For those of you planning to attend the American Library Association’s annual Conference in Chicago, July 9 – July 15, here are two great programs which may be of interest to new librarians.
The Conference Mentoring Program (sponsored by the New Members Round Table, NMRT) is open to all ALA members and is designed to connect a first time conference attendee with a ‘seasoned professional’ who can help them navigate the ALA Annual Conference.
For the guidelines and an online application form please visit http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/mentor/conferenceMentorApp.cfm . The application deadline is June 15, 2009. Applicants will be matched with a Conference Mentor in June and communicate via email or telephone prior to the conference and then meet during the conference. Note: there will be a separate Career Mentoring Program for those interested in professional guidance, details TBA.
ACRL Research Writer’s Consultations – New for ALA Annual – Are you an ACRL member working on a research article? Would you like some constructive feedback? Submit a draft research paper for consultation. They will match new writers with experienced writers and the groups will meet face-to-face during the Chicago conference. Draft research papers must be submitted by June 1, 2009. Papers will be shared only among members of the designated groups. Submission details can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/ryqju9
More info to come on meetings and events of note as the conference approaches.
ALA Annual Conference website: http://www.ala.org/annual
Follow on Twitter: @alaannual