Kay Oddone
It is hard to believe that it has been several months since I attended the ALIA National Conference in Adelaide, held from May 6-9, 2024. Although time has flown, it is still useful to draw a breath and reflect upon my experiences and to share my takeaways, especially as this was the first time I had attended this particular conference.
With the theme being “Truth and Dare,”, it was clear from the start that this was going to be a thought-provoking learning experience. With keynote speeches, workshops, presentations, and panel discussions, all focused on highly relevant and fascinating sub-themes: “From Inclusion to Belonging,” “Raising Voices,” “Daring Greatly, Striving Valiantly,” and “Forging Future Libraries.” Each session brought its own unique perspective and insights, leaving me inspired, motivated and feeling real connection with the information profession.
Co-Presenting Research Findings
I had the privilege of co-presenting twice during the conference. My colleague Kasey Garrison and I shared the findings from our ongoing research on secondary school teacher librarians’ perceptions of information literacy. We explored how these perceptions are evolving and the impact this has on students’ learning needs and teachers’ practices. It was a fantastic opportunity to discuss our work and hear feedback from our peers.
In another session, Kasey and I presented the findings of a project led by Mary Carroll our TL team-mate Krystal Gagen-Spriggs. This project delved into the connections between school and public libraries. The discussions that followed were enlightening, and it was great to see the interest and engagement from the audience. We left this session with many new directions for future research, and excited to know that there is real interest in developing even stronger connections between different library sectors.
Representing CSU
When not presenting, I had the pleasure of representing CSU in the exhibitor’s hall. This was a fantastic experience, as it allowed me to connect with so many past, current, and future students. I loved hearing about their experiences, learning about the exciting career paths CSU alumni are pursuing, and discussing future opportunities with prospective students eager to expand their horizons in the library and information profession.
Events, Highlights and Challenges
During the week of the ALIA conference, actions by a local council to ban books on same-sex parenting really brought home the importance of a combined voice to protect every individuals’ freedom to read. A campaign was immediately launched, and signatures flew onto petitions. The timing of this event, while so many library and information professionals were together in one place was unplanned but was an amazing example of the united strength and shared vision that empowers and drives us on.
One of the highlights for me personally were the keynote speeches. They really pushed me to think about my own truths and how we dare to make a difference within our roles and spaces. The speakers were inspiring, and their messages appeared to resonate deeply with everyone in the room.
Attending the keynote sessions was a no-brainer, however, with so many fantastic sessions happening simultaneously during the rest of the conference, one of the challenges was having to choose between them! There were moments when I wished I could be in two places at once. This demonstrates the active culture of learning and the passion of professionals in the library and information field. So many great things are happening, and it was hard to pick just one session to attend at times.
Networking and Learning
The ALIA Conference wasn’t just about learning from the sessions; it was also a prime opportunity for professional networking. I met so many wonderful people, exchanged ideas, and formed connections that I know will be valuable moving forward. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, and everyone was so open and willing to share their experiences and insights.
Attending the ALIA Conference in Adelaide was an enriching experience that I highly recommend to anyone in the library and information profession. The theme “Truth and Dare” perfectly captured the essence of what we do – challenging ourselves to strive for inclusion, raise voices, dare greatly, and forge the future of libraries. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, there’s something for everyone at this conference.
I left Adelaide feeling inspired, motivated, and full of new ideas to bring back to my work. I can’t wait for the next ALIA Conference and the opportunity to continue growing and learning alongside such an amazing community of professionals. If you get the chance to attend, don’t hesitate – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
