As usual, this conference issue is packed with reports from programs and events. Several conference presenters bring their ideas to the page, expanding on the topics they presented. Their articles demonstrate the wide variety of engaging conference programs: David Wright and Abby Bass suggest strategies for enhancing readers’ advisory; Angela Nolet provides tips for creating promotional videos; Matthew Berube shares safety tips for small libraries; and Corey Davis questions Chris Anderson’s pronouncement that “free” is the price of the future.
This issue also takes us beyond the most recent conference into discussions of the value—and challenges—of conferences in general. Kate Laughlin reminds us that continuing education budgets are shrinking for many libraries, but highlights the exciting ways in which WLA helps bridge this gap. Rand Simmons, Jennifer Fenton, and Anna Nash all share their reasons for attending WLA conferences. We’d like to hear why you attend conferences: visit our blog at http://alki.wla.org and let us know.
This has also turned out to be an issue of many hellos and goodbyes. Rand Simmons contributes a piece recognizing Jan Walsh for her years of service as Washington State Librarian. I think everyone in the audience was gratified when Jan assured conference-goers that we haven’t seen the last of her.
Alki Editor: Bo Kinney
Alki Editorial Committee: Sue Anderson, committee chair; Matthew Berube; Michael Cook; Diane Cowles; Lynne King; Erin Krake; Rayette Sterling
Alki was designed by Tammy Reniche, Director of Publications for Melby Cameron & Anderson.
Front cover: The Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, site of the 2010 WLA/PNLA Conference. Cover photo by Tammy Reniche.
