[CALIBK12] CSLA 2008

[Blanche Woolls]

Hi all,

Outstanding things from CSLA 2008 that probably won't appear on a wiki:

1. Found great turkey sandwiches in the Friday opening reception in the 
Exhibits. Also in the exhibit area, outstanding poster sessions and 
Internet Cafe.

2. Seeing people who took the advice to share a ride and a room so the 
costs were down.

3. Met one newbie who had been able to attend Treasure Mountain Research 
Retreat immediately before AASL in Denver, AASL in Denver, CSLA in 
Ontario, IASL in Berkeley, and was now at CSLA in Sacramento. This is a 
new member of the profession who wanted to get a good start.

4. Talked with two new hires who had each worked less than a week. Were 
they ever glad to be attending sessions, buying helpful books in the 
exhibits, meeting people, gaining confidence in their ability to hit the 
floor running.

5. Watched a home-grown radio show starring several CSLA leaders willing 
to rehearse an hour. Directed by our keynote speaker and his wife (they 
were both session presenters), this was truly an outstanding President's 
reception. Do we thank Capstone and crew enough for their support?

6. Learned more about the dire state of funding and hope everyone went 
home armed with information to speak with their principal, superintendent, 
school board, legislators.

7. Applauded those who listened to Doug Achterman's research results and 
who will be able to share them with their fellow high school librarians 
and school officials.

8. Was once again convinced that California has outstanding school teacher 
librarians who can beat this current recession if they listen to the 
instructions of the mighty trio, Sandy, Barbara, and John, who continue to 
be the best in the west, east, north, and south.

And, while the major speakers were terrific, fun to hear, glad to be in 
the audience, the session speakers were terrific, the program so nicely 
varied to offer one presentation in each session that you couldn't miss 
and another you were sorry to have to make the choice.

Yes, CSLA is a great opportunity to catch up on the new, learn about what 
needs to be done in and for our school libraries, get that boost you need 
to continue to be the best you can be in your school!

Now is the time to start planning to attend next year. The best way to 
make this happen is to write a report for your principal, teachers, 
parents, even students, to tell them what you learned at CSLA, how 
important it was for you to be able to go so you can make important 
changes in how you do things, what books your children must have in their 
libraries, and the best new activity you can implement. Think about a 
presentation you might want to make, the best being one you could present 
with your principal and a teacher so all three can get to Ontario. It will 
help you inform your school about what teacher librarians are all about!

Blanche