Photo Essay: The 2020 American Libraries Association Midwinter Meeting Through the Lens of Drexel Libraries Staff

The American Libraries Association (ALA) Midwinter Conference came to Philadelphia last month, and Drexel librarians were excited to welcome friends and colleagues from North American and beyond to the City of Sisterly Love.

This year, more than 6,000 library professionals attended the conference, sharing in the excitement of learning and exploring a variety of issues and themes important to the field. Drexel Libraries staff attended sessions on topics ranging from Open Science to information literacy to an exploration of the results of a 2019 survey of academic libraries. Others used their time at the conference to chat with vendors and learn about the latest technology, products and services in the Exhibit Hall.

Take a look at what the Drexel Libraries staff saw and did at the 2020 Midwinter Conference:

Men and women stand around a table in a large hall
Men and women stand around a table in a large hall

Local librarians were on hand near the conference registration area to offer suggestions on where to eat, what to do, and how to get around Philadelphia.

 

A man and a woman stand in front of a table with a Drexel CCI table covering
A man and a woman stand in front of a table with a Drexel CCI table covering

Representatives from Drexel’s College of Computing & Informatics were in the Exhibit Hall to talk to potential students about Drexel’s information technology degree programs, including the MLIS program.

A display case with books on each shelf
A display case with books on each shelf

The PopTop Stage at ALA Midwinter featured readings, discussions, and presentations from librarians. Books discussed during those sessions were on display outside the Exhibit Hall.

A short story dispenser with printer
A short story dispenser with printer

Attendees could also find these Short Story Dispensers throughout the convention center during the Midwinter Meeting.

Large company displays in a convention center hall
Large company displays in a convention center hall

The Exhibit Hall featured vendor booth displays and meeting areas, where attendees could learn about the latest trends and advancements in the field.

 

An image of a Powerpoint presentation is displayed on a large screen
An image of a Powerpoint presentation is displayed on a large screen

Drexel Librarians attended all types of information sessions, including sessions on vendor updates and systems.

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