UCLA ALA Student Chapter Journeys to ALA Midwinter 2011

Our student chapter recently descended on the ALA Midwinter meeting conveniently located in San Diego, California. UCLA Information Studies students joined the hoards venturing to the Midwinter meeting to enjoy their first professional conference experience. Those Student Chapter members that attended Cindy Mediavilla's "Conference for First-Timers" lecture in the fall were well prepared for the overwhelming nature of such a large event! The proximity of the conference (a 2.5 hour drive from L.A.) made this an affordable professional development adventure not to be missed. While students were not necessarily serving on the multitudes of committees meeting at Midwinter Meeting, several did sit in on these small group discussions to gain a better understanding of committee work. Student Chapter members were welcomed by practicing professionals, once again demonstrating the outstanding collegial nature of librarianship.



Of course, exhibits proved quite popular. Student Chapter members were able to work out their bodies in addition to their minds by hefting enormous red reusable sacks loaded with sample magazines, journals, and advance reading copies of books. The "student" designation on the name badges made it clear that this group would not be remodeling a library anytime soon, causing some vendors to look the other way. Other vendors were eager to greet students and ask them about their program. On the whole, however, just perusing the tools of the trade was enough to expose these future professionals to the names of vendors and the vast array of choices.

UCLA ALA Student Chapter promoted conference registration, prepped students with a how-to lecture event, and organized car pooling to San Diego. It's not every year that this small chapter gets to interact so completely with its national parent organization, which is fondly referred to by UCLA Student Chapter officers as "Mama ALA." Well, Mama, it was great seeing you right after the holidays, and we look forward to doing it again soon! Perhaps over some gumbo?