LLOs visit Canberra

While we're still figuring out the date we're all descending on Canberra (see the Doodle survey at http://www.doodle.ch/q5civdk44n2mtwbf) doesn't mean we can't start scheming...

Some of us may be spending some leisure time there, and Canberra being the hub of all things cool and chic, we'd better start fitting it all in. Last time I visited Canberra I was about 8, so if you have any suggestions for things to do and see, leave your comments here.

My children have been on school trips to Canberra and highly recommend the shelving robots at the National Library (please tell me if they're just pulling my leg).

Suggestions for restaruants - happy to let Robyn give us the local favourites, but I liked this site which tells you where to go pollie watching (http://www.taste.com.au/news+features/articles/370/canberra).

Catering for functions

I find catering to be one of the most challenging aspects of organising functions. I thought this might be a good place to collect tips. Here's a few to get us started:

* Sushi rocks - there's almost always gluten intolerant people and vegetarians at every function. Sushi makes everyone happy!

* Up to one third of people who RSVP don't show up, so undercater. I've never run out of food yet while sticking to this rule.

* Anti pasto platters are easy and relatively cheap to put together: try strawberries, 2 or more cheeses, gourmet dip, water crackers, some gluten free biscuits, and something a bit special from the deli like caperberries or tiny stuffed bell peppers. If you grow lavender at home, put lots of it on the platter to decorate - it looks and smells wonderful.

Networking ideas

Once you start blogging, you can't stop!
One of the most valuable things I do to keep my 'finger on the pulse' never goes on my timesheet - too much wine and laughter involved! Every 6-8 weeks I have a lazy weekend lunch with a bunch of women in Brisbane. They're all current or ex directors, presidents or state convenors of ALIA. I find out things that I'd otherwise never know about (upcoming events, industry trends etc) because these women come from all sectors of the industry. It's a way of keeping ex board members engaged too since there really is no 'life after the board'. They have a wealth of experience and are generous with advice etc.
So, if you're lucky enough to get on well with even one or two ALIAphiles in your town, think about starting up a regular social get-together. These things tend to take on a life of their own and will grow over time.

Library Folk in the Pub (NSW)

After more than a year in this job, I finally managed to get myself to the one regular library gig in Sydney -- Library Folk in the Pub. This group meets the last Wednesday of every month, and for some reason I've had something else on (or been overseas) for way too many last Wednesdays. There were only about 8 people there, but I worked the whole time (luckily a glass of red helped!). There were questions about employment, especially from a young Chinese librarian only recently arrived (drafting those templates really helped, Margie, we need to finish them though); questions from the very capable but overworked convenor of the NSW mentoring group; questions about what the heck ALIA Sydney is doing; questions, questions, questions. Am so very pleased I got there, but it really reminds me just how valuable a regular gathering can be. Will do all I can to make sure I'm there each time they meet, and will include details in my welcome email to new members in the Sydney area. Do similar groups meet in other states? Confess I'm not sure. Julian Sortland and Justine Carlisle, who coordinate it all, are to be commended, but I think even they'd say it doesn't take too much effort.