N.C. Library Assistants Attend Conference

By Sandra Griffin and Tracey LaBarge

Several of the North Country’s library assistants traveled to SUNY Oneonta for the NYSLAA’s 24th Annual Conference held June 12-14, 2002. The conference started with tours in Cooperstown at the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Farmer’s Museum and the Fennimore House.

Workshops were varied this year and very well attended. Everyone left with great ideas for personal and professional growth.

Sandra attended a workshop on "Distance Learning" that was presented by Jean Thomas from the University of Maine at Augusta. Her presentation and handouts were very informative on how to turn your life’s experience into college credits. Jean also described in detail the Library Assistant program that is offered at the University of Maine.

Kathryn France, Nancy Moore and Pamela Tausta presented a workshop entitled "Library Then and Now." Each described how their jobs have changed, and how we obtain information for our patrons.

Tracey attended "The Invisible Web" and "MS Publisher 2000." They were both hands-on workshops, offering various tips for each. "Financial Planning" was as timely as it was rewarding in the information provided. Everyone left wanting to review his or her own personal portfolio.

In 2003, Plattsburgh is the setting for the 25th Annual Conference. Library Assistants from CEF and other North Country libraries will host what is expected to be a very exciting time.

(Sitting) Jody Gibbons and Tracy LaBarge of CEF, and Barb Osgood of Clarkson University. (Standing) Mary Heffernan of Plattsburgh Public Library, Linda Mitchell of SUNY Plattsburgh, and Sandra Griffin of Clarkson University.