COMO XVII – Discovering a New World of Knowledge
By Donna Milner
Excitement, adventure, history, new innovations,
collegial networking, and just plain fun are all words that describe
this year’s conference. The Ironworks of Columbus was a
beautiful site for the conference as it was spacious, clean,
steeped in history, surrounded by natural beauty and filled with
hospitality. Many remarked that this was the best site we have
had for the convention.
The guest speakers were of top-notch quality. Steven Kellogg
thrilled us with his storytelling and illustrating as he told
the story. His energy was boundless and his excitement contagious.
He was a real trooper and graciously stayed till the last book
was autographed. Annette Lamb wowed us at the opening keynote
with a call to discover the new world of knowledge then followed
up the next day with instructions in some of that new knowledge
including blogging, using testing to enrich learning and keeping
it R.E.A.L. Nancy Pollette enthused us with energy as she presented
topics on Reading, Research and Reader’s Theatre.
The concurrent sessions were wonderful with something for everyone.
The only real problem was there were so many good ones that it
was hard to choose where to go. Several people remarked that
they felt that they missed too much because they couldn’t
get to everything.
The author’s reception covered two halls and included
many well-known names. Many of the authors also presented sessions.
Oh, don’t forget the food. It was simply scrumptious!
During the luncheon we were enlightened by Evelyn Thames on the
current library study.
A big congratulation goes to Betsy Razza, this year’s
Georgia Library Media Specialist of the Year.
Yes, it’s over, but wait – is it really? Have you
returned home to share what you have learned with your colleagues
that didn’t get to go? Are you working on a project that
needs to be shared at next year’s conference? What can
you do to get involved with next year’s conference?
Let’s make it bigger and better – a true celebration
of Library Media. COMO XVIII 2006 is planned for September 20-22,
2006 in Athens, Georgia. Yes, the date has been changed to an
earlier time in the year since school is starting earlier and
we can put some time between us and the other conferences. Get
your reservations early as there is a home game –UGA vs.
Colorado- that weekend. Grab a colleague and start planning your
concurrent session presentation and be ready for the application
that will be online in early Spring. See you there!