Library Web Chic

For the last two days I’ve been attending the TRLN Management Academy in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from the Management Academy, or how much I’d learn. As with many learning opportunities, much of the experience is about the participants. There is a diverse group of interesting, smart folks here, from different libraries and background. I enjoy the variety of perspectives that different people bring to the table and getting to spend time with colleagues. The same can be said for the presenters, who thus far have been really good.

Different bits of the material is review for me, due in part to the fact that in addition to an MLS, I also have a Masters in Information Management from Syracuse. Why does this mean that bits of the materials are review? Well, my IM degree is sort of technology, meets information science meets MBA. The review is good though because it helps me dust off skills and knowledge that it rusty. Also, when you look at stuff again you gain new perspectives and insights. I had a particularly “AH HA” moment today during the discussion about personality traits.

I’m looking forward to the discussions about influence and communication tomorrow and the resource planning discussions on Thursday. I have a lot less knowledge of these areas and I think learning about this stuff will be really challenging.