IFLA Conference at Singapore’s National Library: A Reflection
It’s raining outside our hotel room window right now. It’s like Singapore’s upset and crying because I’m about to leave.... 😏
I admit, I’m sad to see this incredible trip come to an end. There’s been a long, extensive build up with the huge amount of research both of us have done, plus all the work I did on my presentation for the Satellite Conference for the International Federation of Library Association, or IFLA.
Oh, I haven’t mentioned that yet? It’s the whole reason why Pete and I decided to go to Asia.
Earlier this year, I received a message through my website from IFLA’s Chair of the Library Service to People with Special Needs Committee. She asked me submit an article proposal and consider presenting at the IFLA Satellite Conference held in August at the National Library in Singapore. Their topic was going to be inclusive service to youth with disabilities in public libraries. She really wanted me to consider the opportunity, even though IFLA could not financially support my trip.
Wow. What does one say to an incredible request like that?? Pete and I talked it over for a few hours that same night, and decided—why not?! We both had enough time off. And even though we had just booked a trip to hawaii to visit Pete’s parents (literally JUST booked—this request from IFLA came the week after we bought our airplane tickets to The Big Island).
So, I contacted my Director and Assistant Director at my Library to tell them about the opportunity. I was intending to just take 2 weeks of vacation and do this on my own time, but I was completely surprised by their response. While the library couldn’t compensate me for travel costs, they were 110% supportive and gave me a week of time worked, since I would be presenting another it the work I’ve done at my Minnesota Library. I ended up getting 1 full day for the conference, and 2 days each way for travel. A whole week of paid time. was floored and so happy!
So, I contacted my Director and Assistant Director at my Library to tell them about the opportunity. I was intending to just take 2 weeks of vacation and do this on my own time, but I was completely surprised by their response. While the library couldn’t compensate me for travel costs, they were 110% supportive and gave me a week of time worked, since I would be presenting another it the work I’ve done at my Minnesota Library. I ended up getting 1 full day for the conference, and 2 days each way for travel. A whole week of paid time. was floored and so happy!
I’ve presented a lot—probably too much, actually. But I knew this opportunity was different. This would be my first time presenting in person to an international audience. (I say in person because earlier this year in May, I did a virtual presentation for a library conference of international children’s librarians through the American Embassy. I guess that’s just the trajectory my career is on right now.). New contacts, new ideas, new perspectives, new experiences, new opportunities to make a positive impact on the world. I’ve always appreciated that my work has ripple effect. When I present a workshop, or publish an article, or write a blog, or share something in social media—I consider all the people who might learn something new and apply that learning to make a difference for their own library community. I may not be a teacher, like I originally thought I might be when I was at Marquette University, but clearly l have retained those teacher-y vibes.
So yesterday, it happened. I presented at the National Singapore Library for IFLA.
The experience at the conference was incredible. The conference had representation from over 20 countries, including but not limited to Kenya, Japan, Singapore, Russia, Finland, Sweden, India, China, Nigeria, and the USA. I got a chance to make so many more international contacts and learn from what other countries are doing at their libraries.
The conference itself was sponsored by Singapore’s National Library Board, and featured a keynote presentation from a speaker from Japan, who spoke on the topic of universal literacy. After an inspiring and informative keynote, guess who was slated next... yup. You guess it. Me! 😁
The experience at the conference was incredible. The conference had representation from over 20 countries, including but not limited to Kenya, Japan, Singapore, Russia, Finland, Sweden, India, China, Nigeria, and the USA. I got a chance to make so many more international contacts and learn from what other countries are doing at their libraries.
The conference itself was sponsored by Singapore’s National Library Board, and featured a keynote presentation from a speaker from Japan, who spoke on the topic of universal literacy. After an inspiring and informative keynote, guess who was slated next... yup. You guess it. Me! 😁
Life is all about different perspectives. I myself think a 20 minute presentation is literally no time at all. (Pete, on the other hand, thinks the mere idea of having to talk in front of a group for 10 minutes is terrifying). And true to Renee fashion, 20 minutes came and gone in a flash. Then, I heard the bell 🛎 with my 30 seconds warning. I finished perfectly in time. No surprise since I may have practiced and timed myself umpteen times ☺️
From what I remember during my oh-so-short presentation, I saw lots of head nods, lots of picture taking of my slides, lots of people taking notes, and lots of people engaged looking at me during the talk. I made a small joke or two, which helped adjust the pace and received some good laughs. The room itself was a very long and skinny rectangle, so I had to do my best to turn side to side to make sure I was looking at everyone. But there were 4 projectors simultaneously showing my PowerPoint, so I knew people were getting the information. I was a bit thrown to know I wouldn’t get a podium (I’m so used to presenting with one), so I had to hold my mic and my iPad (with my presentation notes) at the same time, while I gave nods to the person advancing each slide of my PowerPoint. Oh, and did I mention there were two video cameras filing me?? The presentation itself will eventually be uploaded to the IFLA website, for all of you who have asked me about watching it. All the while I had to remember what I was supposed to say, too! 😉
From what I remember during my oh-so-short presentation, I saw lots of head nods, lots of picture taking of my slides, lots of people taking notes, and lots of people engaged looking at me during the talk. I made a small joke or two, which helped adjust the pace and received some good laughs. The room itself was a very long and skinny rectangle, so I had to do my best to turn side to side to make sure I was looking at everyone. But there were 4 projectors simultaneously showing my PowerPoint, so I knew people were getting the information. I was a bit thrown to know I wouldn’t get a podium (I’m so used to presenting with one), so I had to hold my mic and my iPad (with my presentation notes) at the same time, while I gave nods to the person advancing each slide of my PowerPoint. Oh, and did I mention there were two video cameras filing me?? The presentation itself will eventually be uploaded to the IFLA website, for all of you who have asked me about watching it. All the while I had to remember what I was supposed to say, too! 😉
About an hour later after a few more presentations, I participated in a panel discussion Q&A. This lasted about an hour. I have to say—it was thrilling! The audience asked thought-provoking questions and all of us engaged in good idea sharing and discussion. While I’ve done lots of live Q&A before, I had never been on a panel with others. I loved the experience of answering questions on the fly, hearing what answers others gave, and being able to build on the conversation. Hope I can do that again some day! And of course, no surprise here for me—that hour flew by.
I will try to reflect more about the day and my experience at Singapore’s breathtakingly beautiful library. For now, must get ready to enjoy Pete and my last dinner in Singapore and in Asia.....
....for now! 😉
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