From Aesop to E-Book: the story goes on . . .
Joint SLA/IASL conference
Trinity College Dublin 17 - 20 June 2004
This exciting and unique event brought together 400 school librarians, teachers, academics, publishers, story-tellers authors and illustrators from all around the world in the august environment of Trinity College, Dublin. A message from the President of the Republic of Ireland, Mary McAleese, was received, wishing the conference, and the delegates, success.
The SLA were delighted to be joined by colleagues from the International Association of School Librarianship for keynote addresses, seminars, visits and workshops centred around the theme of the power of story, storytelling, children's literature etc, to empower young people and change lives.
Keynote speakers included:
- Aidan Chambers
- Patricia Donlan
- Michael Morpurgo
- Margaret Meek Spencer
Despite tired feet, full stomachs and a few glitches with the technology, delegates from both Associations voted it a resounding success. Here is what some of them said:
- "The Conference programme was outstanding! I was following the Research Forum papers and all the sessions that I attended were interesting and thought provoking. The Keynote address from British author and SLA President Aidan Chambers was a highlight of the conference."
- "I found the conference enjoyable, informative and inspiring. Glad I attended."
- "I was really inspired by Margaret Meek and Aidan Chambers. They reminded me about the basic importance of our job, and what we used to do before computer technology came along and made everything more complicated!"
- "The organisers deserve 10,000 red roses for efficiency and good tempered helpfulness…..Michael Morpurgo was perfect!"
- "Thanks to everyone for making this such an inspirational event."
- "The conference has been a fantastic experience! Widened horizons, pushed the learning forward and at times has been very moving. Thank you!"
- "Great conference, great fun, great people. Fantastic city - Dublin, I'll be back!"
- "A wonderful gathering of minds! The speakers, the session leaders, our colleagues - all shared wisdom and ideas that send us back to our schools renewed in enthusiasm and inspiration. I've made lots of new friends form all over the world. It has been a great conference!"
- "I wanted to write to you to tell you how much of an impact this weekend's conference has made on me…………..(this delegate goes on to list three events on her first day in schools share learning from the conference made a difference to her working practice.) These were just a few incidences from my first day back at school. I'm looking forward to the opportunities to incorporate more of what I learnt this weekend into practical projects and embedding the power of story into the ethos of the school library."
- "to meet people from so many different countries and to share experiences with them has given us much inspiration. And we found most of the workshops and seminars very valuable."
- "I'm just home after a thrilling IASL/SLA conference in Dublin. What an opportunity to meet and mingle with well-known authors and illustrators, and Big Names in the world of libraries and librarianship - plus imbibe some local culture, get to see the Book of Kells and the Long Room, and and and… I met many old friends, made a lot of new ones, attended some really great sessions, laughed myself silly, shed a tear or two, and ate and drank well to boot… "
Well - see what you missed! We can't promise you an international experience on such a large scale next year, but we do guarantee good opportunities for learning, extending your knowledge and enjoying a great and enriching time with friends new and old. DO come!
