Why should YOU be at Conference?

#NJLA19 is a year to Engage and Inspire, but most managers won’t send us to NJLA just because of a catchy slogan and morning coffee in Atlantic City. Let’s face it, we’re all busy and there are tons of other compelling professional development opportunities out there. So if you need a few reasons why NJLA is worth your time here are 5 reasons why conference is worth it.

1. Networking: Getting to know the New Jersey library community is essential. Cultivating and maintaining those relationships is important. Whether you’re working on a new project, need a little advice, or might be on the job market, being able to connect with other library professionals throughout the state is essential.

3. Inspiration: NJLA is great for forging relationships you might not have otherwise envisioned. Unlike conferences that might focus on our specialties, NJLA specifically allows us to find inspiration at the areas where we might least expect it. When we crossover into sessions or conversations with library professionals who are in diverse positions from our own we have the opportunity to look at our own work differently.

4. Collaboration: Hey, I’ve seen some of you around the internet, but how often do we get the opportunity to bring these things we’re doing out of our libraries and communities and see how we can make them bigger together. Through side-talk, conversations in hallways, and quick chats in front of Poster Sessions come bigger, smarter ways to tackle the rest of our years together.

4. Learn: Obviously I think there’s immense value in our engaging with each other at all levels, but I won’t undersell the incredible sessions, keynotes, vendors, and sponsors. Returning from conference with all the creativity and new energy of conference allows us to be more sharp and well-informed professionals.

5. Explore: Yes, there’s Atlantic City to explore, but at NJLA we have a dozen little nooks and crannies to take in. From the exhibit hall to the bookstore NJLA has a little something around every corner. If you’ve never been (or never checked them out) NJLA section tables offer a little more information about how to be involved in NJLA year round. The most rewarding aspect of NJLA for me personally has been the ability to get a broader view of librarianship around the state than what I see from my branch, library, system, or county.

Kristen Crepezzi and the 2019 Conference Committee.