I enjoyed my time at
the MLA/DLA in Conference Cambridge, MD. Two sessions stood out to me.
My first workshop was Starting with “Yes, and…”: Improv Fundamentals for Collaboration in
Libraries. This session used physical and verbal
communication to build trust and buy-in with participants as we worked in
groups. Using both forms of communication allowed the team members to practice
taking initiative, working as a team, and working towards their goal through
improvisation. Although some people may use these activities to generate team
building at their libraries the concepts covered can be introduced in a variety
of ways.
The other session was Underserved Communities: Outreach and
Effective Services for Immigrant and ELL Populations. This program was
presented by librarians from Prince George's County Memorial Library System.
The two branches represented have a high immigrant population. Many of the
residents in this area don’t speak English and many of them live in poverty.
The libraries serving this community wanted to have impactful outreach and
services. They partnered with an area church and a Judy Center. The church’s
parishioners are English language learners. A librarian from one branch teaches
a 12 week program that covers multiple topics from how to fill out forms to
using library resources. The library also has a satellite collection at the
church and offers programs to the children of the participants so they can
focus on their class. The Judy Center program is conducted by another branch.
It includes a small satellite library and the library has children’s programs
for the organization’s clients.
To anyone who is
thinking about going to the conference or who has not attended the MLA/ DLA
Conference in a while please consider going next year. This year there were so
many sessions that gave you a real-life glimpse into what is happening in
libraries in Maryland and Delaware. And this year’s site was a really nice
place to be for a couple of days.
Zandra Campbell
ORL
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