen, Laurie Halse Anderson, Gene Luen Yang, and Holly Black will be speaking as will some folks from various publishers. There will also be time for attendees to meet each other and participate in less formal discussions about blogging related issues.
Saturday
Conversation Starters: Building A to Zoo for Apps: Time-tested librarian skills meet cutting edge technology for kids
Let’s talk about why librarians are the right people to help our patrons find the right apps and why we can’t ignore the digital future.
Anatomy of a Storytime Literacy Message: Research, Encouragement, and Ideas in 60 Seconds or Less
A poster session from Melissa Depper. This is certainly an area I would like to improve on as I’m much more likely to be communicating with parents in any future jobs.
Guerilla Storytime in the Uncommons (3pm)
An informal display of awesome children’s librarians demonstrating best practices.
Beyond Crafts: Digital Literacy and New Media Programs for Students
This sounds good, and they get extra points for suggesting we can do this along with our more traditional programs (which teens still love) rather than instead of them.
Sunday
YA Author Coffee Klatch
I went to this last year on a whim and it was so much fun, it’s on my must-do list now.
Going Where the User Takes Us: Instruction beyond the Library Classroom
Getting out of the traditional classroom setting and offering instruction where our patrons need it.
We Go Together: Pairing the latest non-fiction for teens with fiction titles.
Non-fiction/fiction pairings and non-fiction RA.
Monday
Conversation Starters: New Adult Fiction: What is it and is it really happening?
What is New Adult anyway and what do we do with it?
Conversation Starters: Unprogramming: Recipes for School-Age Program Success
Discover how to streamline planning and preparation while offering worthwhile literacy-centered programs–where kids help shape the direction of the program!
Michael L. Printz Program and Reception
Always a conference highlight. Hear from the winning and honor authors.