So many firsts! My first trip to Philadelphia, my first national professional conference, and now my first blog post.

When I graduated with my MLS a little more than one year ago, I realized how little I knew about the world of library and information science outside of academic and public libraries. What else is out there, and where do I even begin to look? Lucky for me, several of my coworkers suggested I look into the Special Libraries Association. This turned out to be excellent advice, and shortly after joining SLA, I heard about the VASLA Susan Adkins travel grant. I was thrilled that my grant application was accepted, and I was able to attend the 2011 SLA annual conference in Philadelphia.

Starting with the Dine Around group on Saturday night and continuing through four days of information sessions, I met SLA Fellows, former SLA presidents, and chapter presidents. I attended sessions on topics from mobile apps to how to get published. I also attended social events hosted by the Competitive Intelligence division and the Mid-Atlantic Chapter.

In a nutshell, the conference was invaluable and overwhelming. I came away with a much wider and deeper professional network (shout out to several California law librarians), an appreciation for the diversity of career options, and a fantastic sense of camaraderie. I feel welcomed into the world of librarians and information professionals. Thank you, VASLA, for the opportunity to to experience so many firsts!

Links to presentations or speakers’ websites for several of the sessions I attended follow.
So They Say You Have To Publish – http://librarywriting.blogspot.com
Design Thinking For Better Libraries – http://stevenbell.info/index.htm
60 Apps in 60 Minutes – http://joemurphylibraryfuture.com/60-apps-in-60-minutes-sla2011/

-Liz Thompson
2011 Adkins Travel Award Recipient