I attended my first ALA convention this past weekend in Chicago. I had read all the literature beforehand about what to expect, how overwhelming it will be, how to not stress over things...blah..blah. Nothing could prepare me for the chaos that ensued. Honestly, it was insane. Mostly contained insanity within the exhibit halls. Imagine a sea of people all trying to claw their way to the stack of free merchandise. One imagine that comes to mind is what the stock market floor looks like after it closes. Imagine that and you get a small glimpse of what it was like when the exhibit hall opened at 9am. The security guard even said, half serious and half joking, "Please don't run me over!" And then...the librarians were turned loose unto the vendors...thus the screaming began.
If I worked in a public library and/or as a children's librarian, I would have made out like a bandit. Seriously, there were enough free posters and bookmarks to wallpaper my entire living room. And the books...I could have collected enough free books to have a monthly give-a-way for the next two years (or more). This is awesome in my opinion. Why? Because with these free materials, librarians will be able to use them in their libraries. The posters and such can be used for programming and the books...well, given to patrons or used for projects. Who knows, the options are endless. For me, who works in an academic library, who does NOT want kids, and only has one niece who hates to read, I simply can't justify loading up with free books just because they are free. If I don't think they will be read, I let them be. This is far better than picking them up on impulse and then getting home and saying, "Why the hell did I grab this?"
But I do wonder, could there be a way to be a bit more friendly about snagging those free goodies without knocking over your fellow librarian with your monsterous tote? I thought at one point I had a mild concussion. Good thing I had a full day planned so there was no time to accidently fall asleep. Later in day I started to wonder if I had turned invisible because it seemed like everyone was beelining straight for me, as if I wasn't even there. I just tried to step back and stay out of the way.
And what is up with the food prices? For a piece of lettuce with a sliver of carrot on it was $12.00. Now if this was a convention of millionaires, then sure, pile on the expensive food but we are talking about libraries here. Librarians and library workers. A twelve dollar piece of lettuce just isn't economically feasible. Good thing I packed a banana in my bag or else I would have gnawed my own arm off by late afternoon.
And while I appear to be slightly ranting, I want to also point out that most of my programs were situated in rooms where eskimos could have built igloos. I understand the need to keep the room at a moderate temperature especially when it is jam packed. But seeing several snowflakes fall from the ceiling does not equal pleasurable room temperature, I assure you. Next time I go to the convention, I am bringing the thickest sweater I own just so I can have feeling and movement in my upper body. Which does come in handy when one wishes to take notes.
Overall, I think having the ALA convention experience was necessary for me. I attended four programs, three of them really good, one of them that kinda sucked. The one that sucked, I left twenty minutes into the program. I think the three I did stay for actually conveyed information and ideas that I can use and apply in my future career. So that was worth the $95 to attend the conference. Meeting up with a dear friend of mine and former professor was also a highlight of the convention.
And the very best part??? It wasn't the "swag" or the potential to network or find a cool free tote, it was meeting Sherman Alexie again on Sunday. I had met him at Purdue two years ago when he was the speaker at the English Department's annual literary awards. I heard him speak twice that night, one for the awards ceremony and another for the public. Both were exceptional. What I discovered about Alexie is that he is naturally funny. Not only that, but he talks with a mixture of seriousness and humor which is delightful. So getting the chance to say "hello" to him again was awesome. And because he was at ALA with librarians, he was more talkative. He even allowed photographs which was fabulous!
So, all in all, I am glad I went. I am bummed that this will be the only convention I attend under the student rate. If I don't get a sweet salary increase by next year, I don't know if I will be able to attend. Once you toss in airfare and a hotel room, well...I need a bit more money than I have now. I'll just have to wait and see how this whole crazy thing we call life plays out. In the meantime, I will be on the lookout for some padded shirts and protective head gear. I want to be prepared next time for that moment I try to approach a vendor's table and get clotheslined by a tote on the run. The protective pads and head gear should soften the fall. Here's to hoping...
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