Presentations Now Available in Sched!

Click image to go to the APLA 2016 online sched

Did you attend an awesome session at APLA 2016 and want to be able to see a copy of the Powerpoint? Many APLA 2016 presenters have submitted their presentations, notes, and handouts and they are now available live in Sched.

Simply go to our online schedule and select the session you attended to see if the speakers submitted their presentation or other material. Copies of posters are also available!

The attached file (PP, PDF, Word, etc.) has been uploaded to the session description

Did you want to add any materials to your session? Please email anything you would like made available to Crystal Rose.

We need your feedback on APLA 2016

Now that the conference is over, we want to hear what you thought! Its your chance to help us plan an even better conference next year. Please take a moment to complete our conference evaluation survey. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Conference Planning Committee Chair, Crystal Rose: 2016apla@gmail.com.

APLA Holding a “Save NL Public Libraries” Rally During Conference

Show your support for libraries at our Newfoundland and Labrador Libraries Love-in on Tuesday, May 31 at 5:00 pm in the Lunenberg Room at the Westin Nova Scotian.

The NL Provincial government’s controversial decision to implement a 10% tax on books and to close over half of the province’s public libraries has been met with criticism from library associations, media, authors and Canadians everywhere. Read more on the NLLA website or their Save NL Libraries Facebook page.

If there has ever been a time for concerted and unrelenting advocacy, surely this is it? We will share news of advocacy initiatives and actions thus far (by NLLA, the Newfoundland & Labrador Writers Federation, local library boards, etc.), take stock of APLA’s own contributions, and brainstorm ideas for further action. All that while CELEBRATING NL public libraries and their ongoing positive impact in their communities. Please join us. Many hands make light work!

Take our Conference Step-Challenge to Win $150

Stay active! Record your steps with any step-counting device you have: a fitbit, vivo, jawbone, smartphone app, apple watch, pedometer – its up to you! Submit your steps daily at the Registration Desk, located on the 1st floor in the Commonwealth Foyer, for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. You will have to show us your device to verify your steps. No cheating!

The person with the most steps overall during the 3 days will win our grand prize of $150! The winner will be announced and the prize awarded Wednesday morning following the closing keynote (at 11:45am). The winner must attend in person to collect their prize, or it will go to the person present with the next highest number of steps.

Happy stepping!

Second Call for Poster Presentations

University of Iowa SLIS student Lindsay Morecraft presenting a poster

Presenting a poster is a great way to network and meet other professionals in your field. The APLA 2016 Conference Planning Committee would like to extend a second call especially for poster presenters.

Please complete our online Poster Presentation Proposal form by Friday, April 25. Accepted poster presenters will be contacted by Monday, May 2.

All poster presenters must register for the conference. If a presenter will only be attending the day of the poster presentation, a one-day registration rate is available. If you have any questions, please contact Louise McGillis, Program Sub-Committee Chair.

Reminder: Early Bird Registration Deadline April 15

Take advantage of our early bird rates by registering this week for our APLA 2016 Annual Conference. If you register online by Friday, April 15 you can save your money for the Monday night Pub Grub & Tour!

All speakers must register, and a one-day rate is available. If your institution needs to be invoiced for registration, please contact us.

Finalized Schedule for #APLA2016

We’re excited to announce that we’ve finalized the program. In addition to our pre-conference workshops and keynotes, we have 42 concurrent sessions and 97 speakers, plus two adorable furry canine presenters. We have hands-on workshops, lectures, panel discussions, and two rapid fire “lightening round” sessions.

In keeping with our wellness theme, we’ve got lots of activities to help you “be active” and “take notice.” Start the conference off with a free yoga session. Take a walking tour of Point Pleasant Park or a tour of Dalhousie University’s new Collaborative Health Education Building. Relax and unwind with free mini massages provided by a local massage therapy school or stop by our colouring station.

You can check out our online schedule (which gives you the option of printing) or the mobile version.

Registration and Preliminary Schedule Available

We are pleased to announce that online registration is now open. Early bird rates are available until April 15. Now is also a great time to renew your APLA membership or join APLA if you haven’t already. You can join/renew online.

APLA has reserved rooms at the conference venue, the Westin Nova Scotian, and encourages all attendees to stay at the conference hotel. Book online early to enjoy the convenience of staying on-site. Conference rates will only be available until April 28.

You can also check out the preliminary program schedule online. We are currently finalizing the concurrent sessions and have some more fun social events and wellness activities to add! Can’t wait to see you in Halifax.

Socializing & Networking Opportunities at #APLA2016

We’ve got some great social events planned so far! We’re kicking off the conference with a spectacular Welcome Reception at the new Halifax Central Library. The following evening choose from a Pub Grub & Tour or a Ghost Walk of historic downtown Halifax, plus we’ll be announcing some other great ways to meet new folks and explore the Halifax night life!

Finally, you won’t want to miss the Merit Award Presentation and Closing Reception. This year, to maximize networking, we’ll be having hot canapes and chef’s stations. Entertainment will be provided by Ian Stewart’s Comedy Hypnotism Show. No audience participation will be required; Volunteers have already been recruited. Watch your colleagues get hypnotized! For details and updates on all of our socializing and networking opportunities, visit our Social Events page.

“First Timer’s” APLA Conference Grant Available

APLA is now accepting applications for our First Timer’s Conference Grant. To be eligible, an applicant must be a personal member of APLA, residing in Atlantic Canada, and planning to attend her/his first APLA Annual Conference. Grants are allocated, consistent with general APLA guidelines, to help meet conference related expenses. If more applications are received than can be met by the fund, money will be awarded by drawing from the names of all eligible applicants.

Recipients will be expected to write a short report, for the Executive and the APLA Bulletin, summarizing their conference experience. Applicants should include name, business address, chosen means for contacting (mail, e-mail, telephone, fax) estimated costs (travel, accommodation, meals, registration), and a signed compliance with eligibility requirements. Nominations should be submitted by March 31, 2016 to:

APLA VP/President-Elect
Suzanne van den Hoogen
Public Services Librarian
Angus L. Macdonald Library
St. Francis Xavier University
3080 Martha Drive
Antigonish, NS
B2G 2W5
(902)867-4535

Good luck!