NextGen: Field Trip

As a library science student, how much would you pay for an inside look at the future of the profession? What if we threw in a little networking with your peers and future employers to sweeten the deal?

As a student registrant for the 2007 Charleston Conference, I paid $90, and I'd argue it was the best $90 I've ever spent. The Charleston Conference was an experience I would have gladly paid more for—and most likely will—as I hope to attend regularly once someone makes an honest librarian out of me. I also hope to attend the American Library Association (ALA) annual conference in Anaheim this month, and I am confident that, too, will be time and money well spent.

Admittedly, as an MLIS candidate at a relatively small school in a relatively smaller town, I found the idea of spending three days with hundreds of extremely qualified professionals representing nearly every facet of the information world a bit intimidating. I was offered the chance to go by my supervisor in acquisitions, a returning Charleston Conference attendee and, this year, along with one of my professors in the MLIS program at Valdosta State University, GA, a first-time presenter.

Though I expressed reservation at first (Me? A lowly student and serials clerk?), my supervisor's honest reassurance—and the offer of a ride—led me to the conference's web site for a bit more information. I registered and booked my room the same day.

I'm glad I did. What I experienced was the exact opposite of what I had anticipated. I feared the worst—stodgy professionals discussing topics ten feet over my head and never-ending sessions plump with statistics, inside jokes, and jargon. Fortunately, the presentations were lively, and there were open discussions on important topics and enlightening panel sessions with useful material, good humor, and more.

I'm not the first LIS student to attend a conference, and I won't be the last. Don't worry, you won't be alone. During the first day, I met a number of other LIS students, some of whom were first-timers like me and others who were conference veterans. Both groups were extremely supportive and welcoming, exchanging opinions on which sessions seemed most appealing while offering advice on restaurants and local sights.

Safety in numbers seems like it would be the name of the game in a “students among the professionals” situation, but here it was quite the opposite. I felt secure in mingling, and I was encouraged to voice opinions and ask questions during open sessions. It turns out, professional librarians aren't so bad. In fact, they're downright nice. They, too, were once library school students, and quite a few veteran attendees will volunteer to guide first-timers through the experience.

In addition, both the Charleston Conference and other conferences, such as ALA, have programs dedicated to helping novices make the most of their conference time. Orientation sessions such as “Conference 101” offered at ALA can help you navigate the meeting while highlighting events and attractions beyond the conference walls.

Keeping all this in mind, I know what you're thinking. After all, I'm a grad student, too. How much? While other attendees pay higher prices, LIS students usually merit a deep discount. Conferences encourage us to attend, and for good reason—we are their future professional attendees. So, look for programs that can help with costs. Members of ALA Student Chapters, for example, can be nominated for the “Student to Staff Program,” which gives selected students a small grant to help attend ALA in exchange for a few hours of work. Discounts and grants aside, the benefits you'll gain at a professional conference will be well worth the price you pay.

One piece of advice is frequently given to me by my peers and teachers: gain experience. While they may mean on-the-job experience, I found my conference time also counted, as it helped me to grow professionally and academically. My first conference enlivened my schoolwork and brought to life my class readings and discussions.

What I gained most from my Charleston conference experience, however, was confidence. Not only in the myriad topics covered there but also from the networking opportunities that arose from common social situations. Seated next to you during a lunch session could be the head of collections at the library you've dreamed of working in, or a higher-up from one of the larger academic publishing companies who likes to talk shop.

Conferences draw a mixed bag of professionals from the library world. As a student, what better way of getting acquainted with the field than to jump in the same bag?