The South Carolina Library Association and the Southeastern Library Association invites all library professionals, paraprofessionals, students, vendors, and friends to the 2018 Annual Conference in Greenville on October 31-November 2 at the Hilton Greenville. This year’s conference theme is Illuminating the Future! The focus is on highlighting the bright future of libraries, and how libraries are at the center of the future of the communities they serve.
The 2018 SCLA Conference Kicks Off With Two Pre-Conferences
Light Bulb Moment: Services to Entrepreneurs of All Ages (Wednesday, October 31st, 9:00 a.m. - Noon)
The light bulb has long been a symbol for a great idea. Indeed, the words “light bulb moment” are often used to describe that very instant frozen in time when a person has a moment of clarity, or has dreamed up a fantastic new invention.
But what do you do with an idea? How do you nurture it? Join us for the Light Bulb Moment Pre‐Conference, sponsored by the STEM Interest Group, to learn how to assist entrepreneurs to take their idea to the next level. The session will delve into the four types of intellectual property, give in‐depth information about trademarks, and give state and local resources available for libraries, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. (Jan Comfort & Meredith Futral)
Addressing Dysfunction and Incorporating Self‐Care for Library Staff (Wednesday, October 31st, 9:00 a.m. - Noon)
Concepts from the authors' book, The Dysfunctional Library, will be the focus for the first half ̀ of the interactive session. Topics include workplace incivility, toxic behaviors, conflict, and weak leadership. The team will also introduce a variety of solutions to shape a positive and productive library work environment.
The second half of the session will focus on concepts from the authors' book, The Mindful Librarian. Participants will be introduced to the basic principles of mindfulness and discover the multitude of ways that mindful practice can improve the specific work librarians do, from reference services to workplace relationships to goal‐setting and much more. Ideas for dealing with stress and burnout will be discussed and participants will receive multiple suggestions and resources to gain deeper knowledge on the topic in the future. (Richard Moniz, Jo Henry, Joe Eshleman)
General Sessions Feature Nationally Known Library Advocates
- First General Session & Business Meeting - Richard Moniz, Jo Henry, Joe Eshleman, authors of The Dysfunctional Library
- Second General Session & Luncheon - R. David Lankes, Director, School of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina
- Third General Session & Luncheon - Richard E. Ashby Jr., Director, Yeadon Public Library & President, Black Caucus of the American Library Association
Breakout Sessions for Everyone
You will find a wide variety of timely and useful presentations, panels, poster sessions, case studies, discussions, or hands-on activities. To see what sessions are planned, click here.
Special Events
Scholarship for Diversity in Librarianship
Once again, the Scholarship for Diversity in Librarianship Committee will hold its popular SILENT AUCTION fundraiser! Every year there are themed gift baskets, beautiful artwork, food, memorabilia, and much more to win. For questions, please contact Cathi Cooper Mack, Scholarship for Diversity in Librarianship Committee Chair (ccoopermack@scsu.edu).
Five Forks Branch Library Tour
The Five Forks Branch of the Greenville County Library System opened March 25 and is approximately 28,000 square feet, the 2nd largest in the system. The new Five Forks branch was built in partnership with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, LLC and Melloul‐Blamey Construction. The library includes features like a quiet reading room, drive‐up window for picking up hold items, public meeting spaces, a children's area with centers for active learning, a secured outside "Play Porch," and a separate teen area. Join us for a tour from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 31 with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture. Bus from the hotel will leave at 9:30 a.m. Tour is free; however, advance registration is required.
Resume Review by the SCLA Continuing Education Committee
If you are a newly minted librarian fresh out of library school, a veteran actively seeking a new challenge, or a candidate for that dream job opportunity when it comes, you have an opportunity at the 2018 Conference to get valuable resume advice from experienced librarians to get that job of your dreams! SCLA’s Career Services will set up a meeting for you with an experienced librarian for a free, confidential consultation on your resume and career plans. This service will be available Thursday, November 1, 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please contact Lisa Gieskes (lgieskes@richlandlibrary.com) for an appointment.
USC/SCLIS Alumni Reception
USC/SCLIS alumni are invited to relax and catch up with old friends and make new ones at the Alumni Reception on Thursday, November 1 from 5-6 p.m. Share your memories of being a USC student, and discuss your career and future plans over hors d’oeuvres.
SELA Breakfast
SELA will be hosting a breakfast on Thursday, November 1, from 7:30am-8:30am; registration required but you do not need to be a SELA member!
All Conference Reception at the Southern Bleachery
Join us for the All Conference Reception at the Southern Bleachery, 250 Mill Street, Taylors, SC from 7:00pm - 9:00pm on Thursday, November 1. Music provided by DJ NYCE from Columbia, SC.
Conference Registration
More information, prices, agenda, and mail-in registration is available on the conference page.
Hotel Registration
Hilton Greenville, 45 W. Orchard Park Drive Greenville, SC 29615
Limited hotel rooms are still available! The hotel room rate is $139 per night plus applicable taxes (currently 13 percent). More information and online reservation is available at the SCLA Hotel & Travel page.
