Wait, Where are You?: Directional Challenges at #alaac14

I like to think I’m pretty good when it comes to maps and directions. I’ve traveled a fair bit and I can usually reason my way through a new airport, on public transit, and downtown grids with just a few U-turns. But I think I’ve met my match – Las Vegas.

First of all, almost everything is hidden inside a ginormous casino! That really cool restaurant you read about on American Libraries Direct? Yeah, it’s smashed between a block of slot machines and the Rock of Ages Theatre.

Second, the signage is bad. It’s like trying to figure out Library Congress (at least for this Dewey loving librarian) using signage translated from another language by a robot. The name of a restaurant won’t be on the sign, “Some restaurants are that way. Some restaurants are that way.” This is ploy to get you lost on the casino floor so you gamble. Resist. RESIST!

Finally, there are a lot of distractions. Flashing lights, dinging bells, blaring music, larger-than-life show posters, people in crazy outfits, the list goes on. It can be difficult to keep your target in sight!

Maybe I’ll figure out the trick to navigating this flashy, overstimulating world soon, but in the meantime I think I’ll be doing a lot of “accidental exploring!” Viva Las Vegas!