So onto Thing 15 - attending, presenting and organising events. I've had some experience of all three of these things so I'll write about each one in turn.
Attending - of the events I've attended, probably the most significant one for me was the CoFHE 2009 conference. This three day conference was brilliant for the range of workshops, addresses and plenaries available and the chance to meet other people. I left after three days with my head spinning but having learnt some much I wanted to investigate further. One workshop I attended by Rachel Van Riel on building a customer centred space had a real impact on me, and informed a library redevelopment project I then went on to lead.
Presenting - as I wrote about here, I spoke at a CoFHE LASEC group meeting in March on Enrichment. It did feel nerve wracking to speak to a group of librarians but it was a really positive experience to evaluate and communicate projects I been involved in. I'm also preparing to speak at another event - the CoFHE LASEC AGM in two weeks time - for more details see here on the CoFHE LASEC blog.
Organising - as part of the committee for CoFHE LASEC I was also involved in organising the CPD day this years, as I wrote about in Thing 7. Not long after starting in my first professional role, I acted as a conference assistant for a two day conference on censorship in literature and information for young people. I'd really recommend this as a way of getting to attend a conference, you are able to get really involved in what is happening and chatting with all the attendees and speakers.
Overall, conferences and other events provide a great opportunity to learn and be inspired. Getting out of the workplace also allows you to meet people and share ideas.
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