UKSG CONFERENCE
One of the great honors and privileges that comes with serving as NASIG’s President is the opportunity to attend the United Kingdom Serials Group’s conference as NASIG’s delegate. Some of you may have read the blog (http://www.nasig.org/uksgblog/) that I kept about my experience there, but I’ll say it again for the record: the UKSG conference is fantastic, and if you ever have the chance to attend, don’t pass it up.
You know how the NASIG conference has its own distinct personality that keeps us returning year after year? UKSG has that kind of feel to it as well: different from NASIG, but you have that sense you’re participating in something special. The programs were excellent, and everyone kept talking about the issues over lunch and during breaks. There are more publishers at UKSG, and it was enlightening for me to hear about their perspective. There are exhibits, too. As I wrote in the conference blog, the UKSG exhibits are nothing like ALA’s in terms of size or sales pitches. Don’t get me wrong: I love the ALA exhibits, but they require some serious time to do them justice, and you have to strategize about what products and services to focus on.
The exhibits at UKSG were mainly publishers and vendors, and unlike ALA, there were no elaborate booths, or people in funny hats, or magic acts on the hour. Many of the representatives were people I already knew, either from NASIG or because I do business with them. Strolling the exhibits was more like catching up with friends and having low-key conversations about new products and services in general. I always learn something at the ALA exhibits but usually find them a bit tiring, perhaps because of their vast size and the crowds. The exhibits at UKSG were a pleasure! And while I will admit to picking up a few pens, I didn’t end up with a shopping bag of catalogs and sparkly plastic objects (which I do have a weakness for, but they can bog you down!).
Beside the exhibits, there were terrific programs and speakers. NASIG’s Jill Emery, Rick Anderson, Cindy Hepfer, and Susan Davis all presented (and did us proud!). I wrote up a few of the sessions I attended in the blog and you can also find PowerPoints from some of the programs here (http://www.uksg.org/events/previous.asp#2006conf).
It’s hard to believe this is my last President’s
column. The year has flown by so quickly, and it’s been an amazing journey. I have learned so much, and I’ll always be grateful to the NASIG membership for allowing me this experience. I have worked with some of the smartest people I’ve ever known, and I’ve been humbled by their generosity and open hearts. NASIG members share their expertise with each other, and they step up and offer help when there’s a problem. We are a professional community with shared interests and values, and we have this fearlessness that I love. Among the NASIG Board, there’s a spirit of "why not, let’s give it a try," which is balanced by an incredible sense of responsibility to the membership and each other, as well as for its finances and the overall organization.
I’m going to take up just a little more
Newsletter space to thank some of the people who have offered their time, wisdom, and experience to me this year.
Past-Presidents Anne McKee, Connie Foster, Maggie Rioux, Steve Savage, Dan Tonkery, Susan Davis, October Ivins, Cindy Hepfer, Beverley Geer: Each of you has been a role model and inspiration. I am honored to think of you all as friends and colleagues.
And the Sage Advice When You Need It Most Award Goes To: Anne McKee and Beverley Geer. These two brilliant, resourceful women gave me blunt advice and helpful hints. They calmed me down and reminded me of the bigger picture. They listened to my frustrations and they kindly talked me down, each and every time. You couldn’t ask for better colleagues.
So Much More than Technical Advice: Anna Creech, Emily McElroy, and Step Schmitt helped me set up a blog, ftp files, get membership lists and data, and they never, ever laughed at me. Step Schmitt has had a major role in virtually every online activity this year, and her generosity with her time and expertise made a world of difference. NASIG is so lucky to have people like Step, Anna, and Emily.
The Can-Do Woman of the Year: Joyce Tenney. Who else? Joyce is the most organized, logical, unflappable woman I know. No more rooms at the hotel? Joyce makes them reappear. A $6,000 lunch bill? I don’t think so. Not only is she smart, resourceful, and hard working, she is a heck of a good time. I can’t tell you how many dreary days were brightened for me with an email exchange with Joyce. She’s on top of everything, and she’s funny. Could you ask for a better friend and colleague?
The Kitchen Cabinet: Marilyn Geller and Emily McElroy. What can I say? Soul sisters, partners in crime, chief advisors, and potential cellmates, these two are the smartest, funniest, most excellent pals a NASIG president could ever have. They can advise on any issue, any subject at all, from leadership to ethics to appetizers and shoes. (Actually, I’m the shoe advisor. But they know their appetizers.) I’d be sunk without them.
Finally, thanks to all the NASIG members. I especially want to thank those of you who took a moment to send me an email, either to say something nice or to voice a concern. What makes NASIG special is that its membership is actively engaged: everyone really cares about the organization. Next year, NASIG will be in good hands with incoming President Denise Novak and President-Elect Char Simser in the wings. With its amazing volunteers, active members, and outstanding leadership throughout the organization, NASIG will thrive.
Can’t wait to see you all in Denver!!
