Once again, I find myself packing my schedule with overlapping events as I prepare for ALA Annual. I’m excited to go to Chicago: The few times I’ve been there before I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m flying in Thursday afternoon and leaving Tuesday morning, so I have a nice chunk of (already over scheduled) time there.
What am I doing at ALA?
Friday I’ll be attending the Print Archive Network meeting at the Newberry Library, then the OCLC Americas Regional Council Member meeting. I’m having coffee with my former Director, and hopefully catching Steven Levitt’s Opening Keynote at 4.
Saturday I’m going to see Jaron Lanier’s talk in the morning, then the OCLC presentation on the Power of Shared Library Data at the Network Level. There’s a Next Generation Technical Services IG meeting at 1, then probably the MARC Formats Transition IG meeting, where I’ll (hopefully) learn a little more about BIBFRAME Instances. Then, in the evening there is a Linked Data talk on Managing Authorities. Saturday night I believe I’m going on some EBSCO hosted boat cruise. Fun times!
Sunday is the OCLC Update Breakfast, then I’ll have to decide between the Metadata IG and the Library Linked Data IG. There’s a WEST meeting in the afternoon, which unfortunately conflicts with the Top Tech Trends panel (which I’m actually on the committee for this year). I’m not sure how I’m going to handle that conflict yet. The LITA Presidents Program with Cory Doctorow sounds awesome, and then I’ll probably go to the LITA Happy Hour.
Monday morning there is an OCLC session on Metadata Management, then a presentation on what their Research Group is up to. And I’m hoping to see Alice Walker’s talk! Then I have the afternoon to myself, to explore Chicago. I’m hoping to meet up with my cousin and her husband at some point.
I’m also hoping there will be an LSW meet up somewhere. I’m looking forward to pizza at Lou Malnati’s, and a shopping excursion at Fox & Obel. And I’m really hoping the weather isn’t too humid or stormy.
What do you think I should make time for in Chicago? Are you going to be there? Want to grab some coffee and a cookie?