Evaluating Events

Thing 15 is something I can comment on for quite some time but I will try and keep it short and to the point.

Attending events

I have always been a fan of attending events to help with your own professional development, increasing knowledge and networking. In all my jobs up to now I have kept an eye out for releveant, useful events that I can attend, the free ones especially as I knew that my employers would happily send me off to a free event. Those which required funding I made sure I put together a good argument as to why I should attend and how my attending the event would benefit them as well as me and so far I have never not got to go an event that I think is worthwhile. Even from my first day at the Library our librarian made it clear that he expected me to attend as many events and courses as possible and would ensure that the time was avaialble for me to do that and he has been true to his word. So far in the 4 months I have been here I have attended; The CULN Conference, The RSC Learning resources forum, The East Midlands Information Skills Forum, The RSC e-fair, A visit to Northampton College's new Library and the IS oxford Heritage Open day. So far all of these have been free events and I have always walked away armed with more knowledge and useful advice to pass on to my colleagues.

Speaking at events

As I am only just starting out in my career I don't think there will be anyone knocking down my door to speak at any events anytime soon. However to help with my public speaking I have been asked by the Librarian to do some staff straining on the use of our printers, just the basics such as how to enlarge/reduce documents,scan etc as I do one day a week in our reprogrpahics department I am well equiped to give this training. Further to this I volunteered to put together an Information Skills session on Blogging for our HE students which I have been asked to dleiver by their Tutor. Whilst I am delighted to be asked I am also slightly nervous as the last time I had to stand up and present was at Uiniversity, but I will take onboard some of Ned Potters advice to make sure I don't give an annoyng or boring presentation.

Organising Events

Again this is not something I see myself being heavily involved in at the begining of my career but is certainly an area in which I feel I would do well. I was Social Secretary at my Halls fo Residence at University, a role I enjoyed to the full. I am a rather organised (and according to my brother also rather bossy) and so would love the challenge of putting together a big event including contacting speakers,sponsors etc.

In my view participating in events (especially the free ones) are a great way to share knowledge and experice be it as an organiser, speaker or attendee and I will certainly be keeping my eyes peeled for any upcming events I can attend.