Last night was my 38th birthday but right now I’m getting those high school freshman feelings. This is my first time at ALSC and I don’t know anyone here. Sure, I may run into someone I recognize from a past library job or from the zoom screen of library school class, but I’m not counting on it.
As I got off my plane yesterday, I was comforted by the sight of a few potential librarians– an asymmetric bob with a streak of bright color is usually a dead giveaway that you are one of us. Another potential librarian has a backpack embroidered with the name of a library system and in the hotel lobby, I spot someone wearing a Frog and Toad shirt I recognize from Out of Print. With each sighting, something tugs on me, should I introduce myself? What would someone who is good at conferences be doing differently?
As an introverted mom of three, the idea of alone time had sounded practically idyllic when registering for the conference, but suddenly Buffalo felt like the loneliest place on earth. On my way to pick up dinner, I panic-texted a favorite former colleague, “Please tell me you’re magically going to be at ALSC,” I typed, hoping for some semblance of a security blanket.
Let’s just acknowledge it, the social aspect of conferences can be a lot for some of us and there’s no one right way to do it. How do I connect with others? Why am I not more carefree and breezy about this? How does one even make friends as an adult? Why do I feel like an awkward 15 year old afraid she won’t have anyone to sit with at the lunch table?
There is a version of the conference where I enjoy my introverted bubble, non-commitally smile at people sharing a table at a session with me and never make a real effort to get to know my fellow attendees, but I don’t think that’s the experience I want.
I don’t have the perfect answers on how to overcome social anxiety, but whether you are here at ALSC or not, it’s a good reminder that if you feel this way, you are not alone. Networking isn’t effortless and there may be some awkward moments along the way. However, I have to believe on the other side of halting getting to know you questions, there is support, solidarity, and synergy.
So if you’re new like me and want to connect, let’s step out of our comfort zones together. Let’s give ourselves grace and set small achievable goals for the time at ALSC. Here are some ideas:
- Stick a “newbie” conference ribbon on your name tag (check!)
- Introduce yourself to 5 conference attendees
- Pass out at least one of your business cards
- Spend at least one meal break with other conference attendees
- Go to at least one of the more unstructured social events
- End each day making a gratitude list of three things
- Introduce yourself to at least one presenter of a session you enjoy
- Offer to buy someone a coffee at the Starbucks
- Compliment one attendees bookish swag
- Thank one of the folks helping to run the event
Also, if you see me around, know I’m a safe person to grab as a meal buddy or someone to sit next to. It may feel like everyone knows somebody, but my guess is there are a lot of people joining in for the first time just like us. We don’t know anyone… yet!
And if you’re not here, I hope this will encourage you at your next conference experience, all staff day, or department meeting.
Our guest conference blogger today is Meredith Bazzoli (she/her). Meredith is a Youth Librarian at Glen Ellyn Public Library in the Western Chicago suburbs. She’s been a youth librarian for about 4 years after coming over from the dark side, adult services! Meredith is looking forward to the “think space” conferences provide to dream, plan, and get a fresh perspective on her work. In addition to her library work, she’s also taught special education and performed as a part of one of the house improv teams in iO theatre in Chicago!
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please read and fill out our Guest Blogging Interest Form. We would love to hear from you!
Kathleen Regan-Wyant
I’m a newbie at ALSC this year too and I think I’ve felt all of what you’re feeling. Luckily, I made a list similar to yours and so far, I’m having a great time!