Comments on: Internet Librarian 2007: More Stuff

By: Jill Hurst-Wahl

Jill Hurst-Wahl — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:45:28 +0000

Meredith’s comments are what I think after every SLA conference. The sessions are good, but the networking — and informal conversations — are more important. The conference seems to be the excuse to get us together so we can talk, exchange ideas, etc. The conference legitimizes the expense of coming together face-to-face so we gather in hallways and over coffee, and solve whatever problems are before us.

We’re going to do an unconference here in Syracuse in March. I think it will be interesting to see if those who attend (as well as the planners) can elevate it above the basics and get into the real “building” for the future. Do we have to meet? Couldn’t we do this virtually? Virtual doesn’t work for everyone and there is something to be said about the face-to-face conversations. However, maybe our time together at the unconference will help us continue the conversations online.

By: josh

josh — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:38:29 +0000

Robin, that’s an excellent point. Serendipity is an important part of the networking experience.

And it was good to see you at IL, too.

By: Robin Hastings

Robin Hastings — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:20:31 +0000

You said, “The internet gives us the ability to network and engage in professional development 24/7. Does this make professional conferences obsolete, at least in some ways?” and I’m going to have to agree with you - tentatively. The Internet is an amazing networking tool - but there is nothing quite like the “accidental” run-ins at a real-world conference. On the ‘net, I can filter and choose who I pay attention to, at a conference, however, it’s pretty much whoever I happen to sit next to. That’s the sort of randomness that is hard to achieve on the ‘net. On that note - it was great seeing you at IL this year!

By: kate

kate — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:57:25 +0000

Just before LibraryCamp NYC, i posted briefly about my frustration with conferences and endless L2.0 cheerleading without the nuts and bolts.

Meredith’s right on- between IL/CiL and Code4Lib. LibraryCamps have the potential to be that but run the risk of being too open-ended. Folks have talked about camp sessions that end up being dominated by people who are new to some of the technology and need hand holding. Which is fine, but can be frustrating for folks who were hoping to have a more tech-oriented conference.

Online meetings might work, but face some of the same time difficulties that real-life conferences do. Also, I worry that there’s a cool kid component to it. Twitter is great for a lot of that networking, feeling like you’re not alone stuff, but it’s a little cliquey.

Of course, the group that wants something more than IL/CiL/Typical Library Tech Conferences isn’t exactly a huge group. It doesn’t have to be a tent for everyone, I suppose.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 05:54:50 +0000

I’m right there with you!

Like I mentioned in a previous comment, I would love to see conferences offering more in terms of “classes” where those of us ready to move on can pick up some of the basics of actual applications and software. I’d especially like to see more on the different content management systems, or maybe something on creating widgets, enhancing your OPAC, and what-have-you.

I’m all for doing this kind of thing online as well. My library does not particularly care about professional development, and provides little money for it….