Energise >> enthuse >> inspire

ALIA New Librarians' Symposium 2006

Pathways and Possibilities

Adrianne Harris, co-convenor, ALIA New Librarians' Symposium 2006, on behalf of the NLS2006 Committee

Imagine a forum where you share experiences and ideas, learn from others and have fun... Imagine a forum that gets you thinking about your career, your future and your engagement with the profession and the Association... Imagine no more! All of this (and of course more) will be on offer at the ALIA New Librarians' Symposium 2006.

Planning is well underway for the Symposium, to be held in Sydney in December 2006. With the theme 'Pathways and Possibilities', the symposium will:

inspire delegates to explore avenues toward a successful career in the information and library profession;
include exciting keynote speakers, peer presentations and workshops designed to challenge and build new skills;
contain a dynamic and energetic mix of sessions on career development, leadership and advocacy; and,
provide a forum to meet and network with other new graduates, leaders in the industry and associated industry professionals.

Also it's summertime in Sydney, the perfect season to enjoy the city, the beach and good company! The conference will be held 1-2 December 2006 at the University of New South Wales in the fabulous Scientia Building, just a stone's throw from Coogee beach and the delights of the big city.

If this is your first conference experience, then you will most likely be interested in our 'pathways' stream, which will explore how to plan your career effectively, obtain the job you want and explore professional development opportunities in the information sector. If you have been to a previous Symposium, you will be interested in our 'possibilities' stream, designed to get you thinking about the alternatives contained within the information sector. This stream will include discussion about research, the development of leadership skills and will offer an engaging peer paper program. And of course, throughout the entire Symposium, all delegates will have the opportunity to meet new contacts and renew old friendships whether at the cocktail party or at the Symposium dinner.

A truly collaborative event, the committee is made up of new generation librarians from all over Sydney and from many different types of libraries including academic, special, public, corporate and health libraries. I would like to introduce the committee to you: Adrianne Harris (co-convenor), Alyson Dalby (co-convenor), Fiona Jensen (treasurer), Matthew Griffiths (secretary), Vicky Bourbous (marketing), Nicky Hayward-Wright (marketing), Natasha Rudenno (sponsorship), Sean Volke (website), Andrew Spencer (venue liaison), Fiona Bradley (program), Michael Olsson (program), Phoebe Wicks (social program), Morgan Wilson (website), Joanna Hicks (trade exhibition). And Emma Royan-Smith from the ALIA national office, who we imagine to be sitting at home with a nice glass of wine, in front of the fire, as we chat to her over the speaker phone at our monthly meetings.

The committee has held three planning workshops so far; the first was to decide the theme, the second to nut out the marketing and sponsorship approach and most recently a workshop to discuss the program and format of the conference. The committee is meeting monthly and we welcome anyone who would like to get involved in helping to organise and run the Symposium in 2006. No previous conference experience is necessary, as the committee is learning and growing as we prepare for the Symposium. If you are interested in finding out how you can become a part of the NLS 2006 Committee, contact either of the convenors: Adrianne Harris or Alyson Dalby (please remove '.nospam' from addresses).

The website will be the central place for information and updates relating to the Symposium, and it can be found at http://conferences.alia.org.au/newlibrarian2006/. On behalf of the Symposium planning committee, we look forward to seeing you in Sydney in 2006!

A small aside: The Sydney New Graduates Group will be launching a pilot Professional Development Program in October. This initiative will assist Sydney new graduates plan professional development and attendance at events up to twelve months in advance. The aim is to provide a series of accessible and affordable workshops and networking opportunities for new graduates in Sydney (and visitors to our lovely city). The program will offer workshops on topics such as career development and presentation skills. It will explore the differences among the varied information arenas new graduates may find themselves working in. To get involved in the pilot Sydney NGG Professional Development Program, contact Alyson Dalby (please remove '.nospam' from addresses).

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