Reaching Forward Forum for Library Support Staff
Sally Schuster, Addison Public Library

Reaching Forward is looking forward to its 20th conference, which will take place on Friday, April 30, 2010, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road, Rosemont. The committee is hoping to make this a very special day with a combination of new programs and best-of-the-best speakers from past years.

Because of the variety of programming available throughout the day, Reaching Forward makes a great staff in-service day. Everyone has an opportunity to learn about areas of library service that directly touch their own jobs. If your library is considering this option, there is still plenty of time to suggest program topics that address specific issues your staff would find valuable. Contact Tobi Oberman or Cyndi Robinson to discuss programs and other ways to make Reaching Forward work for your library’s in-service option.

The committee had its first meeting in August to begin planning for 2010. The process for selecting programs begins with a general list of topics, many of which were suggested by attendees at the 2009 conference. These suggestions were made on the evaluation form that many of you submitted. In addition, committee members suggest topics. This year the list includes authors, staffing, children’s programming, general programs, ‘tweens, adult readers’ advisory, adult technology, and hot topics.

After that, it is time to narrow in on which of the many suggestions will work and to determine who can speak about that particular topic. This step will take place at the next meeting in September.

One of the goals of the committee is to have two or more programs from each of the general topics. For some library departments, like children’s, it is easy to find new and different programs each year. For others that is much more of a challenge. For example, technical services seems to be one of the most difficult program areas for finding new topics and interesting speakers each year.

The committee is always willing to consider suggestions for programs and speakers. To make it as easy as possible, there is a form on the Reaching Forward Web site that you can complete. New ideas make the Reaching Forward Conference what it is.

We also welcome new members to the committee. If you are interested in that, there is a form on our Website, or come to the next meeting on September 25 at 10 am at the Addison Public Library, 4 Friendship Plaza, Addison.