I appreciate the current discussion on leadership and appreciate the
invitation to share my thoughts and ideas. While the following tips
are not completely on topic, I hope they at least provide some
guidance for future leaders at the AALL annual meeting...
1. While it is true that people tend to gravitate to those they are
familiar with at the AALL annual meeting, the best advice I can give
someone in our profession to force yourself to meet new people. You
need to spend over half of your time at the AALL Annual Meetings with
strangers. Always sit by a group of people that you do not know. This
is hard especially if you have wonderful co-workers. (Yeah, Washburn
rocks!)
2. If and when you are sitting by friends or co-workers at an event
like the West Customer Appreciation or LexisNexis Dessert Opening
event, grab a small plate and only fill it halfway. That way you can
refill your plate often and say something to the stranger standing in
line next to you.
3. Pack accordingly. The first thing you should pack is business
cards. More importantly, hand them out! Take notes on the back of
business cards that you receive from colleagues. Write down how you
met the person (session, during lunch, etc.) and anything else that
would help you remember them. Didn’t get a business card? Take notes!
4. Set a goal. “I will meet 12 new people today.” (For those in the
early or middle part of your career, this should include at least a
couple people from a state or region that you would eventually like to
move to.)
5. Plan what sessions you will attend and research the material ahead
of time. This is give you plenty of discuss with the stranger you are
sitting next to.
Last but not least, the AALL Annual Meeting is a place where one can
tap into the large collective wealth of knowledge in law
librarianship. Listen, learn, and act upon all the ideas you are
exposed to.
Andrew Evans, JD, MLS
Gov Docs Librarian/Legal Ref Coordinator
Washburn University Law Library
1700 SW College Ave
Topeka KS 66621
(785) 670-1787
andrew.evans@washburn.edu
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