I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for sponsoring my attendance to the 2017 Health Science Librarians of Illinois conference: The Times are Changing. Attending the conference is generally my one opportunity for health science continuing education where I can interact with those presenting as well as other attendees. I find it hard to express the value that I have received through the HSLI conferences over the years. I hope that I have been able to express that through my work on the planning committee to assist with the organizing so others can benefit as I have through the years.
I found a number of interesting technologies that Gabe Rios discussed in his session on Emerging Technologies for the Busy Librarian. The afternoon session Infographics: Communicating Information Visually introduced the concept of infographics. I personally find pictures to often assist in trying to teach and understand a concept. “A picture is worth a thousand words” comes to mind as an accurate portrayal of why we should include infographics in our presentations or displays. While totally not related to the instruction we did an exercise: Genie stretch which I have shared many, many times among colleagues, friends and family. While we provide access to information to any that request it I think anytime we can also provide information to assist the person holistically we should.
Nancy’s reception is my busy time with being involved with the vendors/exhibiting, food and entertainment as part of my responsibilities with the planning committee. I believe that the reception and all events including the silent auction were well received among the attendees. The addition of Marg Jones and her wit and science were not only entertaining but informative as well.
Friday morning was filled with information. I missed part of the keynote speaker as I was busy networking in the breakfast room and lost track of time. I thoroughly enjoy the updates from RAILS, Illinois Heartland Library System, GMR, Illinois State Library and ICRL. It is good to know what is new and reminded of services that they provide that sometimes we forget about in our busy professional lives. It is also uplifting to see how many organizations there are that continue to assist us as librarians and in general the population of Illinois and beyond.
Thank you again for the financial assistance that assisted me in attending so I could not only have the opportunity learn new skills, network with colleagues but to also oversee my conference responsibilities.