"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...".
 
OK, that may be a tad dramatic.  We may not be in the throes of the French Revolution and the ensuing Reign of Terror, and, unlike the characters in Charles Dicken's A Tale of Two Cities, we may not be forced to deal with the loftiest paragons of humanity alongside the lowest depths of human degradation on a daily basis, but I think most of us would admit it's been a pretty tough year.  A tanking economy, loss of positions, diminishment of services, book challenges - all we need is some locusts and a few toads falling from the sky to complete the picture.   Like everyone else, we've been hit pretty hard.  I think we can all agree there have been a number of issues trending towards the nether end of the stick.  But what about an upward trend?  What about the best?
 
For me, the response is easy.  The best, the absolute best of this past year, my dear colleagues, has been you.  Each and every MAME member.  It has been wonderful to work with so many dedicated, knowledgeable, witty, wise, and inspiring individuals.  People who rally, and remain resilient.  Educators who keep the core of our profession always at the forefront - our students.  Book lovers, technology junkies, media mavens.  Uncompromising professionals who safeguard our library media charge and uphold our standards and ethics.   Unselfish, caring, and steadfast friends.
 
I have been honored and privileged to serve as your president during these past twelve months.  Despite our challenges, our successes have been many, and I know that our forward momentum will continue under the competent leadership of Lynn Gordon, our incoming president.  I am equally confident in her successor, Rachel Markel.   I look forward to whatever comes next, knowing that MAME will survive and even thrive. 
 
I began this column with a quote from Dickens, so what better way to end?  I'll leave you with a thought from Dombey & Sons: "Like you, I hope for better things. I will pray for them, and believe that they will arrive."
 
Kathleen McBroom

 

 

 Why I love MAME!
 
I missed this year's conference for a variety of reasons and I'm bummed because it always gives me a mental boost to be among media specialists. I always come away with extraordinary ideas and renewed energy for my work. 
 
MAME continues to offer excellent support to our profession and to be a bridge between the local media specialists and...ALA, AASL, MACUL, ISTE, and the happenings in government. Sometimes we don't credit the organization and the leadership for all that they do to keep us so well informed and to be our voice in so many places.  Thank you all for your efforts.
 
With continued budget battles and looming budget cuts, many more may join the ranks of displaced media specialists next school year.  We need to continue to support each other and to share our collective knowledge with students and teachers because 21st century learning isn't going away just because of budget shortfalls.  
Barb Benford
 

I love going to MAME to put faces to names, to learn new ideas, to meet my peers and share with them. Listening to authors is a bonus because they are such interesting people and make their books become real. MAME re-affirms the importance of our positions and the necessity of them. It gives us the opportunity to network. MAME gives us time to relax with friends - new and old. 

Sandy Tabacchi
 

I have been attending MAME conferences for over twenty five years and, each year, I look forward with great anticipation and enthusiasm to learning about new technologies/programs/books and strategies for integrating them in the curriculum.
 
I love reconnecting with colleagues that I see only once a year and meeting new folks who become instant friends because of our shared interests. I love learning how I can reach beyond what I currently do. I love returning to my district, where I am the only Media Specialist, and being in the fore-front of knowing what is taking place in our field.
 
Most of all, I love knowing that I am part of a larger group that shares a  love for students, reading, and information as much as I do. I return invigorated and ready to face another challenging year.
 
Thank you MAME!
Jara Sutton

As a displaced media specialist, I receive collegial support and validation every time I read a MAME publication or attend the conference.  As the only media specialist in my district, I rely on the collective wisdom of the group to motivate me to implement new or tried and true techniques and policies to support my daily activities.  My MAME colleagues renew my belief in myself as a library professional in face of the dwindling time, resources, and assignments.  Presenting at the conference and receiving validation from attendees that my knowledge is still relevant and important gives me the confidence to continue to fight for the media center and the importance of a professional to lead staff and students through this information millennium.
Deb Larson
 

MAME's Top 10!
Here are my top 10:
 
10.  Chance to eat out with friends who will talk during dinner.
9.    Opportunity to touch base with MAME acquaintances I don't see frequently.
8.    Pick up cool give-aways at vendors' booths that I can pass along to groups of students.
7.   See new technologies demonstrated even though I think our school will not be able to afford them.
6.   Meet people, putting a face to a name previously seen only on the list-serve or during sales calls. 
5.   Try to provide new, interesting, and useful items to members at the MAME Gift Sales booth!
4.   Enjoy applauding the award winners at the smooth running, timely, awards ceremony.
3.   Have my value and worth as a Media Specialist affirmed by my colleagues as I do the same for them.
2.   Hear nationally known speakers' amazing stories, experiences,  and suggestions that influence my professional and personal
         practices.
1.  Attend the amazing sessions conducted by fellow MAMErs where I can see what others are doing and trying in order to try new things myself! 
Katy Koskela
 

Being Media Specialist of the Year!
Animoto
Chris Harris' talk
Learning 4Life
Volunteering at MAME booth
New web tools session
Opportunity to see colleagues
Traverse City!
Big Huge Labs
Positive spirit despite difficult times
Roberta Sibley
 

If you missed MAME 36 in Traverse City, you can still benefit from some of the great sessions that were presented. Check the MAME website for handouts to download. 

MACUL Conference

"Collaborate, Communicate, Create
Grand Rapids

 

 

Michigan Reading Association

Cobo Center & Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center

 

 

June 24-29, 2010

 

 

June 27-30, 2010