Hello, everyone,
As the conference approaches, are you becoming excited to meet old and new friends as well as learning new information and technology? I am.
I especially want to use this area to congratulate the cohort of potential SLIS students representing diverse groups. It is a great honor to be selected. My wish is that you will join the big warm family of Spectrum Scholars someday.
I remembered my anxiety when I first got a grant and attended my first conference in Boston while I was a library school student. I knew no one. I was by myself without guidance and did not know where to go and what to do. Therefore, this Scholarship for a Day program is wonderful. Make sure to thank and talk to these people when you see them, Jim Retting, current ALA president, Trevor A. Dawes, Princeton University, Marie Taesil Hudson Carpenter, Director, Advancement, Marketing & Communications and Gwendolyn Prellwitz Office for Diversity & Spectrum and many others who are behind the scene to make this program possible. They are all wonderful visionary leaders.
I would like to share my experience below. Hopefully it is helpful to you.
1. Make sure you have read the information about the ALA 2009 conference website before you come.
2. Be active to ask and learn.
You will see lots of people in the conference. The spirit of librarianship is kindness. Most librarians are approachable and enthusiastic. Take this wonderful opportunity to ask and learn.
Your interaction with the professionals in field will teach you life lessons that you probably will not learn at school.
In past conferences, I met colleagues from various states and even different countries.
From conversations with them, I experienced their career passion and wisdom which re- energized me.
I look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Shu-Hua Liu
ALA 2005 Spectrum Scholar & 2009 Emerging Leader