Conferences
Why should I attend?
Learning, networking, vendors promoting new products and services, newly emerging technologies, bringing ideas back to your workplace and incorporate or promote them for your library’s operations.
How does it benefit me?
Professional development, promotion, expanding knowledge base, build relationships with others in your field of interest, support your work goals and objectives, infusion of motivation, enthusiasm, and inspiration.
How do I choose?
Topics of interest that may or may not be directly related to your work, suggestions from your supervisor or colleagues, presentation opportunities. Still undecided? You could start with ALA (American Library Association Annual Conference).
Are funds available to defer costs?
There are several ways to obtain funds. Look for scholarships, grants, also check the conference website to see if you qualify for any discount for paraprofessional staff or students in library school. Gleeson Library also offers an OPE Staff Development Fund and librarians have access to USFFA professional development funds. You can speak to representatives from OPE or USFFA to learn more about applying for those funds.