DSOL Conference Blog

Independence and Soloing

It's hard to believe that June is over and we're all (hopefully) gearing up for vacations before fall begins again.  I've just received the July issue of One-Person Library, and I also had the privilege of meeting Judy Siess at the Annual Business Meeting for the Solos Division.  There are some truly amazing people involved in this division, and I'm grateful that I got to trade ideas, attend some of their sessions, and learn about things outside of my immediate business (publishing).

One of the amazing tracks that librarians can follow is to create their own consulting firm using the skills developed over the years, particularly if you're used to being a solo.  You learn to manage, budget, prioritize, and handle all of the unexpected curves thrown at you with as much grace and style as you can muster.  Has anyone else considered starting their own business?  Do you find that you are more prepared for independent action since you became a solo?

--Trish

Post-Conference Wrap-Up

It's been almost a week since the conference ended, and I've had time to reflect on the experiences, classes, sessions, and chaos (but in that good way!) of the week I spent in Baltimore.  I am absolutely, completely glad that I went, particularly since I am a solo who is not only new to librarianship (2 years experience with my MLS), but also a relatively new solo (1 year in the position).  The support, commiseration, advice, and new ideas of how to handle situations that can arise in the life of a solo were invaluable to me, since the simple possibility of bouncing ideas off of another librarian face-to-face is such a rare commodity in our particular placements.  I also realized again just how dedicated and hard-working solos must be, no matter what industry you're in, since juggling the tasks that we do is truly impressive and constantly a challenge.

To second Amanda's post below, please, if you can, volunteer to help the division and make sure that we can continue to provide each other with this support that will mean even more as our numbers increase and more librarians find themselves suddenly solos through downsizing.  We are all busy, we are all overwhelmed sometimes, but find your specialty (mine lies in the publishing, technology, and scientific fields), and offer to help out in any way you can.

- Trish