ALA Annual Virtual Conference

I attended two sessions of the ALA Annual Virtual Conference.

Session “From Gutenberg to Google and Glogs, From Books to Vooks”

            The session’s participants discussed the following questions:

·        What is the impact of electronic resources on library’s services?

·        How do libraries communicate their new roles to patrons?

·        How many print and electronic books libraries have to purchase?

·        Do libraries need to provide access to electronic devices?

·        Should the focus be on devices or content?

            The participants acknowledged that the shift in collection development already had happened. This shift triggered practical questions about electronic books processing and cataloging and electronic devices loss prevention. Librarians need to decide of what parts of a collection should consist of print and what of electronic resources. Librarians have to pay even more attention to educating patrons about what is available and what is not. Since not all electronic resources provide full-text access, patrons need to learn how and where to get reliable information. Patron-driven acquisition model was discussed. This model could be applicable not only to academic libraries, but to public and school libraries as well. Libraries should move towards a “platform agnostic” approach; this way patrons’ needs would drive the decisions libraries have to make in all areas of work.

            The session was helpful in outlining the challenges libraries face in a new environment.   

Session “Perceptions of New Professionals”

            The session participants discussed the following aspects of being a new professional:

·        Importance of volunteering for professional organizations

·        Importance of acquiring new skills in addition to the skill set an MLIS degree supplies

·        Importance of remaining optimistic even in the tough job market

·        Importance of considering the question of what one can bring to the table that is unique

·        Importance of being flexible in definition of success

·        Importance of being open to relocation and non-traditional job setting

            The session was useful in bringing together perspectives of distinguished and new professionals; the advice to aspiring librarians was solid and comprehensive.