Surviving and Thriving at Professional Conferences
Channel: SJSU School of Information
Date: 2015-06-23

Podcast Links:
http://amazon.sjsu.edu/slisPod/colloquia/sp15/careerWongSP15.mp3
http://amazon.sjsu.edu/slisPod/colloquia/sp15/careerWongSP15.mp4

Abstract:
Concerned about attending your first (or your next) large professional conference? You don’t need to be overwhelmed, exhausted, or miss out on the events and presentations of most interest to you.

Come learn from librarian extraordinaire Patty Wong as she presents her tips and tricks for remaining cool, calm, and efficient at a professional conference. Patty will explain how to select your programs and plan your time, prepare your own business cards, make the most of the exhibits, network like a champion, and much, much more as she helps you maximize the opportunities offered and really enjoy your next big conference.

Biography:
Patricia "Patty" Wong is currently County Librarian/Chief Archivist for Yolo County Library and received her MLIS from UC Berkeley in 1984. Her work in managing change, cultural diversity, youth development, developing joint ventures and collaborations between public libraries and community agencies, and fundraising has been published in a number of journals, conference proceedings and edited collections.

Ms. Wong has worked as a school librarian, children's librarian, cataloger, and special librarian in addition to her public lilbrary service. She provides continuing education for public library practitioners at conferences  of the American Library Association, and those conducted by the California State Library, and elsewhere. She also provides organizational development and leadership training to employees at Yolo County and is involved on several local and regional library and community boards.

Ms. Wong is active in the American Library Association, serving in several voluntary governance positions including the Executive Board.  She was awarded the 2013 California Library Association Member of the Year Award, one of the 2012 WISE Faculty of the Year Awards.  2012 ALA Equality Award, 2012 SLIS Instructor of the Year Award,  2010 Woman of the Year by California Senate District 5 (Wolk) and one of the top 50 Library Journal Movers and Shakers for 2007.