How would you describe the New Librarians’ Symposium (NLS) for someone who has never been to an ALIA Conference?

NLS (New Librarians’ Symposium) is a conference for the newbies in the field. Don’t be put off if you’re not quite a librarian yet, I went to NLS6 when I was a student and it was one of the best things I’ve done thus far in my journey to becoming a librarian. I was immediately immersed in a sea of like-minded individuals who were ready and willing to answer my million and one questions.

Tell me about what it’s like attending a symposium full of new (and aspiring) librarians?

Well for anyone who’s ever been to a conference you’ll know that you go into a special kind of bubble. The days are jam-packed with speakers and networking. If you’re not naturally a people person don’t let the networking put you off, you can really form some valuable connections at these conferences, and it’s worth putting yourself out there to meet people. I personally found that everyone I met at the conference was open to getting to know others, the sessions will provide ample topics of conversation!

Why should people go to this symposium?

Consider NLS as a unique opportunity to go to a conference designed just for you.

It sounds like a useful symposium…what did you get out of it?

I got inspired! As a student trying to find my way in the library world I made the decision to be brave and head to NLS6, a conference where I hardly knew anyone. The days were a whirlwind of speakers and presentations that reaffirmed that I had chosen a good path. I made a lot of connections. Networking is important.  I think it’s even more important to know there are people with similar stories , experiences and challenges. They’re valuable sources of information, and learning is a million times better when you do it with other people.

If someone decides to go to NLS, what are your best tips for having a great time?

A few things:

1. If you can, stay in one of the NLS recommended accommodation locations.
2. Get social. There are usually meet ups . I went to a dinner on my first night with a bunch of people joining the conference.
3. Tweet and post online. Tweeting can add a valuable dimension to your conference experience. It’s fun meeting people you’ve tweeted to, and it can be an instant point of connection. It’s also a really great way of sharing what you’ve learned with people who can’t be at the conference.
4. Take a business card. It doesn’t matter if you don’t an ‘official’ one. Make one with your name, your email and if you’re a tweeter your twitter handle.
5. Finally…HAVE FUN. Enjoy your time meeting others, learning new things and just generally having a grand old time.

By: Emily Beimers