Back from ALA
I'm back from ALA. Internet access didn't work out for me at all, but the conference was great! I especially enjoyed the PLA program on being a new rural library director. While I am certainly not new at this, I still learned some things, including the amazing services that some areas offer their small libraries.
I want my public library system to offer in-depth long range planning aid to me! Unfortunately, I want them to do it about 6 months ago! But I do know that many of the small libraries in our system are not doing long range planning and that even those of us who do it do not follow Planning for Results. This is a perfect place for our system to really help small libraries plan in effective ways. One of the people on the panel has helped 90 small libraries do long range planning! Amazing!
I also learned how to do more effective storytimes that will follow research-based methods that lead to better early literacy for children. The best part is that it improves literacy in ALL children, not just lower income or those learning English. All children! This is definitely something we as public librarians need to be focusing on! I see a possible grant opportunity here!
This is always the way I return from ALA, full of ideas and excitement. But it is nice to be back and start implementing all these ideas flying about my brain.