ALA Annual Conference 2013

Colleague Kelly Tanksley and I had the opportunity to attend the American Library Association (ALA) Conference earlier this summer. I have attended several conferences, both on the state and national levels, but none have reached the magnitude of this conference.

This year's conference returned to its home base of Chicago, headquarters for the ALA home office. Held in the McCormick Center adjacent to the Hyatt-Regency, the conference reported nearly 23,000 attendees with over 700 companies represented by another almost 6,200 plus vendors. This surpassed the rather lack luster past two conferences.

The organization of this event was amazing! Registration took all of three seconds, then we were off to the convention. Row after row of vendors and authors filled the exhibit hall. Major themes of the event included streaming vs. downloading of books and movies, with the emphasis being on streaming.

When considering furnishings for either new or existing libraries, vendors see the need for moveable tables and bookshelves. This mirrors many communities' concept that libraries not only offer books and computers but serve as a meeting place as well. Libraries can no longer survive by only filling the traditional roles of providing print materials.

"Libraries not only offer books and computers but serve as a meeting place as well."

Circulation desks are downsizing as well. Many libraries are opting for self-checkout stations which have also been downsized. Self-checkout kiosks are the wave of the future.

The 3-D printer was of major interest to the many library professionals. Just feed in a concept document and have a 3-D product that can be held in one's hand.

As with any convention, networking is an important part of the activities. I finally met my original sales representative from Mango Languages, ran into our sales representative, Mike, from Overdrive, and had the good fortune to talk with Annette Murphy, owner of The Library Corporation and Tom Loy who works for its sister company Tech Logic.

My director, Pamela Coyle, once said that every librarian should attend an ALA conference once in his/her life. I beg to differ. More than one visit is necessary! The first conference provides the WOW factor. The second conference is when one is able to focus, understand, and absorb what the conference is all about.

Carolyn Leporini
Martinsburg Public Library