NMRT Conference Tips for the 2004 Annual NLA Conference
1) Who is eligible to attend the NLA/NEMA conference?
--Anyone can attend the NLA/NEMA conference. However, unless you have an interest in libraries, many of the topics and keynotes will not seem applicable.
2) How do I register?
--There are registration forms in the summer volume of the NLAQ (National Library Association Quarterly), and also available on the Nebraska Library Association website (www.nebraskalibraries.org). The link on this page is to the Annual Conference website, http://www.papillion.ne.us/~NLA2004/. Remember to register for a luncheon (several may be available to choose from) and for the evening social activities. These give you a great opportunity to meet and network with your peers.
3) What are all the sections and roundtables for?
--There are 6 different sections, which mainly correspond to different types of libraries. The sections are:
College and University Section (C & U)
Paraprofessional Section
Public Library Section
School, Children, and Young People's Section (SCYP)
Special & Institutional (S & I)
Trustees, Users, & Friends Section (TUFS)
--Being a member of a section helps keep you in touch with the issues that each group is currently facing. You can be a member of more than one section!
--There are also three roundtables:
New Members Round Table (NMRT)
Information Technology and Access Round Table (ITART)
Technical Services Round Table (TSRT)
--The round tables illustrate different topics of interest. For example, if you were new to Nebraska or libraries in general, NMRT would be a round table you would consider joining. Again, you can be a member of more than one roundtable.
--Each section and roundtable has a website with links to officers and committee chairs on the NLA website.
4) Why are profit and non-profit exhibits available?
--Our for-profit and non-profit exhibits are there to promote their services and mingle with library personnel. However, each is in a different area.
--Our sections and round tables have booths in the non-profit areas.
--All of the exhibitors welcome questions and the opportunity to talk about their products or services. Spend time in the exhibits even if you do not have any authority to make purchases. It is a great way to meet the people who work with Nebraska libraries.
5) Am I required to attend the whole conference?
--No, one-day rates are available, and you can go either on Thursday or Friday. However, you are certainly welcome to attend both days. There is also a preconference on Wednesday that is informative as well.
6) How do I know what sessions to go to?
--The Annual Conference site also includes a conference planning form, with a list of different sessions and descriptions so you can plan your conference time. Please remember to turn in your conference planning form with your registration, so the rooms can be adequately prepared.
7) What do I do when I get there?
--The first thing you do when arriving at the conference is to register. You will check in and pick up any materials or packets of information that may be ready to hand out. Mingle with your fellow library lovers and then attend the sessions you have registered for. Lunch will give you a break from heavy learning. Different sections hold their business/informational meetings at the lunches, so remember that when registering for the conference. Thursday is the NLA Business Meeting luncheon. NEMA has a business luncheon at the same time. If you are a member of NLA it is important to attend the business meeting because members will be voting on bylaw changes. It is also another opportunity to learn about the organization. On Friday the different sections have their luncheons/business meetings. After lunch you will continue to attend the break out sessions. The more you can attend and participate in, the more you will get out of the conference.
Compiled by Rienne Johnson and Gayle Roberts
