MLA Conference Report #9

From Kim Lindberg of Duluth Public Library:

I attended the Thursday October 13th session of the 2011 Minnesota Library Association Conference. I took advantage of four programs: 40 in 60, Engagement through Games, Children of Incarcerated Parents, and The Customer is Always Right. The programs were informative, insightful, and fun.

I was looking forward to the 8:00 AM seminar, Merchandising Matters, but unfortunately the presenter was unable to attend and the session was canceled. Instead I choose 40 in 60: Great Books for Kids and Teens, another early session. This session featured 40 youth and young adult recommended titles in 60 minutes. The presenters were both enthusiastic and well informed. We were given nice handouts with plenty of room for notes and comments. The books covered a broad spectrum from book club suggestions to gritty young adult novels and lavish non-fiction books. I found that our library has most of the titles and I will be sure to recommend these books to our patrons.

The dessert keynote, Engagement through Games, followed an informal lunch. The desserts were fantastic and the presentation was fascinating. We learned how games have been used in libraries for years to attract patrons. Especially interesting to me was the fact that circulating toy collections began in the Great Depression. We collectively played a game that involved imaginative storytelling. It was a relaxing and regenerative way to kick off the afternoon sessions.

I was going to attend the E-book session at 1:00 PM, but since most of my colleagues were already going to that session we decided to split up and then share information. Instead I went to Children of Incarcerated Parents. This was a very informative but somewhat somber presentation. Prison populations have risen dramatically in recent years and the children of incarcerated parents face many obstacles, for example, increased risk for school failure, substance abuse, and adult incarceration themselves. Libraries can provide a valuable community service on both a public and personal level with programming for children and their parents and caregivers. The presenter shared some suggested titles and encouraged collaboration between libraries and corrective facilities.

The last session I attended was The Customer is Always Right. This session examined new trends in library design and showcased the Roseville Library. Recent library design trends encourage flexibility; furniture and shelves that can be rearranged, electrical outlets built into the floor, and neutral color schemes. Additionally, new library designs favor environmentally friendly multi-use facilities. Library patrons are also changing. These patrons want library services that are “now/fast/personalized”. The renovated Roseville Library really tried to balance the needs of the community, patron suggestions, and the changing library customer. The Roseville library has an open first floor plan with plenty of computers, a convenient grab-your-hold and go, and a spacious children’s area. The first floor is “where the action is”. The second floor holds the adult fiction and non-fiction books and study rooms and is a quieter space for patrons. Interestingly, this session had quite a few more men in attendance than the other two presentations. This session had a sophisticated vibe and was a lovely end to a thought-provoking day.

In conclusion, I just had a great time. Additionally, I learned many new things and connected with a wide variety of colleagues. I have already shared the booklist from the first session with a patron and talked to my co-workers about the Roseville Library. I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend the MLA conference.