The #TXLchat provides a forum for Texas librarians (but not limited to Texas librarians) to create collaborative connections, share educational resources, and foster life-long learning.
Hey to all. Judi checking in from Tucson, AZ. I am a retired school librarian and school librarian educator and author of professional and children's books. And I love to learn and share learning via conferences! #txlchat
A1 Any session I walk away with an idea of how to use what I’ve learned as soon as I get back to work, feel a reinvigoration for my career and why I do it, or hearing great authors talk about their books and what inspired them #txlchat
A1 Living up to the program description. Nothing worse than going to a program that doesn't actually do what it says it will do. Respect my time & interest. #txlchat
A1: This year my favorite @TXLA session was the 2x2 presentation. Loved the introduction of the new books and the author/illustrator presentation. Laughed till I almost cried. #TXLchat
A1 Living up to the program description. Nothing worse than going to a program that doesn't actually do what it says it will do. Respect my time & interest. #txlchat
A2 A good proposal has a title that pulls you in, content that seems relevant to your intended audience, an obvious take away, and shows promise that presentation will be what it claims to be #txlchat
A1 Impactful sessions have passionate speakers who connect with their audience. If they love and really know and understand what they are talking about, it's contagious! #txlchat
A1: I love sessions that both validate and challenge me to do better! Sometimes it’s hard to not feel overwhelmed by what others are doing, but it’s all good when you figure out how make it work for you. #txlchat
A1: Panel discussions with authors stand out for me. Learning the background of their work is fascinating and inspiring! Also sessions focused on collaboration and building positive relationships. Anything with take-aways and advice, speakers sharing their experience. #txlchat
A1: For me an impactful session is one that allows us all to interact with Q&A. Humor always helps. But I’ve also learned that my attention during the session is as much or more important than the session I chose to attend. #txlchat
A1. Timely/high-interest/thought-provoking topic, opportunities for interaction w/content/presenter/other participants, resources to review after the presentation, contact info for questions/follow up #txlchat
A1: I love it when I leave a conference session feeling as if I have learn something valuable to me, my students, and teachers. I need to be able to adapt it to my students’ needs or be inspired to develop a spin off idea. . #txlchat
A1 sometimes a program just gives me time to focus on 1 idea rather than be bombarded with everything else around me. The thinking time is important. #txlchat
I love panel discussions of any kind. But my favorite is a short presentation then followed by an indepth panel discussion. Best of both worlds! #txlchat
A2 Sessions that feature different grade levels or library types need a strong moderator. Someone who knows the participants and can ask the right questions to engage the speakers. #txlchat
A2 co-presenters who are working together in real life can inspire and model for others - I love to co-present with librarians and other professionals from areas outside of my expertise. #txlchat
A2: My time at #txla18 this year included only 2 sessions where we were asked to collaborate or share with others. We usually dread those but it really is a GREAT time to hear how others do things and network #txlchat
A2: I like attending a variety of sessions regardless of age level. While I was a HS Librarian I still read Elem Blogs for great ideas like @plemmonsa#txlchat
A2: This is where a conference proposal that mixes up the participants or gives them time to talk matters. People can make connections to each other that way. #txlchat
A2: Even if a session doesn't specifically state that it is for your grade level, you can usually find some aspect of it that you can tailor/modify to your needs. So never discount a session just because it says "high/middle/elementary #TXLchat
A2 co-presenters who are working together in real life can inspire and model for others - I love to co-present with librarians and other professionals from areas outside of my expertise. #txlchat
A1 an impactful session for me is one that is engaging, enthusiastic, and well organized. It leaves me with pages of notes. I loved the Cataloging for Makerspaces & What They Don’t Tell You in Library School sessions at #txla18#txlchat
A2: Sessions on space design are always good for that. As presenter, you have to write the proposal in an inclusive way to get a mixture in the audience. Don't just focus on your experience, but variety. #txlchat
A2 One of my favorite sessions was presented by and for academic librarians (design thinking) - so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. I learned so much! #txlchat
A2: School librarian and public librarian collaborations, also teacher/librarian collaborations like what @RyanDamron and I presented on at #txla18. 😉 And anything promoting diversity and #latinxlit always catches my eye. #txlchat
I love panel discussions of any kind. But my favorite is a short presentation then followed by an indepth panel discussion. Best of both worlds! #txlchat
A2: I like attending a variety of sessions regardless of age level. While I was a HS Librarian I still read Elem Blogs for great ideas like @plemmonsa#txlchat
A2 Talk about what we can all do to advocate for our profession if we want to continue. I think it is easy to put on blinders and not see our profession is in danger. #txlchat
A2: SXSWEdu proposals ASK you about the mixture in your panel. Sessions with more variety have better chance to be approved. Encourages presenters to think outside the box too. #txlchat
A2: I am on the Teen Bookfest by the Bay planning committee made up of public and school librarians of all levels. I have learned the value of being open minded in meetings because we all have different perspectives and needs and the result is a beautiful collaboration #txlchat
A3 as someone who had been on the review side for many conferences, be clear about your session objectives & make sure your content matches those. #txlchat
A2: Sessions involving technology help bridge librarians across spectrum. Sessions around Marketing library programs may bridge library types. Programming around national month/day celebrations. #TxLChat
A3: One tip I learned is to have a strong session title. Sometimes that’s all attendees have to go by, so the more succinct and descriptive it is, the better. #txlchat
Q1- As a new librarian, I look for sessions that give me practical ideas that can be tweaked to fit my school’s needs. The more ideas, the better. #txlchat
A1: I love participating in a session and feeling inspired & challenged to try something new; think outside the box and explore an idea I've never tried before! #txlchat
A3: think about what topics are "hot" to that particular conference. Then think about how your presentation can relate to that if you want better chance to get accepted. (and make sure you have something to say about it) #txlchat
A2 I work with teens. Good programming for them is going to work in the public or school location. I think it is important for the presenter to remember that not everyone in the audience is from the same type of library as they are. #txlchat
A3: Displays, including conference hallway may increase traffic and sharing photos via social media. Success measured in simplicity of message and feedback from participants who value the relevancy or inspiration session provides. #txlchat
ISTE has you create an outline or long description for your presentation. Don't leave it blank. Plan it out ahead of time. It saves time for when you are getting your presentation ready bec. you've mapped it already. #txlchat
A1: I like sessions where the presenters are engaging, conversational and casual. A sense of humor & enthusiasm are my favorite attributes in a presenter! #txlchat
A4 looking ahead to select a topic that is relevant and new, when you are planning a year in advance. Too often we second guess ourselves, thinking what we are doing isn’t special/unique enough. #txlchat
Deadlines! #txlchat . However, if you REALLY want to present somewhere, if you miss .a deadline, just ask to submit anyway. Sometimes they are missing a certain type of presentation. You never know if you don't ask.
A4: Session proposal overlap in content may eliminate presenters, who can be confused to see similar presentation at conference and wonder why they were not selected. #txlchat
A4 Understanding how the conference proposal process works can be very confusing. Make personal connections with members of the conference program committee, divisions, and round tables. Get buy in for your proposal before submitting. #txlchat
A4 I think my challenge is being clear in explaining what I want to present. I’ve sent in 2 proposals & both were rejected. 1 proposal was sent to an international conf in Ireland & was accepted. 🤷🏼♀️ #txlchat
A4 Sessions on successful secondary level programming, integrating EdTech tools, staff engagement, and cross library collaboration would be great ideas for sessions #txlchat
I agree @Jharrisreads Sometimes this can be tough for presenters if participants don't get involved! (or the tech for involvement fails) It's always important to have Plan B. #txlchat
Suggestion to get something accepted—Include a diverse panel speaking on a a process that you’ve gone through and the successes and failures. Also, tying any traditionally “librarian” topic to a direct curricular application—we all need to do this better!. #txlchat
A3: The obvious answer is to know what people want to know about but I think even better is knowing what your passion is and constructing a proposal around that. #txlchat
Figuring out how to say what I'm trying to in a way that reviewers understand - can be tough in a crowded application pool. So many good proposals. #txlchat
A5 Sessions on successful secondary level programming, integrating EdTech tools, staff engagement, and cross library collaboration would be great ideas for sessions #txlchat
A4: The title is sometimes the hardest part for me! Well, that and writing such a short abstract! (Maaaaaybe I have a hard time summarizing!) 😉 #txlchat
A3: The obvious answer is to know what people want to know about but I think even better is knowing what your passion is and constructing a proposal around that. #txlchat
A4: Biggest challenge - make sure you will be able to attend before you submit your proposal. I've been to conferences before where the presenter didn't show up. Found out later her principal wouldn't let her attend. #disappointedaudience#TXLchat
A5: @ #txla18 I went to a session about boys and reading and loved it! I'd like to delve more into that, especially 4 the secondary level. I'd also like to get more on serving diverse pops/Ss of color - I was unsatisfied with that session #txlchat
A5 I would love to see more librarians + teachers/digital coaches/instructional coaches presenting together. Also, more sessions on crafting PD for teachers. #txlchat
Dang. Got stuck somewhere where I didn’t have much of a signal. But going to try to jump in and absorb the awesomeness. Always glad to learn & share. Heather from FW - HS - TL. #txlchat
#txlchat But the standards can be so important because they give attendees justification for attending. I've posted my related standards in advance so others can use them as support to attend conference.
A4: finding time in a busy work day to write the proposal (& plan the presentation itself, later!) with co-presenters. This is much easier when you’re solo, I’ve found, but makes for a less dynamic presentation! #txlchat
Jumping on the bandwagon of the latest trend is risky. Makerspaces have had enduring appeal last few years, so that is a good area, not just a fad. #txlchat
A5 I would love to see more librarians + teachers/digital coaches/instructional coaches presenting together. Also, more sessions on crafting PD for teachers. #txlchat
A5: I'd love to see more make and takes of lessons in the elementary setting. Books and lessons plus some library skill lessons would be great #TXLchat
A5: #txlchat My big passion is Digital Portfolios. It address social media, digital citizenship, est. a positive digital footprint, writing, creating, self reflection, alternative grading, copyright, attribution, tons of technology, developing a sense of self & so much more!
A4: If you are a new presenter, or worry you might not get accepted, ask someone more experienced to present with you. Their name might be more known but it's your foot in the door. #txlchat
A5 I would love to see more librarians + teachers/digital coaches/instructional coaches presenting together. Also, more sessions on crafting PD for teachers. #txlchat
#txlchat Me too. If you say you're going to present about a special population, you've got to live up to that. Don't be afraid to speak frankly & maybe upset a few people. Sometimes we need to be shaken up.
You can look at the @txla website and see who the immediate past chair of those are. You can also just ask people who might know, & we can tell you! #txlchat
That would be a good one! I feel like we do a lot of what they do and sometimes we can be competing. It would be nice to show off how we complement each other to support Ss and Ts! #txlchat
A5: I would like to see a session on lessons that librarians can take back to the teachers to spark a collaborative project and then carry over to collaborative partnership #flexschedule#collaborationforthewin#txlchat
Knowing someone on ProCo helps or those on the heads of committees. Networking other TLA librarians so they know you and what your strengths are #txlchat
YES! (Shout out to my favorite co-presenter and friend, @pacifickle!) I totally agree that co-presenters who collaborate in real life make for a more dynamic, engaging & inspirational presentation! #txlchat
A5 Sessions on successful secondary level programming, integrating EdTech tools, staff engagement, and cross library collaboration would be great ideas for sessions #txlchat
I want to make sure #txlchat participants see this from @SLC_Online ! #TxLA conferences (including #TxLA18) have a long reach in terms of influencing other people's thinking/practices/connections. Bravo to all who presented this year and who will present in '19!
I want to make sure #txlchat participants see this from @SLC_Online ! #TxLA conferences (including #TxLA18) have a long reach in terms of influencing other people's thinking/practices/connections. Bravo to all who presented this year and who will present in '19!
A5: Speed dating with PD opportunities -quick run through of various conferences/workshops offered in the state throughout the year and a twitter hashtag crash course. There are dozens of twitter chats and I’m familiar with only a handful. 🤔 #txlchat
A5: Ooh this one came to me late but sessions that bring in students and how the library has impacted them and how they are involved in the library. Our @phsfeministclub session was super successful because our kids shared their stories #txlchat
A4 The topic going stale... I think if you can word your proposal in a way that provides you some flexibility, you can add some spark around conference time you are better off. #txlchat
Well #txlchat you know you can always reach out to me for conference help, & if I can’t I can connect w/ another awesome colleague who can! #HereToHelp#WeAreBetterTogether
A5 I went to #txsocialmedia conference today with many wonderful ideas shared. I think we are just barely tipping into the SM bucket... maybe some deeper dives into that area branding, use, application, why’s for TLs #TXLchat
