Day 1 of ALA - Anaheim

I'm here at the big show! The super bowl of library conferences.

Today for the first time I helped out with the Spectrum Institute.
It is an orientation program for the new awardees of the Spectrum
scholarship and also a booster shot of enthusiasm for the profession
and ALA in general

I assisted in the professional options fair, which is one of the areas
that I remember the most from the institute which I attended. It has
grown since the time that I was in it.

During the two hours I spoke with about a dozen new LIS students.
It was interesting to me that the new librarians I met split into two groups:
those who wanted to be Metadata professionals; or in terms of Public Librarianship, those
who wanted to be children's librarians.

But then again, I remember x number of years ago, I had thought I wanted
to be a children's librarian ....and I tell you that will probably not happen. I don't
have that good crowd control gene that is needed.

Otherwise, it was heart-warming to see so many of my spectrum alumnae - get big
hugs from them and try to catch up on a year's worth of news in 5 minutes.

It was a lovely start to the conference to see the bright new future of the profession.
We exchanged face book names and I offered to be available if they need any help in the future.
But it may be me that needs the sharp future minds to help me.

ida