On November 14 and 15, 2019, DLIS students Nicki Loder, Katie Ranno, Kim Simmons, Reba Weatherford, and Elana Weber represented St. John’s DLIS at the annual NYLA Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY. DLIS had a booth on the trade show floor to inform attendees about the Advanced Certificate in Management for Information Professionals that is offered at St. John’s. Alumni of the St. John’s MS LIS program were invited to stop by and visit the booth, and when they arrived they were greeted warmly and presented with an official St. John’s University Alumni pin. It was a great day of meeting and greeting both alumni and prospective students from across the state. As an added bonus, student Nicki Loder was a presenter in a standing-room only afternoon program titled “An Internet Dark and Full of Terrors” along with Michael Buono of the Brentwood Public Library, James Hartmann of the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, James Hutter of the Port Washington Public Library, and Robyn Byrd, M.A, of the Graduate School at Northern Illinois University. Ms. Byrd was herself a victim of a child predator when she was 15 years old, and her contribution to the discussion was moving. The program was a panel discussion comprised of experts in the subject of some of the harmful internet phenomena that Public, School, and Technology librarians need to be aware of in order to help patrons protect themselves.
Later, the students attended a DLIS sponsored LILRC NYLA Long Island Reception, where they had the opportunity to network with alumni, adjuncts, and members of our greater DLIS community. The event was well attended, the food was delicious, and a great time was had by all!