From the desk of Cheryl Lubow
Librarian, State Library of Ohio

Today I read What to Do with Your Conference Notes (Orange, 2012) which got me thinking. I found that I do the same thing that many people do after continuing education sessions – I file the notes and hand-outs away and rarely look at them again. This is not the best use of the information I have gained. I can say that I am a very good note-taker. So why do I not usually share them with others here at the State Library? My reasons are probably like yours: many projects and work assignments claiming my immediate attention, disorganized filing cabinets, the “it’s almost lunch-time” or the “it’s almost quitting time” excuse…

Orange provided these ideas in her article to reap the most benefit from conferences and webinars:

Within a week of your return from your conference or training. take an afternoon and separate yourself from the outside world (close your door or find a secluded space).

Separate the conference materials into the sessions you attended, including exhibits and events.

Peruse the agenda and other disseminated materials, and your notes, to remind yourself of the content, keeping only the information that you consider useful and productive, including handouts.

Then, read your notes, and:

• - Identify (with a highlighter) content that you want to remember or even share
• - Attach the presenter(s)’ contact information for possible future reference.
• - List 3-5 key points from the content that will make the difference in your life in the workplace (or write at least one or two succinct paragraphs).
• - Make two copies: one for yourself to be re-read the next day and then filed, and one to include in a report to your administrator, and perhaps your supervisor.
• - After you have reviewed each item, staple everything (minus the copy for your administrator) and place in a folder per conference or per topic in or near your desk.

As a last step, schedule time on your calendar a few weeks hence to re-read what you filed and to determine if, how and when you might put what you’ve learned into practice.
(Orange, Satia Marshall. Library Worklife: HR E-News for Today’s Leaders. Vol. 9, No. 8, August 2012)

With these thoughts in mind, I’d like to share with you three things I learned this summer during a webinar on interpersonal communication:

1. Communicate without a personal agenda. Don’t go into a conversation wanting to prove a point or convince someone that your opinion is the correct one.
2. Use positive phrasing. Everyone appreciates an optimist.
3. Listen without forming an answer in your head. Give your full attention to the person who is speaking. Later in the conversation you will have time to reflect and answer.

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