Thank You – MAC Special Professional Development Grant

Thanks to one of the MAC Special Professional Development Grants, I was able to attend the IFLA World Congress in San Juan, PR this past August. The theme for the conference was “Libraries beyond Libraries: Integration, Innovation and Information for All” and it was a truly unique experience for me.

Starting with the opening session, it was amazing to meet people from all over the world who have a passion for libraries in their countries. One of my favorite sessions was put on by a local Toastmasters group for those of us who were presenting something at the conference. The session equipped me with ideas on how best to present at a conference where simultaneous interpretation is an important consideration.

The New Professionals session was a close second with inspiring talks by young librarians from across the globe. I was struck by the courage of some of these librarians and how hard they have to work to provide library services in a setting where free expression is not always welcomed. I am truly grateful to MAC for providing me an opportunity to attend IFLA this year.

Cheers,
Jennifer McDaniel