|
 |
2002 AGM AND CONFERENCE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF APLNBSaint John was the scene October 4 and 5 of the association's 2002 Annual General Meeting and Conference, one of the best in recent memory. Thanks to the creativity of its Organizing Committee, the social events and the continuing education program were superb. The conference theme, "Mentoring: Window on our Profession," presented a challenging topic for both veteran and newer librarians. The paneled ballroom of the Union Club of Saint John provided a lovely venue for the AGM, which was followed by a reception in the lounge. A reception highlight was the cutting of a celebratory cake marking the 10th anniversary of the association's existence. Seven of the ten past Presidents of APLNB were on hand for congratulations, photos, and toasts. The next day, members and guests convened at Ganong Hall on the campus of the University of New Brunswick-Saint John. Dr. Thomas Condon, Acting Vice President/Vice President Emeritus, brought greetings from the university and set the stage for a day of pondering and discussing the role of mentoring in the profession. Keynote speaker Ernie Ingles, Associate Vice President - Learning Systems of the University of Alberta Libraries and well-known author, presented a remarkable look at his mentoring experiences, likening professional mentoring to the role that elders play in the Native Canadian community where they are responsible for the encouragement and nurturing of Native young people. Equally challenging was the other speaker, Lorio Roy, Editor of L'Acadie Nouvelle, the province-wide French-language newspaper. His talk centred on how anyone can be a mentor in any capacity, whether at work, in civic activities, or elsewhere in life, and how the most successful mentoring experiences are often spontaneous rather than structured. Following a luncheon in the UNBSJ Faculty Club, a panel presented their views and personal experiences surrounding mentoring. In addition to Ingles and Roy, panelists included Sylvie Nadeau, Executive Director, New Brunswick Public Library Service, and Melinda Renner, Reference/Public Services Librarian, UNB Law Library, with Ella Nason of NBPLS moderating. A question-and-answer period followed the panel. A hearty thanks is due to the 2002 AGM and Conference Organizing Committee: Carole MacFarquhar (Chair), Diane Buhay, Mireille Mercure, Beverley Lyons, Jane Higle, Jennifer Edgar, Pamela Stephens Earle, Leslye McVicar, and Joann Hamilton-Barry. Appreciation is also extended to Susan Collins and the staff of the Ward Chipman Library, UNBSJ, for their assistance.
|