Programming Librarian

PLA 2010 National Conference logo

Programming Topics at the PLA 2010 Virtual Conference

ALA Public Programs Office | January 21, 2010

PLA is offering a great way to participate in and enjoy conferences, even if you can’t be there in person. A virtual conference held during the upcoming PLA 2010 National Conference will consist of live programming on Thursday, March 25, and Friday, March 26. The event will include five hour-long, live programs on each day, plus an hour-long author interview. Programs are chosen from among the highest rated in PLA’s session preference survey. Each day also will include a lunchtime author interview and a closing session “happy hour” event for attendees to get together and discuss the day’s programming.

Programming librarians may be particularly interested in the following programs:

• “If You Didn’t Work Here, Would You Come Here?”
  Do you ever feel like you’re missing an important segment of your population? Where are all those quarter-life adults and young professionals? If you look around and do not see them, they are your new underserved population. With an impressive panel of speakers from across the U.S., find out how to connect with this elusive group through innovative programming, direct marketing, and smart connections. If you didn’t work in the library, would you use it?

• “Marketing as Conversation: How to Interact with Your Community Through Your Website”
  Your staff members represent your organization to the customers they encounter at the desk. How about through your library’s website? Incorporate conversations using blogging and emerging social networking tools like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Presenter will show how to encourage staff to participate and engage patrons at small and large libraries.

Other programs include “Cross Over Readers Advisory,” “LITA’s Top Technology Trends,” “Cracking the Code: Beyond Dewey,” “Advanced Black Belt Librarians: The Top Ten Security Issues in Public Libraries,” and “S.Y.A.S.S. Save Your After School Sanity.” PLA notes that programming for the Virtual Conference is still being confirmed, so be sure to check back for new additions to the lineup and for the final schedule.

The event will also offer audio poster sessions on library programming, including “52 Books—52 Weeks,” “A.R.T. Revolution for Teens,” “Local History,” and more.

Virtual Conference registration costs are as follows:

Single person registration:
PLA Members—$215
ALA Members—$270
Nonmembers—$310
Students—$85

Group registration*:
Up to three attendees—$335
4–9 attendees—$635
10–20 attendees—$1035
More than 20—please call for rate.

*The group rate is based on one log-in per site with the assumption the group will come together and participate in the Virtual Conference from one location. Each location must purchase its own group registration.

Registration closes on Friday, March 19. For more information, email PLA or call 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA.

ALA Public Programs Office is offers grants that provide the essential resources, funding, visibility, and framework needed for libraries to conduct high-quality cultural programs.

Share Your Thoughts