While NJLA has heavy membership from the public library side, and a new initiative focused on school library media specialists, that does not mean we have forgotten about college and university librarians! There is plenty for academic librarians to gain from attending conference, and we asked a few active NJ academic librarians their reasons for attending.
College and University Section President Heather Dalal from Rider University and Past President Elizabeth Leonard from Seton Hall University both identified networking as one of the main reasons for attending the
NJLA Conference. Noting that repeatedly seeing your colleagues during the conference, in the hotel elevator, restaurants and lounge areas strengthens bonds between colleagues much more than the short conversations at a one-day conference.
It’s also no surprise that both Heather and Elizabeth also highlighted the CUS luncheon as a reason for academic librarians to attend since the CUS President does get to choose the luncheon speaker! Heather, and many others, are excited that Emily Drabinski will be the CUS luncheon speaker this year and we are thrilled that Emily will be participating in a preconference session and also presenting a third session during the conference.
The opportunity to exchange ideas with public librarians also was cited as another reason to attend since we can all learn from each other. Heather even noted that
public librarians really know how to make things work with limited funds and it is always great to learn what is going on in public libraries.
With great programs, great speakers, great posters and a great location, Heather and Elizabeth are both looking forward to the 2017 NJLA Conference and hope that many of their academic colleagues will be joining them this year.
So take a break from your university library and the "Sunday Scaries" to reset, refresh, and rejuvenate at conference!
Nancy Weiner and the 2016-2017 NJLA Conference Committee