CSLA 2008, Post 6

Why do I go to CSLA? Could I be doing other things with my time? Yes, I certainly could. Could I be content only with what happens in my library? Yes, I certainly could. Could I decide that I have all the information that I will ever need for my job? Yes, I certainly could.

There are so many reasons why I go, but some of the ones that come to mind for me are:

• Learning something new. I can assure you that I take something away from every presentation (although it isn't always what the presenter had in mind).
  


• Meeting people with shared experiences. We are a passionate bunch and they get me.
  


• Getting to spend time with the TLs from my district. Sometimes that can be harder than it sounds. Getting away makes it easier.
  


• Because I am CSLA and so are you. I am on the CSLA Northern Section board because I think there is strength in numbers.
  


• If my job is on the line, I know that people will come to demonstrate, write letters, and be supportive. These are those people.
  
  
• Free books on Saturday afternoon!
  


• The exhibits and getting to know the reps. Most of them I will never buy from, but it does give me the opportunity to see their wares.
  

And so much more. I encourage you to come to CSLA 2009. You will not be disappointed.

CSLA 2008, Post 4

An observation

How organizations are formed and who eventually joins an organization is of some interest to me. Sometimes it happens that organizations end up looking a certain way very much based on who joins. Based on the Joe McHugh presentation this morning, it is very obvious that the California School Library Association is:

a. overwhelmingly white

and

b. overwhelmingly female.

I make this statement with no intention in mind other than to note the fact. When we get together in a large room like we did this morning, it is very noticeable.

I suspect that CSLA reflects the library profession at large. In my own district, we reflect that and only a minority of our TLs and techs are members of CSLA.