New Mexico Library Association Annual Conference

The conference will be held April 19-22, 2006 in Farmington, New Mexico.

The NMLA Paraprofessional Special Interest Group will be presenting a panel discussion at the conference. The title is "Are you the Librarian? Or, Where do I fit in the library world?"

"Paraprofessionals are in an awkward position in the library world. Library patrons may see anyone who works in a library as a “librarian” but, for those of us who work in a library as support staff, we wrestle with the answer to the above question. Where do we fit? How do we deal with the perception that we’re “less than” someone with a library degree? What strategies have we used to be recognized as a vital part of your library?"

The four panelists will talk about how they've resolved issues that have arisen in their careers because of their having or not having a Masters degree in Library Science.

Part of the session will be Q&A. I'll post some of the questions and answers next week.
Kash