Division membership = 160

Activities July 1-December 31, 2004

The primary focus of energy for the LAMS executive in the second half of 2004 was the joint NCLA-SELA Conference, “A Southeastern Celebration,” held in Charlotte November 9-12, 2004.

Our event with the broadest appeal was a program by popular speaker Linda Belans, “Mananging Impressions… Presentations that Work.” The audience, though smaller than the last time Linda Belans spoke for an NCLA conference, was varied and enthusiastic. Architect David R. Moore, II spoke to a packed room on “The Essentials of a Building Program.” Another appreciative audience crowded into inadequate space for a panel by staff of the N.C. State Library, “Making the Most of Staff Development.” Although we were able to introduce fewer new directors than we had hoped during the “Meet the New Leaders” feature of the All-Conference Reception, we were pleased by the general enthusiasm for this idea and by the number of invitees who said, “I cannot make it this year, but I’ll be sure to attend future conferences.” We also gained experience in identifying new directors that will make the process simpler in future years.

LAMS has two special interest groups, one for Circulation and one for Personnel Management and Staff Development. Each interest group normally has an open discussion luncheon at the conference. Last year, there was no Circulation luncheon. This year, it was the Personnel luncheon that suffered from the absorption of one day’s noon hour by the All-Conference Lunch. With only the Friday slot available, in competition with a popular and related luncheon, the registration was too low to sustain the event. By contrast, the Circulation luncheon, held in the middle of the conference, was well attended and much appreciated.

LAMS is now preparing for the regular NCLA biennial conference scheduled for Winston-Salem, September 20-23, 2005. Those who attended the panel on staff development have persuaded the presenters to expand their program into a pre-conference workshop. We also plan to continue the theme of managing building programs with a panel of librarians who have had particular success in a variety of aspects of the process. We also expect to hold both of our customary luncheons. We will work with the NCLA Executive Board to determine whether there is a suitable opportunity for another “Meet the New Library Leaders” session. LAMS will be meeting February 11 to finalize arrangements for these and any other program events we may wish to offer.