PLA - Day 2

First session -- went to Leaders as Readers (after my routine oatmeal breakfast, of course)
Organizer: Peggy Sullivan, Library Consultant, Chicago. Speakers: Susan Hildreth, California State Library; Bernard Margolis, Boston Public Library; Neal Ney, Evanston Public Library; Bill Ptacek, King County Library System.

Handouts were lists of books important to them, but they didn't really talk about what they were reading, but rather, how they read, or where reading is in their lives. Interesting points:

• Susan quoted a survey of the economic value of libraries that was done in Norway -- 60% said they received direct benefits from libraries. 94% stated they wanted to have libraries available.
• Bill told that research done at King County indicated that the biggest reason people use the library website is to find the library online catalog. He also stated that 30% of the circ in the library is books that were placed on hold.
• Bernie talked about the amount of reading that people do, citing the number of people reading in airports (almost everyone).
• How to select a good book. Bernie reads Amazon's customer reviews. Bill suggested finding a way for library customers to post reviews ala amazon.com.
• Susan related the value of retail experience in library staff members and said the philosophies of customer service in retail and libraries have similarities.
• There is no obligation to finish a bad book. If it doesn't appeal after the first 50 pages -- quit reading.
• King County Library Friends bought book journals and gave them to persons promising to read 50 books. When they had finished their 50 books they turned in the journal and received a gold library card.

Second session -- spent too long talking in the exhibits. When I got to my first choice it was full and the doors were shut (not be opened to admit anyone, by order of the "fire marshall"). Same story with my second choice. Went to a third choice and found it left much to be desired. Went to my fourth choice and after a few minutes there realized there was nothing there for me either. So, I went back to the exhibits, and had a great time. Met author Karen Robards, and got an autographed MP3-CD of her book Vanished. Got my picture taken with her, too. Check photo on Flickr.

Had lunch in Cafe Court -- rice bowl this noon (in case anyone is wondering).

Afternoon appointment with Pam Arnold, our SirsiDynix rep. Looked at Rooms.

WebJunction Reception -- Great food. Good wine. And a big surprise. George Needham announced that Mnnnesota is a new WebJunction partner. Wow! Can't wait to introduce all the neat benefits to our members. And then the evening got better (if that's possible). I won a doorprize -- the Nancy Pearl figurine. We were all so excited, we Minnesota librarians that were there lined up with George and had our picture took. (just like they do back in Lake Woebegon).

Rounded out the day with a wonderful dinner with Ann, Marlene and husband Jerry. Finally got my crab cakes -- something they don't make too well in Rochester Minnesota ;^(
. . . Now, if I could only find stuffed, baked lobster on the half shell, like at Captain Nick's in Maine. I have less than 48 hours left to keep looking.