NMRT (New Members Round Table)

Jan 9 2013 3:01PM Jo Alcock: This chat will be taking place on 18th January 2013 at 5pm EST. If you're joining us, please feel free to introduce yourself.
Jan 18 2013 10:58AM Jo Alcock: Testing
Jan 18 2013 4:59PM Christopher Kyauk: Hi Jo!
Jan 18 2013 4:59PM Jo Alcock: Hi everyone, welcome to the NMRT Networking chat - thanks for joining us. It's a little before time but p lease feel free to introduce yourselves.
Jan 18 2013 5:00PM Africa Hands: Hi, I'm Africa. Librarian in Louisville, KY
Jan 18 2013 5:00PM Jo Alcock: I'm Jo - I'll be hosting the chat today. I'm based in UK so it's currently 10pm and snowing heavily here. Where are you all joining us from?
Jan 18 2013 5:00PM Jo Alcock: Hi Chris, glad you could join us. Welcome Africa :)
Jan 18 2013 5:00PM Elizabeth Siler: Hi Everyone! I'm Liz Siler, the Electronic Resources Librarian from Florida International University, and tech support for today's chat. It also snowed a little today in NC which was neat.
Jan 18 2013 5:01PM Margaret Phillips: Hi, I'm Margaret. I'm in Houghton, Michigan. It is very snowy and cold here too.
Jan 18 2013 5:01PM Margaret Phillips: I'm an instruction and learning librarian at Michigan Tech.
Jan 18 2013 5:01PM Alexandra Janvey: Hi. I'm Allie, librarian/archivist at Long Island University in New York. It's very cold here but no snow yet.
Jan 18 2013 5:02PM Kristen Mapes: Hi, I'm Kristen. I'm an MLIS student at Rutgers in New Jersey. I'm jealous of everyone's snow!
Jan 18 2013 5:02PM Danielle Willgruber: Hi, I'm Danielle Willgruber, a library assistant at the University of Mary Washington
Jan 18 2013 5:02PM Danielle Willgruber: Me too, Kristen...we were "supposed" to get some last night , but never did
Jan 18 2013 5:03PM Kristen Mapes: I wish we did! Although I was glad to see sun today for about the first time in a week! That made up for the 20 degree temp.
Jan 18 2013 5:03PM Janel Kinlaw: Hi I'm Janel. I work at NPR (Washington DC) in their archives, but I'm currently on leave due to birth of my twin daughters. No snow here, just cold
Jan 18 2013 5:03PM Jo Alcock: We don't cope well in snow - most of the country comes to a standstill even when it was forecast!
Jan 18 2013 5:03PM Jo Alcock: Thanks so much everyone for joining us, great to see so many of you here :)
Jan 18 2013 5:03PM Christopher Kyauk: Hi, I'm Chris. I'm a public librarian in a Bay Area, California. It's warm here today, actually.
Jan 18 2013 5:03PM Africa Hands: @Christopher Where in the Bay?
Jan 18 2013 5:05PM Tiffany Williams: Hello everyone! I am Tiffany and I am an MLS student as well as the Public Services Coordinator at an academic library in Charlotte, NC
Jan 18 2013 5:05PM Christopher Kyauk: San Leandro. It's right next to Oakland.
Jan 18 2013 5:05PM Jo Alcock: If you're joining us now please feel free to introduce yourself. To start the chat, we'd love to know a bit about your experiences with networking. What have you learnt from your face to face networking experiences so far?
Jan 18 2013 5:05PM Africa Hands: I'm wearing my 49ers sweatshirt right now. ;-)
Jan 18 2013 5:06PM Elizabeth Siler: Hi Tiffany! I'm in Charlotte as well :)
Jan 18 2013 5:06PM Kristen Mapes: I have learned that people are very nice and willing to let you butt into their conversation. At a networking event, I just shove (metaphorically) my way into a circle of people talking, introduce myself, and ask if I can join.
Jan 18 2013 5:07PM Tiffany Williams: Hi Elizabeth!! Chilly start to the day, but no snow for us :-\
Jan 18 2013 5:07PM Kristen Mapes: They rarely/never seem bothered or turn me away.
Jan 18 2013 5:07PM Africa Hands: @Kristen: I haven't mastered the "shove" yet.
Jan 18 2013 5:07PM Elizabeth Siler: Definitely chilly! My car windows were frozen shut.
Jan 18 2013 5:07PM Jo Alcock: That's good to hear Kristen. Do you have any tips of what to say to introduce yourself to the group?
Jan 18 2013 5:07PM Margaret Phillips: I haven't mastered the "shove" yet either.
Jan 18 2013 5:08PM Danielle Willgruber: Ditto for me, Africa....
Jan 18 2013 5:08PM Tiffany Williams: I am new to networking at conferences, however, I have reached out and networked with librarians in academic libraries as well as in school media centers and they have been very accommodating and more than helpful in my journey to learn more about the library world
Jan 18 2013 5:08PM Christopher Kyauk: @Africa It helps to have a "wingman" so to speak. Two people shoving makes a joining of conversation!
Jan 18 2013 5:08PM Jo Alcock: I attended a networking event once where we has to practice the 'shove'. We were advised to make eye contact with someone in the group, then smile, then try to join the group.
Jan 18 2013 5:08PM Kristen Mapes: It's about finding a balance between being humble and confident. Just smile and say "Do you mind if I shove my way in?" That way, it sounds kind of funny and self-deprecating.
Jan 18 2013 5:08PM Africa Hands: Indeed. It always helps to attend events with one or two friends, to have a homebase.
Jan 18 2013 5:09PM Kristen Mapes: I actually find that if I attend an event with a friend, I am less forward about meeting new people
Jan 18 2013 5:09PM Jo Alcock: Great tips, interesting that you find it easier with a wingman/woman
Jan 18 2013 5:09PM Kristen Mapes: I end up just hanging out with the person I came with. I do better when I'm in the deep end and must do it on my own.
Jan 18 2013 5:09PM Jo Alcock: That's a great idea of what to say Kristen, I like that one.
Jan 18 2013 5:09PM Alexandra Janvey: I agree with @Kristen. People are very willing to let you join in conversations. Go up and introduce yourself and listen until you find a good point to include yourself in the conversation.
Jan 18 2013 5:10PM Danielle Willgruber: Personally, I like knowing a few people, but you have a point, Kristen.
Jan 18 2013 5:10PM Africa Hands: And you've done "the shove" at ALA?
Jan 18 2013 5:10PM Jo Alcock: I find the same if I come with people. I often get a lot more out of things if I force myself to attend things where there won't be anyone I know
Jan 18 2013 5:10PM Kristen Mapes: Especially if you are young or especially if you're a student, people tend to be impressed that you're there at all and that helps start a conversation.
Jan 18 2013 5:10PM Christopher Kyauk: I personally like to ask, "may I join you?" and they're always happy to open up.
Jan 18 2013 5:11PM Elizabeth Siler: I use the "may I join you" technique as well. I like sessions with tables.
Jan 18 2013 5:11PM Jo Alcock: @Alexandra that's definitely a handy tip - try to listen to part of the conversation until you hear something you can add to that is relevant to the conversation
Jan 18 2013 5:11PM Kristen Mapes: I haven't ever been to ALA, so I can't testify to its efficacy (or not!) there. Hoping to go this summer, so maybe I can say then!
Jan 18 2013 5:11PM Africa Hands: Any tips for exiting a conversation?
Jan 18 2013 5:11PM Christopher Kyauk: @Kristen I've found that to be particularly true. I've made it a habit of attending off-the-beaten path sessions, like Council sessions or board meetings.
Jan 18 2013 5:11PM Tiffany Williams: I am planning to attend ALA and perhaps I will practice "the shove" then!
Jan 18 2013 5:12PM Jo Alcock: @Africa good question - I find exiting really difficult in social situations. Any tips anyone?
Jan 18 2013 5:12PM Kristen Mapes: To exit, I usually just use the handy, "I need to refill my drink" or the "I need to use the restroom" technique
Jan 18 2013 5:12PM Africa Hands: I guess we shouldn't feel so committed to staying.
Jan 18 2013 5:13PM Jo Alcock: One I heard (but haven't had chance to try) is to introduce the group to someone else you know, make the introductions, and then leave whilst they start chatting
Jan 18 2013 5:13PM Christopher Kyauk: I actually use the "I'm going to roam around a bit" excuse a lot. Hasn't worked against me so far yet.
Jan 18 2013 5:13PM Danielle Willgruber: Nice idea, Jo
Jan 18 2013 5:13PM Christopher Kyauk: It also helps if you spy a friend in another group. Or you can make up a friend.
Jan 18 2013 5:13PM Jo Alcock: @Chris, I like your honesty - often the best policy as they say!
Jan 18 2013 5:13PM Kristen Mapes: @Jo that's a great one. Very smart, especially if you know many people at the event.
Jan 18 2013 5:13PM Tiffany Williams: LOL at "make up a friend" Christopher!
Jan 18 2013 5:14PM Kristen Mapes: haha!
Jan 18 2013 5:14PM Alexandra Janvey: @Africa I usually say either "excuse me, I need a refill for my drink" "It was so nice talking with you, I'm going to walk around a bit and see who else is here"
Jan 18 2013 5:14PM Africa Hands: Yes, find a friend but don't look around too much or they'll think you're not interested in the convo.
Jan 18 2013 5:14PM Jo Alcock: @Chris making up a friend doesn't sit with my honesty comment!
Jan 18 2013 5:14PM Jo Alcock: These are all really good ideas everyone :)
Jan 18 2013 5:15PM Africa Hands: Is anyone going to Midwinter next week?
Jan 18 2013 5:15PM Christopher Kyauk: @Jo Haha, that's the "emergency exit" strategy. I do keep it broad, like "oh, I see my friend over there, excuse me." So...technically not lying?
Jan 18 2013 5:15PM Jo Alcock: For those who haven't been to ALA conference yet - from my own experience, ALA is one of the most welcoming events I have ever been to
Jan 18 2013 5:16PM Africa Hands: Midwinter especially because it's smaller.
Jan 18 2013 5:16PM Tiffany Williams: I'm really excited about attending ALA. I've heard great things about it!
Jan 18 2013 5:16PM Kristen Mapes: I'm on the NMRT listserv and they seem to really be a great way to be introduced to a big conference
Jan 18 2013 5:16PM Jo Alcock: Any tips for people new to attending networking events like ALA Midwinter?
Jan 18 2013 5:16PM Alexandra Janvey: I have found that there is usually at least one person at conferences that you can converse with easily and always return to. So if I find myself alone at any point, I usually head back to find them.
Jan 18 2013 5:16PM Christopher Kyauk: I'll be at Midwinter. I personally think Midwinter is the more valuable of the two ALAs for networking.
Jan 18 2013 5:16PM Danielle Willgruber: I went to ALA a while ago, and found the same....I wish I could go to Midwinter, but cannot
Jan 18 2013 5:16PM Africa Hands: I agree @Christopher.
Jan 18 2013 5:17PM Jo Alcock: My tip would be to utilise the badges and ribbons - the ribbons can be a great conversation starter (i.e. spot someone from NMRT or in a group you are part of or interested in)
Jan 18 2013 5:17PM Tiffany Williams: @Kristen - I agree about NMRT. It seems like a great way to get involved and to learn more about the ALA
Jan 18 2013 5:17PM Danielle Willgruber: I've also found former collegues at conferences, which is nice, since I don't normally get to see them.
Jan 18 2013 5:17PM Africa Hands: Yes, and there's are some quirky ribbons out there.
Jan 18 2013 5:17PM Danielle Willgruber: Agreed, Jo/Africa
Jan 18 2013 5:18PM Kristen Mapes: and at ALA you can really use some of the networking done on a local level because if you do see someone you networked with at home, then you have something to bond over and they can be a good go-to person at the national event
Jan 18 2013 5:18PM Christopher Kyauk: Big ups to New MembersRT. Also, there's a "first time attendee" ribbon which is useful as an icebreaker
Jan 18 2013 5:18PM Jo Alcock: NMRT is fantastic for helping you out - the orientation sessions are fab, and I also made use of the mentoring program. Janel was my mentor for my first conference and it was great to meet someone I'd already made contact with, and she gave me some great advice :)
Jan 18 2013 5:19PM Tiffany Williams: Yay for the first time attendee ribbon! I want that!
Jan 18 2013 5:20PM Jo Alcock: Oh, also - use the shuttle buses and start a conversation in the queue and with the person you sit next to. The short bus trips are a perfect conversation time
Jan 18 2013 5:20PM Danielle Willgruber: I've never done the conference mentoring thing, Jo, but I love the idea....I also found the NMRT orientation session to get great, even if you aren't a newbie to conferences, and even more helpful for a first-time person
Jan 18 2013 5:20PM Alexandra Janvey: @Danielle I always run into people when I least expect it. It's a nice surprise .
Jan 18 2013 5:20PM Africa Hands: And the reception lines during the exhibit opening when everyone is so excited.
Jan 18 2013 5:20PM Jo Alcock: @Alexandra I find that the craziest thing at ALA - there's so many people there but you always seem to bump into people you know!
Jan 18 2013 5:21PM Alexandra Janvey: @Jo It's a small world after all :)
Jan 18 2013 5:21PM Danielle Willgruber: I've done that as well, and met some cool librarianas, even if just for a few minutes
Jan 18 2013 5:21PM Danielle Willgruber: *librarians
Jan 18 2013 5:22PM Africa Hands: Does anyone every do an elevator pitch or just keep it casual?
Jan 18 2013 5:23PM Jo Alcock: @Africa Personally I think it's useful to have an idea of what you can say, especially if you're nervous about making introductions. I don't think it should be scripted though, it's good to come across natural.
Jan 18 2013 5:24PM Jo Alcock: So another tip I had is to make sure you have business cards. Even if you're not currently working, buy some cheap ones with your name and contact details on there to exchange with people and follow up the networking later
Jan 18 2013 5:24PM Danielle Willgruber: @Africa...I usually start casual, such as what sessions they are going to/like, especially at a larger conference, but I can see agreeing with what Jo said
Jan 18 2013 5:24PM Jo Alcock: Which leads me to the next question - Do you use any online social networking tools? How do you use these?
Jan 18 2013 5:24PM Africa Hands: I do as well, pitches rarely sound natural.
Jan 18 2013 5:25PM Kristen Mapes: @Jo I've had great success with business cards. People are impressed by them plus they are SO much more convenient to use
Jan 18 2013 5:25PM Christopher Kyauk: I've found that elevator pitches come naturally in the course of a conversation. I've seen people do a forced pitch to say, an administrator, and it come off as distinctly off-putting.
Jan 18 2013 5:25PM Danielle Willgruber: @Jo, what do you do as follow-up? Email?
Jan 18 2013 5:25PM Kristen Mapes: I'm on twitter, although I don't tweet a lot and I'm only starting to follow librarians. I have a website too, but it's still early in development and is more for an e-portfolio than social networking.
Jan 18 2013 5:25PM Kristen Mapes: I need to get MUCH better at follow up.
Jan 18 2013 5:25PM Christopher Kyauk: (that said, it's hard when one is a job-hunting student to do a natural pitch to a director or somewhat)
Jan 18 2013 5:26PM Jo Alcock: @Danielle Depends on the circumstance and what details they have on their card. I make notes on our conversation so I know what they'd be interested in, and then follow up usually either by email or Twitter
Jan 18 2013 5:26PM Tiffany Williams: I finally succumbed to Twitter to use for library networking as well as to get information on upcoming events, such as ALA. Plus, as I understand from my colleagues, lots of conference attendees tweet about their sessions and you can be a part of a session without actually being there just by reading tweets!
Jan 18 2013 5:26PM Africa Hands: @Jo: I use Twitter and LinkedIn for online networking.
Jan 18 2013 5:26PM Christopher Kyauk: I always make a note on the back of their card on where and when I met them. It's impossible for me to remember after the fact.
Jan 18 2013 5:26PM Africa Hands: Yes, @Tiffany, Twitter is great for conferences, just follow the hashtag
Jan 18 2013 5:26PM Kristen Mapes: Oh yeah I'm on LinkedIn too - need to actually start participating in conversations on LinkedIn to optimize it though.
Jan 18 2013 5:27PM Kristen Mapes: @Christopher I do that too!
Jan 18 2013 5:27PM Danielle Willgruber: I use Twitter a bit, but don't have an account myself, mostly follow hash-tags of interest...good idea, Jo, about taking notes.
Jan 18 2013 5:27PM Africa Hands: @Kristen: the librarian groups are pretty active on LI.
Jan 18 2013 5:27PM Alexandra Janvey: I use twitter, facebook, LinkedIn, and pinterest. Twitter has become a great tool for keeping up with the trends, meeting other librarians, and becoming aware of events/webinars that are being held.
Jan 18 2013 5:27PM Africa Hands: @Alexandra: do you have many conversations on Pinterest?
Jan 18 2013 5:27PM Jo Alcock: It's amazing how useful the notes are, even just writing a word or two to remind yourself of the conversation will help you remember so much more when you look back
Jan 18 2013 5:28PM Danielle Willgruber: @Kristen, I have a LI account, but find the interface horrible, and the only librarian group I found isn't really active...
Jan 18 2013 5:28PM Alexandra Janvey: @Africa no but mostly because I don't use Pinterest that often.
Jan 18 2013 5:28PM Alexandra Janvey: If your on twitter, #libchat is a great twitter chat to participate in. You learn so much.
Jan 18 2013 5:28PM Kristen Mapes: Re: LI. I've joined the groups of the professional organizations I'm in plus INALJ, but I don't read the conversations..
Jan 18 2013 5:29PM Jo Alcock: I have to confess I'm the same as others have said with LI - I do use it to see what contacts are up to and update them on my activities but don't tend to join in the conversations much
Jan 18 2013 5:29PM Africa Hands: I've a fan of LI.
Jan 18 2013 5:30PM Africa Hands: " I'm"
Jan 18 2013 5:30PM Kristen Mapes: One of my goals this year is to recommend people and verify their skills on LI. I think it would generate good karma and remind people of me
Jan 18 2013 5:30PM Danielle Willgruber: @Alexandra #libchat is great
Jan 18 2013 5:30PM Jo Alcock: I use Twitter a lot though, and find it invaluable during conferences. Great for following what is happening in sessions you're not in, and finding/meeting up with people, and for following events you can't get to physically
Jan 18 2013 5:31PM Jo Alcock: I'm a big fan of Twitter chats too (in fact we're hoping to try the next of these chats using Twitter)
Jan 18 2013 5:31PM Kristen Mapes: @Jo I enjoy using twitter at conferences too, but I do it from my phone and it's a bit harder to keep track. I think I'd do it more if I had an ipad
Jan 18 2013 5:31PM Africa Hands: Is #libchat a general chat for librarians?
Jan 18 2013 5:32PM Christopher Kyauk: @Kristen It helps to have a twitter app. I use TweetDeck for my computer, Plume for my phone.
Jan 18 2013 5:32PM Danielle Willgruber: @Kristen, I don't have a smartphone or a tablet, so I usually just use it on the computer.....
Jan 18 2013 5:32PM Jo Alcock: @Kristen I find it depends which app I use as to whether it's good for conferences or not
Jan 18 2013 5:32PM Kristen Mapes: I just have the Twitter app for Android on my phone..It's pretty bad for following hastags
Jan 18 2013 5:32PM Alexandra Janvey: @Africa yes. They often talk a lot about job hunting too.
Jan 18 2013 5:32PM Jo Alcock: The Twitter apps I don't find good at all. I use Echofon or Tweetbot mainly
Jan 18 2013 5:32PM Africa Hands: @Alexandra. Thanks do you know the day/time?
Jan 18 2013 5:33PM Africa Hands: I use Hootsuite and have used Tweetchat recently, it works nicely for chats.
Jan 18 2013 5:33PM Tiffany Williams: #libchat sounds like a winner. I will definitely be following
Jan 18 2013 5:33PM Kristen Mapes: I'll have to check out some of these apps so I can follow better on my phone without going crazy
Jan 18 2013 5:34PM Alexandra Janvey: Wed at 8pm. Here's more info: http://hacklibschool.wordpress.com/2011/03/15/libchat/
Jan 18 2013 5:34PM Africa Hands: Great, thanks!
Jan 18 2013 5:34PM Jo Alcock: @Africa I can't find the details but I think it's usually 2am my time so I'm guessing 8pm EST?
Jan 18 2013 5:34PM Jo Alcock: Ah, thanks Alexandra :)
Jan 18 2013 5:34PM Alexandra Janvey: @Jo You are most welcome
Jan 18 2013 5:35PM Jo Alcock: If anyone is interested in joining in with #uklibchat they have a blog and calendar so you can see what themes will be discussed when http://uklibchat.wordpress.com
Jan 18 2013 5:35PM Danielle Willgruber: Thanks, Jo.
Jan 18 2013 5:36PM Jo Alcock: Twitter chats are another great way to network I think
Jan 18 2013 5:36PM Jo Alcock: Does anyone have any other social networks they use or tips for getting the most out of them for networking?
Jan 18 2013 5:37PM Danielle Willgruber: @Jo It might be a reason for me to reinstate my Twitter account, lol
Jan 18 2013 5:37PM Tiffany Williams: For those interested in School/Media Centers, there is the Teacher Librarian Virtual Cafe at http://tlvirtualcafe.wikispaces.com/ which features lots of webinars and great information for librarians in schools!
Jan 18 2013 5:38PM Jo Alcock: Definitely, Twitter is great for networking. I love the fact that it's both professional and personal too - it's great for finding things you have in common with others
Jan 18 2013 5:38PM Christopher Kyauk: The Facebook ALA Think Tank is useful to lurk on.
Jan 18 2013 5:38PM Danielle Willgruber: There's a Facebook group created by alumni/students at the iSchool of the University of Maryland when our Ning network started not being free.
Jan 18 2013 5:38PM Jo Alcock: Thanks for the recommendation Tiffany :)
Jan 18 2013 5:38PM Alexandra Janvey: I think the new google+ communities appear promising
Jan 18 2013 5:38PM Kristen Mapes: Google+ would be interesting, especially with the possibility for hangouts but I haven't seen them used. any groups/communities to recommend?
Jan 18 2013 5:39PM Jo Alcock: @Alexandra I was wondering about G+ communities too, they seem useful. I don't tend to use G+ much at all at the moment
Jan 18 2013 5:39PM Danielle Willgruber: It's nice, since there's all sorts of people there....Alexandra, I ahven't really used G+ professionally...are there a few groups you might reccomend?
Jan 18 2013 5:39PM Jo Alcock: There's a Libraries and Librarians one https://plus.google.com/communities/107650174557257755836
Jan 18 2013 5:39PM Alexandra Janvey: Instruction Librarians: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/105701165713397630072
Jan 18 2013 5:40PM Alexandra Janvey: @Jo I've joined the libraries and librarians one too
Jan 18 2013 5:40PM Kristen Mapes: @Alexandra I just joined it too!
Jan 18 2013 5:40PM Jo Alcock: @Alexandra do you use them at the moment?
Jan 18 2013 5:41PM Alexandra Janvey: Yes. I find the instruction librarian one helpful because I'm just starting that aspect of my job. It gives me ideas.
Jan 18 2013 5:42PM Jo Alcock: That's great, might have to find a particularly relevant one for me and join up :)
Jan 18 2013 5:42PM Jo Alcock: OK, moving on a little... Do you have any examples of a successful networking event?
Jan 18 2013 5:43PM Jo Alcock: Has anyone ever been to a speed networking event? I love the idea but not sure if it's useful in practice.
Jan 18 2013 5:43PM Kristen Mapes: Yes, I attended the ACRL/NY Symposium in early December, and from that event, I networked with 5 librarians from Lehman College (including the Head Librarian) and was offered an internship.
Jan 18 2013 5:44PM Africa Hands: I like speed networking if done right.
Jan 18 2013 5:44PM Africa Hands: It's a good way to get a lay of the land and you can follow up with certain people afterwards.
Jan 18 2013 5:44PM Jo Alcock: @Kristen - wow, excellent networking!
Jan 18 2013 5:44PM Jo Alcock: @Africa what does speed networking need to work?
Jan 18 2013 5:44PM Danielle Willgruber: @Jo At UMD, one of the student groups help a in-person "Chat", where they invited working librarians to talk with students...it wasn't always a large group, but it went well.
Jan 18 2013 5:45PM Africa Hands: I prefer a series of one on one conversations. Some events do the bingo game which doesn't work as well.
Jan 18 2013 5:45PM Africa Hands: The bingo game is "find someone who ..."
Jan 18 2013 5:45PM Danielle Willgruber: *help==held
Jan 18 2013 5:46PM Danielle Willgruber: @Africa Ah, yeah I've seen those, and I'm not a fan either.
Jan 18 2013 5:46PM Jo Alcock: @Danielle that sounds great
Jan 18 2013 5:46PM Africa Hands: You end up talking to people just long enough to fill your bingo card.
Jan 18 2013 5:46PM Elizabeth Siler: I agree that the bingo event can sometimes be superficial, but it can help break the ice in some situations.
Jan 18 2013 5:46PM Kristen Mapes: That just sounds like an icebreaker to me.
Jan 18 2013 5:46PM Danielle Willgruber: @Africa Exactly....and it can get kinda hard to hear people, depending on the venue
Jan 18 2013 5:46PM Kristen Mapes: @Elizabeth - same thoughts!
Jan 18 2013 5:46PM Jo Alcock: @Africa I actually quite like the bingo cards, they are good as an ice breaker as others have said
Jan 18 2013 5:48PM Jo Alcock: I find the networking socials in the evenings at ALA very useful - I like the fact they're so relaxed
Jan 18 2013 5:48PM Africa Hands: @Jo how are the NMRT member events?
Jan 18 2013 5:49PM Christopher Kyauk: I'm a big fan of the Association Options Fair that Jo helped create. Hope it'll come back for Annual.
Jan 18 2013 5:49PM Africa Hands: That sounds fun.
Jan 18 2013 5:50PM Jo Alcock: NMRT have lots of different types of events. The orientations usually have people from different parts of ALA to introduce different parts of the conference, plus some local tips and advice for managing your time at the conference. The socials are a fun way to meet people and often have prizes too :)
Jan 18 2013 5:50PM Kristen Mapes: What's the Association Options Fair?
Jan 18 2013 5:51PM Africa Hands: @Jo, thanks. I'm hoping to attend a few next week.
Jan 18 2013 5:51PM Danielle Willgruber: @Christopher, I've never heard of that, either...
Jan 18 2013 5:51PM Jo Alcock: NMRT events at Midwinter: http://www.nmrt.ala.org/notes/?p=204
Jan 18 2013 5:52PM Christopher Kyauk: @Danielle http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/news/ala/association-options-fair-provides-opportunities-engage
Jan 18 2013 5:52PM Jo Alcock: The Association Options Fair is a way to meet different parts of ALA. Each of the round tables, divisions, and associated groups are invited to have a table at a venue and people can drop in and speak to whichever groups they are interested in. I was involved in helping organise it last Annual and it was great fun
Jan 18 2013 5:53PM Christopher Kyauk: More immediately, I agree that the evening socials are really important networking wise. They can be rather loud though.
Jan 18 2013 5:53PM Kristen Mapes: That is genius. I'm trying to get a similar sort of thing going in NYC for all the local professional organizations.
Jan 18 2013 5:53PM Danielle Willgruber: Ah. What a nice idea, Jo.
Jan 18 2013 5:54PM Kristen Mapes: Because ALA is confusing! So many committees/divisions/roundtables!
Jan 18 2013 5:54PM Jo Alcock: @Kristen it seemed to work well and I know NMRT are working on the one for Annual this year
Jan 18 2013 5:54PM Jo Alcock: @Kristen it is! There's so many different groups to know about!
Jan 18 2013 5:54PM Jo Alcock: We have another question linked to this - Where do you find information about networking events?
Jan 18 2013 5:55PM Danielle Willgruber: @Jo, mostly via email and Twitter....I also look at the schedule for any conference I'm going to
Jan 18 2013 5:55PM Jo Alcock: I find Twitter useful for this too, plus the listservs (especially nmrt-l)
Jan 18 2013 5:56PM Jo Alcock: @Danielle Ooh yes, the scheduler for ALA is brilliant!
Jan 18 2013 5:56PM Danielle Willgruber: I'm on a few listservs, such as NMRT, a few ACRL committees I've an interest in.
Jan 18 2013 5:57PM Danielle Willgruber: How about very local stuff, though?
Jan 18 2013 5:57PM Christopher Kyauk: The app typically has a list of the socials
Jan 18 2013 5:57PM Africa Hands: @Jo the listserv, scheduler, and Twitter are very helpful.
Jan 18 2013 5:57PM Africa Hands: @Danielle: local organization chapter listservs
Jan 18 2013 5:57PM Danielle Willgruber: I don't usually get to attend major annual conferences....
Jan 18 2013 5:57PM Kristen Mapes: Joining local chapters of organizations is the first step, and then checking out their calendars on their websites
Jan 18 2013 5:57PM Christopher Kyauk: @Danielle Does your state or local library chapter have a listserv?
Jan 18 2013 5:58PM Danielle Willgruber: @Africa, I don't know, but I suspect so.
Jan 18 2013 5:58PM Danielle Willgruber: Whoops, I mean @Christopher
Jan 18 2013 5:59PM Africa Hands: They likely have an email group for event postings.
Jan 18 2013 5:59PM Jo Alcock: ALA has some great webinars too so remember to look out for those (some paid, some free). They're great for those of us a little further away geographically!
Jan 18 2013 5:59PM Africa Hands: @Danielle your library school may have event info for local groups.
Jan 18 2013 6:00PM Christopher Kyauk: Looks like the Virginia Library Association has a Google Group, there's likely events on there periodically.
Jan 18 2013 6:00PM Danielle Willgruber: @Africa, nice idea, but there aren't are iSchools in VA, hence why I went to UMD
Jan 18 2013 6:00PM Danielle Willgruber: @Christopher, Thanks!
Jan 18 2013 6:01PM Kristen Mapes: you don't even have to join local chapters to find their twitter handle and follow those. They will almost certainly post about upcoming events on twitter
Jan 18 2013 6:01PM Danielle Willgruber: @Africa One of these days, I'd like to go, but it's a long trip.
Jan 18 2013 6:01PM Africa Hands: @Danielle, I see. Try to follow groups via Twitter and LinkedIn.
Jan 18 2013 6:02PM Jo Alcock: Wow, the hour has flown by! Thanks so much everyone for joining in and sharing your tips. Please feel free to continue the conversation and if you are attending MW and want to exchange details now might be a good time to do so!
Jan 18 2013 6:02PM Kristen Mapes: Thanks so much!
Jan 18 2013 6:02PM Kristen Mapes: Maybe I'll see some of you(hopefully) at ALA!
Jan 18 2013 6:02PM Africa Hands: @africahands on Twitter and I've sent you LI invits. Thanks Jo! Hope to see you in Seattle.
Jan 18 2013 6:03PM Elizabeth Siler: Thanks Everyone!
Jan 18 2013 6:03PM Kristen Mapes: @kmapesy (beware: I tweet mostly about cycling and a little about libraries)
Jan 18 2013 6:03PM Jo Alcock: Also, keep an eye on the nmrt-l list as we'll be hopefully arranging more chats in future. If anyone has any comments/suggestions on where/when to hold the chats or on what topics, please contact me jo@joeyanne.co.uk
Jan 18 2013 6:03PM Danielle Willgruber: Thanks everyone!
Jan 18 2013 6:04PM Jo Alcock: Afraid I can't make it over to Midwinter this year though I'll be keeping an eye on the #alamw13 tag. Hope you all have an amazing time those of you going :)
Jan 18 2013 6:04PM Danielle Willgruber: Have fun at MW, for those who are going.