Looking for an opportunity to increase your participation in HSLI, while collaborating and networking with your fellow librarians from across the state? Please consider volunteering for the 2023 HSLI Conference Planning Committee. This message applies to people who did not serve on the 2022 HSLI Conference Planning Committee.
The Committee’s main responsibilities are to decide on a meeting format (and, if it is in person, a location and venue), select a theme, and recruit speakers and presenters. The Conference takes place usually in early fall, specifically September, October, or the first half of November, and it lasts three days. In recent years, attendees have had the opportunity to earn MLA CE credits, present posters, and give lightning talks. The Conference also includes vendor presentations, a reception, and, if it takes place in person, a silent auction, allowing additional chances for networking with colleagues.
The Committee meets once a month, on average, starting in late fall of the previous year and up to the month preceding the Conference. An additional final meeting in the weeks before the Conference might also be necessary. Each meeting is an hour and takes place virtually, regardless of the Conference format. For in-person Conferences, a site visit might also take place to finalize any logistical matters.
Members of the Conference Planning Committee will serve on one or more Subcommittees devoted to specific aspects of the planning process. To view a list of the Subcommittees, along with other information on the 2022 Annual Conference, please go here. Note that some Subcommittees will have more tasks to complete than others, depending on whether the Conference is in person or virtual. Subcommittees spend usually several hours a month outside of the regular full Committee meetings working on projects.
If you would be interested in serving on the 2023 HSLI Conference Planning Committee, please let me know no later than Thursday, November 3. Again, this message applies to people who did not serve on the 2022 Committee. You do not need to specific Subcommittee interests at this time, but please give some thought as to the Subcommittee or Subcommittees on which you would most like to serve.
If you have any questions about what serving on the 2023 Conference Planning Committee would entail, please don’t hesitate to contact me, at eedwards@ilsos.gov.