Confessions of a Mad Librarian

Because it was my first ALA conference, I went to the New Members Round Table Orientation. I got second tote bag (in addition to the main conference tote). I wonder if there's a market on eBay for these things.

Karen Cook -- ALA 101: How ALA Works
It's okay to be late to an event; multitasking is expected
ALA has 64,000 members; very complex organization
Why to get involved in ALA: 1) learn about the profession; 2) improve one's job skills; 3) network; 4) serve the profession; 5) serve your community
How to get involved (Cook's 6 paths of enlightenment):
1) attend as many conferences as you can -- conferences help you stay abreast in your field and network with other professionals; lots of financial help to attend conferences (school, national assn, regional/state assn.)
2) Read! ALA publications, library journals, books, list-servs/websites
3) Get active in NMRT -- learn the ropes in NMRT and get on a committee; meet movers and shakers who also get their start in NMRT; serve as a NMRT liaison to another unit
4) Get involved at the local level - school chapters, state & regional associations
5) Learn about ALA via the ALA website and handbook; attend committee meetings and keep showing up; go to interest group meetings
6) Sometimes the key is being there, showing up, being willing to work

Go to the exhibit hall ... it's never too early to form good relationships with vendors

Direction of the profession -- physical materials and spaces are only part of what we do, and we need embrace

Sally Gibson -- NMRT initiatives: How to get the most out of MidWinter
Getting involved helps get you more invested in ALA as a whole, and in the conferences; guaranteed one-year committee appointments available to NMRT members; a lot of committee work is virtual, but committees do meet in-person at conferences; interns also appointed from NMRT to other units
Getting involved in multiple assns.: be realistic about your limitations

Carla Hayden --
Key part of conference: meeting colleagues from across the country
Get involved with committees
ALA serves not only the profession, but serves the public
Vote!

Keith Michael Fiels --
Join. Be active. Get involved. ALA welcomes you. (Okay, he was very charming, and told a couple of interesting stories about how he got involved in ALA, but the above is basically what it boiled down to ...)

Walt Crawford -- Publishing in the Library Field
First Have Something to Say, Chapter 2 - "Room for One More"
The worst reason to write is because you have to.
Write what you know/are in
Many, many venues for library publishing -- workplace newsletter, association newsletter, etc.
Don't be afraid to submit to American Libraries or Library Journal
Write on what you do or would read
Do your best, regardless of what you write, for whatever venue you choose
ALA publications look for new authors and freelance submissions
Develop a thick skin -- if you never get rejected, you're not trying hard enough
Non-traditional publishing -- if you're comfortable with it, go for it
Writing is a great way to meet people -- editors, collaborators, fellow writers, etc.