I always enjoy PLA because I find it so energizing being with library peers from all over the country. I benefit from their ideas and experiences and vice versa.
This year in Minneapolis was no different, and the inspiring opening session with John Wood set the tone. Wood, an ex-Microsoft executive, now full-time with his project, “Room to Read,” is attempting to provide libraries and educational access to millions of illiterate children worldwide, and is currently opening libraries at a rate exceeding Starbucks. His recommendations to us for success included having a strong entrepreneurial local team, engaging the community, investing heavily in human capital, acknowledging the importance of monitoring and evaluation, focusing intensely on results, keeping overhead to a minimum, and dreaming big dreams.
I caught Nancy Pearl and representatives from HarperCollins, Holtzbrinck, Random House and Hachette in “Book Buzz” talking about upcoming fiction. I attended a Gale luncheon featuring their new product “Books and Authors” which takes the Literature Resource Center and “What Do I Read Next?” a step further, taking advantage of many of the Web 2.0 technologies with the possibility of personalizing an extremely user-friendly site. Since Gale made all of their databases available during National Library Week it will give me a chance to look at it a little more carefully.
“Sexy Senior Programming” provided ideas for our ever-growing underserved population of senior citizens which are living longer, are more physically active, educated, and have better incomes than seniors in the past. Intergenerational programs, engaging seniors in the new technologies and having a laughter club as a type of fitness program were among the suggestions. The speakers, from Bethel Park Public Library in Bethel Park, PA, obviously have a lot of fun on their jobs, and their blog: http://bethelparkcheckitout.blogspot.com/ subtitled “ Bethel Park Public Library - in your neighborhood AND on your TV!” directs viewers to their active site on Youtube and Google Video.
The program on the Idea Store was one of the more provocative programs, however. The Idea Store is a U.K. concept that combines the best of traditional library and information services with quality lifelong learning opportunities in comfortable and friendly IKEA-like surroundings where branding plays an important role. In most cases these “idea stores” involved partnerships of the former library with the local schools or community colleges, an art gallery, or other for-profit organizations, and, a retailer’s eye. It made me more aware of the potential in using this kind of marketing strategy to reach different groups currently not using libraries.
Pam Roberts/ Aspen Hill
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
PLA 2008
Public Library Association Conference
March 26-29, 2008
Minneapolis, MN
The Public Library Association Conference was an excellent opportunity to find out what people in other parts of the country are doing to manage change and innovate with new and improved service.
The opening session keynote speaker on Wednesday March 26 was John Wood founder of Room to Read. Room to Read is a non-profit dedicated to building village and school libraries in the developing world. Mr. Wood outlined the steps of how to build a successful program. He gave both managers and non-managers food for thought. After the opening session several us went to the PLA reception for new conference attendees. It was a relaxed party that gave us an opportunity to meet colleagues from other parts of the country. There really were a lot of Midwestern attendees. I met one librarian from a small town in northeast Iowa, she really did do it all at her town library.
Thursday March 27, was the first full day of conference meetings and lectures. The most useful and interesting lectures were on providing library service to the Latino community and Weeding. Both lectures provided practical information that I can put into place immediately. The weeding workshop was mostly review, but gave guidelines that all libraries can use MUSTIE (Misleading, Ugly, Superseded, Trivial, Irrelevant and May be obtained Elsewhere). The lecture on providing services to the Latino community was a case study of a federally funded grant in Athens, GA. Some of the most interesting things this community found were using arts are bridge between communities and reaching into the community through partnerships with other service providers were keys to the success of their program.
Friday March 28 found the Montgomery County librarians going off in various directions to discover new and exciting changes in libraries. Stress Management aka Time Management was the topic in Everyone’s Getting Crabbier. I thought the 2006 MCPL staff day presentation “Make Room for Joy” was more practical and fun. Our neighbors in Howard County, Brian Auger and Amy De Groff presented a lecture on innovation entitled “Dangerous Ideas” Challenges to the status quo”. “What if we stopped cataloging, required library staff to have expertise in using technology, Cooperated fully with the FBI, embraced mistakes allowed the freedom to become risk takers, didn’t make decisions based on fear/scarcity but based on abundance and ubiquity ect.? It was thought provoking and we formed groups to discuss topics with out seating neighbors. Customer Service was the topic of Great Libraries for Dummies. This was an informative session on what 10 things all libraries should be doing to improve customer service that included ideas on empowering the customer, merchandising with impact and power, and becoming an integral part of the community.
Finally, the PLA closing session on Saturday provided entertainment by Paula Poundstone. Her take on libraries and librarians was quite funny.
Dianne Whitaker
Twinbrook Library
March 26-29, 2008
Minneapolis, MN
The Public Library Association Conference was an excellent opportunity to find out what people in other parts of the country are doing to manage change and innovate with new and improved service.
The opening session keynote speaker on Wednesday March 26 was John Wood founder of Room to Read. Room to Read is a non-profit dedicated to building village and school libraries in the developing world. Mr. Wood outlined the steps of how to build a successful program. He gave both managers and non-managers food for thought. After the opening session several us went to the PLA reception for new conference attendees. It was a relaxed party that gave us an opportunity to meet colleagues from other parts of the country. There really were a lot of Midwestern attendees. I met one librarian from a small town in northeast Iowa, she really did do it all at her town library.
Thursday March 27, was the first full day of conference meetings and lectures. The most useful and interesting lectures were on providing library service to the Latino community and Weeding. Both lectures provided practical information that I can put into place immediately. The weeding workshop was mostly review, but gave guidelines that all libraries can use MUSTIE (Misleading, Ugly, Superseded, Trivial, Irrelevant and May be obtained Elsewhere). The lecture on providing services to the Latino community was a case study of a federally funded grant in Athens, GA. Some of the most interesting things this community found were using arts are bridge between communities and reaching into the community through partnerships with other service providers were keys to the success of their program.
Friday March 28 found the Montgomery County librarians going off in various directions to discover new and exciting changes in libraries. Stress Management aka Time Management was the topic in Everyone’s Getting Crabbier. I thought the 2006 MCPL staff day presentation “Make Room for Joy” was more practical and fun. Our neighbors in Howard County, Brian Auger and Amy De Groff presented a lecture on innovation entitled “Dangerous Ideas” Challenges to the status quo”. “What if we stopped cataloging, required library staff to have expertise in using technology, Cooperated fully with the FBI, embraced mistakes allowed the freedom to become risk takers, didn’t make decisions based on fear/scarcity but based on abundance and ubiquity ect.? It was thought provoking and we formed groups to discuss topics with out seating neighbors. Customer Service was the topic of Great Libraries for Dummies. This was an informative session on what 10 things all libraries should be doing to improve customer service that included ideas on empowering the customer, merchandising with impact and power, and becoming an integral part of the community.
Finally, the PLA closing session on Saturday provided entertainment by Paula Poundstone. Her take on libraries and librarians was quite funny.
Dianne Whitaker
Twinbrook Library
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
PLA 2008 (Programs Attended by Ann Geht)
Where Readers Go, Books Follow: The Future of Audio Materials in Public Libraries
Tuesday, March 25, 2008This program focused on Readers Advisory services for adult audio books and was targeted at library staff interested in developing audio book collections and promoting those collections within their libraries and on their library websites. Topics covered included reviewing audio books, the special appeal of audio books, emerging trends in audio technology, and famous narrators. Presenters included Joyce Saricks, Mary K. Chelton, Judy Napier, Sue Ellen Beauregard, and narrator Scott Brick, a big favorite with the librarians.
I took three important ideas away from this session: first, that audio book appeal and quality is heavily influenced by the style and voice of the narrator. Many audio book fans will follow a favorite narrator from genre to genre simply because they enjoy his/her style of narration. Therefore, when conducting audio book readers advisory, it is important to ask the listener which books they've listened to before and enjoyed, and ask if they would like something by the same narrator. Second, that length of an audio book is often key in determining which audio book would best suit a reader. Often these materials will be used in car trips, possibly for the whole family, so it's good to have some family-friendly selections of various lengths in the back of your head to use as recommendations. Third, that it's a great idea to include audio books in library displays. Sometimes are customers will be likely to listen to a book than to read it due to time constraints, and placing featured items from our audio book collection on a book display area may remind customers that audio books are another option that libraries offer.
I took several useful handouts away from this session, and would be glad to photocopy any of them and interoffice mail them to anyone who expresses interest. Just e-mail me at Ann.Geht@montgomerycountymd.gov. They are: "Tips for the Listeners' Advisory Interview," "Sounds Good to Me: Listening to Audiobooks with a Critical Ear," "Listen to a Book in 15 Minutes," "The Booklist Criteria for Evaluating Spoken Word Audio Materials," and the "Odyssey Award Criteria." (The Odyssey Award recognizes excellence by a producer or director for accomplishment and/or innovation in the production of an audio program.)
Grants for Libraries
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
This program, offered by library consultant Stephanie Gerding, author of Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual, focused on where grant money for libraries can come from and how to plan for the grant writing process.
Ms. Gerding outlined the following steps when preparing to request money for a library: 1. Making the commitment and understanding the process. 2. Planning for success. 3. Discovering and designing the grant program. 4. Organizing the grant team. 5. Understanding the sources and resources. 6. Researching and selecting the right grant. 7. Creating and submitting the winning proposal. 8. Getting funded and implementing the project. 9. Reviewing and continuing the process.
Ms. Gerding emphasized the necessity of thoughtful planning before beginning the writing process and the usefulness of working in teams to complete grant proposals. She encouraged libraries to consider using volunteers and Friends of the Library groups to write grant proposals. It was also suggested that each library should have on hand a "wish list" for funding so that if a large donor ever comes their way, they are prepared to tell that donor what they would be eager to use the donation for.
Handouts included a very useful "Funding Resources for Libraries" sheet. Let me know if you'd like a copy.
In This Age of the Internet, Who Uses the Public Library, Who Doesn't, and Why?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
This was a somewhat dry presentation that showed a correlation between an increase in home internet access and a decrease in public library use. Overall, the presenters concluded, we're still relevant. Phew.
Sexy Senior Programming @ Your Library
Thursday, March 27, 2008
This lively workshop was presented by Mary Mullen and Ingrid Kalchthaleri of Bethel Park Public Library (PA). They presented some possible descriptors of senior library customers (decreased mobility, limited income, far from extended family, and working to keep up with rapid technology changes) and then asked us to consider putting on some very fun sounding programs. An intergenerational "Family Battle of the Books" that includes grandparents was a big hit in Pennsylvania, as well as any sort of library sponsored kid/teen volunteering at local senior centers. "Movies for Your Mind" was a popular program, featuring documentaries and adult education videos. Outreach efforts could include baby story times at senior centers. Tech classes were popular with seniors, and a video blooging class was well attended. Family game nights with a Wii were highly praised. Lastly, a "Laughter Club" was presented as an idea. Participants do laughter exercises that lower blood pressure and increase quality of life.
Reinventing the Library for the 21st Century
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Dangerous Ideas: What if Libraries...?
Friday, March 28, 2008
These presentations were similar in that both asked "What if libraries...?" (did something that would cause many librarians to balk). Karen Hyman presented the "Reinventing" talk, and "Dangerous Ideas" was presented by Deirdre Routt, Stacey Aldrich, Brian Auger, Amy de Groff, and Rivkah Sass. Ideas discussed included, "What if we stopped cataloging and only tagged?" "What if librarians would promote and participate in the development of Wikipedia?" "What if we fully cooperated with law enforcement officers when they are investigating our patrons?" (Not a popular one.) "What if we made decisions that are not based on scarcity?" The point of these presentations was to confront the discomfort with out-of-the box thinking within our profession and move beyond it to finding solutions. Visit the Dangerous Ideas and give feedback at http://whatiflibs.wetpaint.com/?t=anon
Everyone is Getting Crabbier
Friday, March 28, 2008
This program focused on the increasing level of stress in library work and how to alleviate this workplace stress. It was presented by Sandra Nelson, a library consultant.
Nelson attributed the majority of workplace stress to a climate of change (perpetual within the library system). She pointed out that in times of change, staff often feel paranoid, fearful, angry, stressed, and a lack of control. Staff members will tend to cling to comfortable routines, resist changes, and romanticize the past. In times of change, the workplace grapevine is much more active, there are more conflicts between staff members, and productivity drops.
To take yourself out of the melee, Nelson suggests prioritizing by choosing to focus on only those tasks which account for the bulk of the benefits to the library. Planning ahead is essential, since no one truly does better work under pressure. De-cluttering the work area and remembering that everything is not worth doing well is important. Lastly, managing the clock by working with your body's natural rhythm and taking regular breaks can reduce workplace stress.
I took three important ideas away from this session: first, that audio book appeal and quality is heavily influenced by the style and voice of the narrator. Many audio book fans will follow a favorite narrator from genre to genre simply because they enjoy his/her style of narration. Therefore, when conducting audio book readers advisory, it is important to ask the listener which books they've listened to before and enjoyed, and ask if they would like something by the same narrator. Second, that length of an audio book is often key in determining which audio book would best suit a reader. Often these materials will be used in car trips, possibly for the whole family, so it's good to have some family-friendly selections of various lengths in the back of your head to use as recommendations. Third, that it's a great idea to include audio books in library displays. Sometimes are customers will be likely to listen to a book than to read it due to time constraints, and placing featured items from our audio book collection on a book display area may remind customers that audio books are another option that libraries offer.
I took several useful handouts away from this session, and would be glad to photocopy any of them and interoffice mail them to anyone who expresses interest. Just e-mail me at Ann.Geht@montgomerycountymd.gov. They are: "Tips for the Listeners' Advisory Interview," "Sounds Good to Me: Listening to Audiobooks with a Critical Ear," "Listen to a Book in 15 Minutes," "The Booklist Criteria for Evaluating Spoken Word Audio Materials," and the "Odyssey Award Criteria." (The Odyssey Award recognizes excellence by a producer or director for accomplishment and/or innovation in the production of an audio program.)
Grants for Libraries
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
This program, offered by library consultant Stephanie Gerding, author of Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual, focused on where grant money for libraries can come from and how to plan for the grant writing process.
Ms. Gerding outlined the following steps when preparing to request money for a library: 1. Making the commitment and understanding the process. 2. Planning for success. 3. Discovering and designing the grant program. 4. Organizing the grant team. 5. Understanding the sources and resources. 6. Researching and selecting the right grant. 7. Creating and submitting the winning proposal. 8. Getting funded and implementing the project. 9. Reviewing and continuing the process.
Ms. Gerding emphasized the necessity of thoughtful planning before beginning the writing process and the usefulness of working in teams to complete grant proposals. She encouraged libraries to consider using volunteers and Friends of the Library groups to write grant proposals. It was also suggested that each library should have on hand a "wish list" for funding so that if a large donor ever comes their way, they are prepared to tell that donor what they would be eager to use the donation for.
Handouts included a very useful "Funding Resources for Libraries" sheet. Let me know if you'd like a copy.
In This Age of the Internet, Who Uses the Public Library, Who Doesn't, and Why?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
This was a somewhat dry presentation that showed a correlation between an increase in home internet access and a decrease in public library use. Overall, the presenters concluded, we're still relevant. Phew.
Sexy Senior Programming @ Your Library
Thursday, March 27, 2008
This lively workshop was presented by Mary Mullen and Ingrid Kalchthaleri of Bethel Park Public Library (PA). They presented some possible descriptors of senior library customers (decreased mobility, limited income, far from extended family, and working to keep up with rapid technology changes) and then asked us to consider putting on some very fun sounding programs. An intergenerational "Family Battle of the Books" that includes grandparents was a big hit in Pennsylvania, as well as any sort of library sponsored kid/teen volunteering at local senior centers. "Movies for Your Mind" was a popular program, featuring documentaries and adult education videos. Outreach efforts could include baby story times at senior centers. Tech classes were popular with seniors, and a video blooging class was well attended. Family game nights with a Wii were highly praised. Lastly, a "Laughter Club" was presented as an idea. Participants do laughter exercises that lower blood pressure and increase quality of life.
Reinventing the Library for the 21st Century
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Dangerous Ideas: What if Libraries...?
Friday, March 28, 2008
These presentations were similar in that both asked "What if libraries...?" (did something that would cause many librarians to balk). Karen Hyman presented the "Reinventing" talk, and "Dangerous Ideas" was presented by Deirdre Routt, Stacey Aldrich, Brian Auger, Amy de Groff, and Rivkah Sass. Ideas discussed included, "What if we stopped cataloging and only tagged?" "What if librarians would promote and participate in the development of Wikipedia?" "What if we fully cooperated with law enforcement officers when they are investigating our patrons?" (Not a popular one.) "What if we made decisions that are not based on scarcity?" The point of these presentations was to confront the discomfort with out-of-the box thinking within our profession and move beyond it to finding solutions. Visit the Dangerous Ideas and give feedback at http://whatiflibs.wetpaint.com/?t=anon
Everyone is Getting Crabbier
Friday, March 28, 2008
This program focused on the increasing level of stress in library work and how to alleviate this workplace stress. It was presented by Sandra Nelson, a library consultant.
Nelson attributed the majority of workplace stress to a climate of change (perpetual within the library system). She pointed out that in times of change, staff often feel paranoid, fearful, angry, stressed, and a lack of control. Staff members will tend to cling to comfortable routines, resist changes, and romanticize the past. In times of change, the workplace grapevine is much more active, there are more conflicts between staff members, and productivity drops.
To take yourself out of the melee, Nelson suggests prioritizing by choosing to focus on only those tasks which account for the bulk of the benefits to the library. Planning ahead is essential, since no one truly does better work under pressure. De-cluttering the work area and remembering that everything is not worth doing well is important. Lastly, managing the clock by working with your body's natural rhythm and taking regular breaks can reduce workplace stress.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Changing the Way Libraries Do Business: Meeting the Challenges of a Web 2.0 World
Along with Mimi Bolotin and Carol Legarreta, I attended this session sponsored by Solinet and OCLC Eastern at the Arlington County Public Library on March 20, 2008. This day long session focused on Web 2.0, what it means, how libraries are using new technologies, and why libraries should be involved with 2.0. The coordinator from Solinet described Web 2.0 as being an attitude, rather than a technology. You do not have to be a techie to get into Web 2.0.
Emerging Technologies and Trends that Make Your Online Life Easier by Jenny Levine
I was very excited to see that Jenny was going to be a presenter because I have been a longtime reader of her blog, The Shifted Librarian. Throughout much of her presentation, Jenny shared some Web 2.0 technologies, like RSS, wikis, blogs, flickr, etc., and she showed examples of how libraries are using them. According to Jenny, the future is in RSS because it is the easiest and most efficient way for users to use your data and information off of your website. She also commented that the Web is going to be the operating system of the future - it will not matter if you have a PC or Mac. I found this to be a very solid presentation on 2.0, and I learned of quite a few new sites that I need to go explore.
LibraryThing for Libraries by Kate Sheehan
This was another presentation that I was very interested in hearing because I wanted to find out more details about how this all works and connects to the opac from someone who has done the implementation already. Kate demonstrated the product at work in Darrien Public Library's catalog; it adds tags and readalikes to the opac display by javascript. It does not touch the MARC record at all. You can see it in action here. Kate described as a very nice add-on feature that is possible without a lot of staff time or expense. This is not the next generation catalog, but it is one step closer for customers being able to interact with the collection. It brings readers' advisory right into the catalog.
Changing Content for Metadata Management by Kate Calhoun
Much of this presentation focused on getting libraries to webscale via OCLC's WorldCat, bringing library catalogs to where people are, google, facebook, youtube, etc. Calhoun said the story of the catalog is not over, and we have to work together and in partnership with other organizations (create a culture of participation to take the library to a wider audience) so that no matter where the user starts, he ends up at the library.
JMO, HTH! Social Networking in Academic Libraries by Jamie W. Coniglio
Coniglio described how George Mason University reference staff and other academic libraries are using Web 2.0 tools to connect to their users. Examples include Meebo widgets for IM, blogs, wikis, Second Life, flock, etc. As a profession, she said we do not experiment much at all because it makes us uncomfortable. However, it is her feeling that discomfort can be healthy. We need to form a knowledge practice with a reorientation toward user-centered services, value risk taking, and create a zone of experimentation.
Playing to Learn in the Summer of ’07: How 23 Things Opened the Door to Web 2.0 for Maryland Public Library Staff by Jennifer Howell
Howell's presentation gave an overview of the 23 Things program begun in Charlotte and now being used by the state of Maryland. She described her own experiences as a staff coordinator rolling out the program, her librarians' assessment of the program, and plans for the future.
Overall, this conference was a good overview of what people are currently doing in the profession, and areas to follow for future trends and ideas. I came away from the conference with many ideas that might be used at MCPL - LibraryThing for Libraries, Meebo IM widget, MCPL's rollout of the 23 Things, exploring API development, and a number of particular websites to explore. Most of all, I like the thinking that Web 2.0 is an attitude or mindset and that there is the need for experimentation and risk taking.
Emerging Technologies and Trends that Make Your Online Life Easier by Jenny Levine
I was very excited to see that Jenny was going to be a presenter because I have been a longtime reader of her blog, The Shifted Librarian. Throughout much of her presentation, Jenny shared some Web 2.0 technologies, like RSS, wikis, blogs, flickr, etc., and she showed examples of how libraries are using them. According to Jenny, the future is in RSS because it is the easiest and most efficient way for users to use your data and information off of your website. She also commented that the Web is going to be the operating system of the future - it will not matter if you have a PC or Mac. I found this to be a very solid presentation on 2.0, and I learned of quite a few new sites that I need to go explore.
LibraryThing for Libraries by Kate Sheehan
This was another presentation that I was very interested in hearing because I wanted to find out more details about how this all works and connects to the opac from someone who has done the implementation already. Kate demonstrated the product at work in Darrien Public Library's catalog; it adds tags and readalikes to the opac display by javascript. It does not touch the MARC record at all. You can see it in action here. Kate described as a very nice add-on feature that is possible without a lot of staff time or expense. This is not the next generation catalog, but it is one step closer for customers being able to interact with the collection. It brings readers' advisory right into the catalog.
Changing Content for Metadata Management by Kate Calhoun
Much of this presentation focused on getting libraries to webscale via OCLC's WorldCat, bringing library catalogs to where people are, google, facebook, youtube, etc. Calhoun said the story of the catalog is not over, and we have to work together and in partnership with other organizations (create a culture of participation to take the library to a wider audience) so that no matter where the user starts, he ends up at the library.
JMO, HTH! Social Networking in Academic Libraries by Jamie W. Coniglio
Coniglio described how George Mason University reference staff and other academic libraries are using Web 2.0 tools to connect to their users. Examples include Meebo widgets for IM, blogs, wikis, Second Life, flock, etc. As a profession, she said we do not experiment much at all because it makes us uncomfortable. However, it is her feeling that discomfort can be healthy. We need to form a knowledge practice with a reorientation toward user-centered services, value risk taking, and create a zone of experimentation.
Playing to Learn in the Summer of ’07: How 23 Things Opened the Door to Web 2.0 for Maryland Public Library Staff by Jennifer Howell
Howell's presentation gave an overview of the 23 Things program begun in Charlotte and now being used by the state of Maryland. She described her own experiences as a staff coordinator rolling out the program, her librarians' assessment of the program, and plans for the future.
Overall, this conference was a good overview of what people are currently doing in the profession, and areas to follow for future trends and ideas. I came away from the conference with many ideas that might be used at MCPL - LibraryThing for Libraries, Meebo IM widget, MCPL's rollout of the 23 Things, exploring API development, and a number of particular websites to explore. Most of all, I like the thinking that Web 2.0 is an attitude or mindset and that there is the need for experimentation and risk taking.
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Alan Conference November 19-20, 2007
The ALAN Conference (Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of the National Council of Teachers of English) is a two-day workshop devoted to literature and young adults. This year's theme was "Helping Teens Discover a Sense of "Place" and "Self" Through Young Adult Literature."
Susan Levine, Diane Monnier, Kathie Weinberg and I attended the conference where we enjoyed listening to authors talk about where they get their ideas and inspiration in writing. The keynote speaker, Sherman Alexie, the author of "The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," spoke of his family and his experiences growing up on an Indian reservation. We also heard Chris Crutcher speak on censorship and teens.
The young adult book writers we heard included Jacqueline Woodson, Christopher Myers, Brian Selznick, Peter Sis, Rich Wallace, Ben Mikaelsen, Gloria Whelan, Holly Black, Lauren Myracle, Helen Frost, T.A. Barron, David Lubar, Pete Hautman, Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson, Laurie Halse Anderson, Sarah Zarr, Christopher Paul Curtis and many others. The authors spoke on various topics including teens and censorship, teens and poetry, teens and humor, and teens from other cultures living under oppressive governments.
I attended the "Don't Wanna: Books to Let Reluctant Readers Discover Who They Can Be." We were introduced to books on different genres to attract reluctant readers. The other session I attended was called "The Novel Challenge" about banned materials. One of the speakers (a middle school librarian) told about how a grandparent in her school complained about a book and contacted the press to increase the exposure of her complaint.
I came away from this conference learning a lot about what teen want and why these writers enjoyed writing for teens.
Susan Levine, Diane Monnier, Kathie Weinberg and I attended the conference where we enjoyed listening to authors talk about where they get their ideas and inspiration in writing. The keynote speaker, Sherman Alexie, the author of "The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," spoke of his family and his experiences growing up on an Indian reservation. We also heard Chris Crutcher speak on censorship and teens.
The young adult book writers we heard included Jacqueline Woodson, Christopher Myers, Brian Selznick, Peter Sis, Rich Wallace, Ben Mikaelsen, Gloria Whelan, Holly Black, Lauren Myracle, Helen Frost, T.A. Barron, David Lubar, Pete Hautman, Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson, Laurie Halse Anderson, Sarah Zarr, Christopher Paul Curtis and many others. The authors spoke on various topics including teens and censorship, teens and poetry, teens and humor, and teens from other cultures living under oppressive governments.
I attended the "Don't Wanna: Books to Let Reluctant Readers Discover Who They Can Be." We were introduced to books on different genres to attract reluctant readers. The other session I attended was called "The Novel Challenge" about banned materials. One of the speakers (a middle school librarian) told about how a grandparent in her school complained about a book and contacted the press to increase the exposure of her complaint.
I came away from this conference learning a lot about what teen want and why these writers enjoyed writing for teens.
Monday, December 10, 2007
ALAN Conference--NYC
A thoroughly enjoyable and energizing conference! The ALAN Conference (Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of the National Council of Teachers of English), held November 19-20, 2007, featured about four dozen authors of teen literature talking about their writing, teens’ reactions to their books, and the needs they see among teens. There were special sessions concerning censorship and developing plays and poetry slams, with all sessions of the conference dealing with the topic of “helping teens discover a sense of ‘place’ and ‘self’ through Young Adult literature.” Particularly moving talks were given by Sherman Alexie, winner of the 2007 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, Chris Crutcher, and Peter Sis. The two breakout sessions I attended focused on Young Adult literature about mental illness (good discussion of books and a helpful resulting bibliography) and a censorship case against Marilyn Reynolds’ book Detour for Emmy (a grandmother objected to the book’s sexual content and language). The librarian, also a grandmother, felt strongly about protecting the freedom to read and ultimately succeeded in keeping the book in the library.
Friday, December 7, 2007
ALAN Conference - Helping Teens Discover a Sense of Place and Self Through Young Adult Literature
This 2 day conference provided a wonderful opportunity for me to expand my knowledge of young adult literature. Attendees were treated to presentations by many of the more popular and acknowledged authors who write for teens. These authors took to time to explain their passion for teen literature, and how there were attempting to create a venue for teens to explore their emotions and reactions to the world around them.
The keynote speaker, Sherman Alexie, author of The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, was truely inspiring. Health and appearance issues, along with the burden of being a Native American in our society were things that he overcame - with humor. His speech, along with his book, was the best.
The authors that followed included Chris Crutcher, discussing censorship, Gloria Whelan, on teens from other cultures, Cecil Castellucci and Holly Black on mean girls and life in the fast teen track, and many more. Hearing authors talk about their books, is truely inspirational. I only wish that they had not priced them out of the library market for presentations.
Spending two days totally surrounded by young adult authors and their books was a wonderful experience. I will use the enthusiasm gained through this conference to booktalk these books at our Bethesda branch, and in local middle schools. I cannot wait for the opportunity.
The keynote speaker, Sherman Alexie, author of The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, was truely inspiring. Health and appearance issues, along with the burden of being a Native American in our society were things that he overcame - with humor. His speech, along with his book, was the best.
The authors that followed included Chris Crutcher, discussing censorship, Gloria Whelan, on teens from other cultures, Cecil Castellucci and Holly Black on mean girls and life in the fast teen track, and many more. Hearing authors talk about their books, is truely inspirational. I only wish that they had not priced them out of the library market for presentations.
Spending two days totally surrounded by young adult authors and their books was a wonderful experience. I will use the enthusiasm gained through this conference to booktalk these books at our Bethesda branch, and in local middle schools. I cannot wait for the opportunity.
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