2007 FLA Annual Conference Program Summary

The FLA-NMRT sponsored two programs during the 2007 Annual Conference and Exhibition, the “New Members Orientation” (sponsored, in part, by the Leadership Development Committee) and “Make Your Resume Work for You: Stay Sharp, Get Ready and Be Competitive!” In addition, the 2006-2007 FLA-NMRT Chair (Tomaro Taylor) and Immediate Past President (Rachael Cathcart) participated in the session “Does it Matter How Many Piercings I Have?”

“New Members Orientation”: Wednesday, April 11

• Speakers: Tomaro Taylor (Outgoing Chair, NMRT); Sol Hirsch (Outgoing President, FLA); Elizabeth Curry (Leadership Development committee); Charlie Parker (Incoming President, FLA); Tracey Reed (Incoming Chair, NMRT); and Beth Lucas and Magali Kirwan (Local Arrangements committee)
• Attendees: 30
• Summary: For the second year in a row, this session was met with overwhelming success. Attendance nearly doubled that of last year’s session [last year’s figures included members of the Executive Board, who had been encouraged to attend] and included individuals from all library types. Many attendees stayed after the session to discuss opportunities available through active involvement in both FLA and the NMRT. Others spoke with presenters about specific topics covered during the session, such as: proposing conference programs, roundtables and poster sessions; expressing/stating interest in serving on an FLA committee or member group; and applying for the Sunshine State Leadership Institute. A number of attendees stated that the session provided a good overview of FLA, making active involvement seem less daunting or restrictive. The 2006-2007 FLA-NMRT leadership feels that the session accomplished at least three of the NMRT’s main goals- to orient new members to Florida and the library and information studies profession; to promote and encourage active participation in state professional activities; and to provide a venue for leadership opportunities and serve as a starting point for furthering such opportunities. Overall, we were very pleased with the session and look forward to hosting it again next year.
  

“Make Your Resume Work for You: Stay Sharp, Get Ready and Be Competitive!” Thursday, April 12

• Speaker: Tracey Reed (Incoming Chair, NMRT); six library/ library cooperative professionals served as resume reviewers: Rachael Cathcart (FAU), Kiersty Cox (USF), Beth Farmer (TBLC), Barbara Pickell (CPLS) and Tomaro Taylor (USF)
• Attendees: 15
• Summary: The “Resume Review Service” functions as an unofficial subgroup of the FLA-NMRT. Throughout the year, various members of the NMRT lend their expertise to those in the field (primarily students) seeking assistance with updating, formatting and/or presenting their resume. During the 2005 Annual Conference, the NMRT set-up a resume review service booth, at which conference attendees could make an appointment for a review with a librarian. The success of the booth, coupled with subsequent non-conference requests for reviews, led to the idea of providing a workshop/information session about writing and submitting resumes and/or curriculum vitae. The session went very well, indicated by the copious amounts of notes being taken by attendees. Following the 30-40 minute talk and Q&A, seven session attendees met with library professionals for informal reviews. Attendees participating in the review seemed pleased with the results of the service. The FLA-NMRT was happy with the program’s success and enjoyed providing this service face-to-face.
  

“Does it Matter How Many Piercings I Have?” Wednesday, April 11

• Speakers: Timothy Bottorff (UCF); Sheila Bryant (FAMU); Suzanne Byke (FSU); Rachael Cathcart (FAU); Dawn Lowe-Wincentsen (FSU); and Tomaro Taylor (USF)
• Attendees: approximately 50
• Summary: Surprisingly well-attended, “Piercings” generated much discussion from both attendees and non-attendees. An intriguing topic (and catchy title) helped draw a large crowd to a session that was both enlightening and informative.