Maryland Statewide Circulation Conference
Baltimore MD
November 13, 2014
For those in the know, November was kind of a big
deal for the denizens of the east wing, front facing office spaces of Central
Library. The cool and in control demeanor of those who work the Circulation
desk and Fiction department hid the hustle and bustle, stress and anxiety
emanating from our shared work area. With Ny’ilah’s Baltimore city Media
Specialist conference and the Statewide Circulation Conference looming, the
excitement and tension was palpable. In the end it was all worth it. Through
pain, sweat and hysterical tears we made it through the labyrinth, fought the
goblin city and conquered the goblin…no, wait-movie reference, sorry. What I
mean to say is that both conferences were rousing successes.
As for mine, I am not too humble to say, yeah baby,
yeah! I am proud of what we accomplished.
Is there room for improvement, certainly. Did it go as planned, for the
most part. Being that this was my very first foray into the quagmire that can
be hosting a conference, I count having come out the other end with all hands
accounted for and, dare I say, the participants happy to have been a part of
it, a success. Here are a few comments
from attendee’s when asked, what was the most beneficial aspect of the
conference?
“Meeting other circ
people and sharing ideas. Although we have a lot in common there are some
things I felt were different and it was interesting hearing about them.”
“I love the atmosphere
of peers because no matter what the subject or session content we can all
relate from the circulation viewpoint. It's a rare opportunity because
throughout the year most learning sessions are geared to or shared by librarian
staff. I enjoy hearing about other Maryland library systems too.”
“Overall it was the
entire conference, this was my first Statewide conference. I didn't know what
to expect nor where I was going, but I was thoroughly happy with the
information I received and the library that host the conference was beautiful
and the staff was great and kind.”
“Getting away from the
office for a day to meet up with others and just talk about things is a great
energizer. I brought 2 staff with me -- one new and one who is working on
improvements for promotion. They greatly enjoyed the day as well.”
A huge shout out to all who made
it possible, from facilities to my staff, the support I received from SLRC, all
my presenters, security, IAD and Dr
Hayden . There are far too many to name individually.
And to my fellow circulation staff, supervisor,
assistant or page -- this conference is for you. The content and
activities, opportunities to network and, “Attend(ing) a
conference that focuses on my job at the library: circulation.”, I encourage
you to take advantage of it. Holla at me, become a part of the process and reap
the intangible benefits of participation. This is your home, your Pratt and we
offer this for your benefit as well.
Here’s to making next year’s conference bigger and
better than ever. Especially with the support continued support of my Pratt
family.
Brandon
Mollock
Circ. Library Resource Manager
