I always feel inspired after a good conference to go back to work and try all the great new programs, launch some initiatives, read some books! As LibLearnX winds down, I find myself a little bit overwhelmed by the calls for unity and action. How do I convince my administration that we need to be more sustainable, for the children, for the planet? How do I reach out to Home Educators who are not already using the public library? How do I shed my invisible knapsack?
The answer to all these questions is right here – The American Library Association. Virtual conferencing has been difficult for a lot of us, but I think one good thing to come out of it can be seen in the number of tabs I have open on my web browser – so many resources, and nothing but time on a cold snowy day to read, write, enjoy, learn. Here are just a couple of fun things – Enjoy!
- Reading and Writing Reviews in a Climate of Book Challenges – booklist editors and members of ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom offer tips on writing, interpreting and using professional book reviews.
- The Library of Local – an initiative from the Partners for Climate Action Hudson Valley and the Mid-Hudson Library System that offers patrons tools and programs that foster local self-sufficiency and community resilience.
- Skilltype – a tool to help create a sustainable talent strategy within your workforce.
- DEI Scorecard – an invaluable tool for libraries.
Thanks to ALA for a great conference and especially the powerful Closing Session speeches, and thanks to ALSC for allowing me to be a guest blogger – see you next year! lel
Conference blogger Laura Lehner is the Head of Youth Services at the Hudson Library & Historical Society in Hudson, Ohio. A member of ALA for 18 years and ALSC for 5, Laura is very much looking forward to the conference for the great conversations that will take place about providing library services during the pandemic and, always, about children’s literature and programs. A favorite snack is anything with chocolate and peanut butter!
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.