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The first meeting I attended at ALA was the ALCTS Technical Services Directors of Large Research Libraries Discussion Group (commonly known as the Big Heads Group). It was interesting to listen to these directors discuss some of the very same problems f acing Auburn University Libraries, e.g., streamlining technical services, how to effectively maintain web sites for electronic resources, electronic resource librarians vs a team approach to cataloging these types of materials, etc. Perhaps it's a comfort(?) to realize that we all face similar challenges.
I attended several Personnel Administrators' discussion groups. One focused on staff training in computers and computer software. Some ibraries are hiring student workers with strong computer skills to assist systems staff for training, and others are purchasing software training packages with high price tags. Other topics discussed were recruiting, retention and rewards for student workers; academic resident programs; the web/e-mail as a means of information distribution; sharing of staff resources (inter-library); and permanent part-time faculty esponsibilities, just to name a few.
I sat in on two committee discussion groups - LAMA/PAS Economic Status & Staff Welfare Committee and the Library Services to People w/Visual or Physical Disabilities Forum.
Work Force 2000: Where is Diversity in your Organization? was a LAMA Cultural Diversity Committee program stressing the importance of multicultural awareness as part of the vision and environment of libraries. The most entertaining speaker was Iris Randall, President, New Beginnings Management Consulting and Training Services. She wrapped up her discussion with a personal profile preview for insight into your own unique behavioral strengths. She emphasized the importance of personality diversity on committees and teams.
The last, but not the least, of my responsibilities at ALA was unofficial photographer for the poster session by Helen Goldman, Henry McCurley, and Jack Fitzpatrick. Please see Helen and Jack's report for photo highlights!