Report prepared by Kate O’Hara – Logan City Council
I must have manifested the LEaD conference. Shortly after discussing my goal of prioritising industry training in 2025 with my team leader, I received an email about a bursary opportunity. Recognising this as a chance to act on my intention, I decided to apply, even though it meant stepping out of my comfort zone. Happily, my application was successful, and I flew into Townsville to attend my first QPLA conference.
I’ve been working in public libraries for ten years, more recently behind the scenes in technical services. As a cataloguer, my days are structured, my tasks defined, and I have less direct interaction with our library members. It can be easy to lose focus of the bigger picture. Spending four days with one hundred and fifty of my peers was a timely reminder of the unique role public libraries play in our communities, and the singular passion that library folk have for their profession. Never was this more on display then during the wonderfully varied lightning talks presented by library service representatives. “SENSEational” play sessions for neuro-divergent children, death positive libraries, sustainable collections, disability support programming, an exhibition trail, mentoring schemes, team management initiatives, and a wildly popular writing festival were just some of the talking points. A special mention also to the Regional Digital Development Officers (RDDO) who updated us on their work improving digital literacy in rural Queensland. RDDO Mark’s idea of accessing people’s interests and hobbies to lead into digital literacy was a great take-away.
The keynote and industry professional speakers were both informed and inspiring. A recurring theme throughout the conference was managing challenging behaviours in library spaces, workplace trauma, and staff wellbeing. I took extensive notes during Beth Wahler’s talk on self- and collective care for library staff. Dr. Jane Garner’s workshop also addressed the mental load carried by frontline library staff who support the increasing social service needs of their communities. The office where I work adjoins one of our libraries that face significant challenges in this area, and I kept the team firmly in mind.
SLQ’s Margaret Warren and journalist Tracey Spicer both presented on AI. Margaret’s talk on AI and collections made this cataloguer a little nervous. Tracey, whose voice immediately transported me back to 1998, examined AI through a feminist lens. The week before, I had watched Tui Raven present online at the ALIA conference, and there she was in person, facilitating a yarning session on Indigenous knowledges and ICIP. This tied into Donna Leach’s talk on the Reparative Description Community of Practice, which I have recently joined. Martin Heppell from the Resilience Project, social scientist Jules Allen, and entrepreneur Pauline Nguyen all shared beautiful personal stories that wove in teachings about strength, spirit, and survival. I laughed and I cried.
Needless to say, I left each day exhausted, my brain buzzing with new ideas and information. Returning to work, I feel re-energized and would highly recommend this experience—especially to anyone struggling to see the big picture. I met so many wonderful people, learned a great deal and was well-cared for by QPLA and its sponsors. The gala dinner and the library tours were also highlights, and the rainy weather didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits. A big thank you to Nicole Hunt and the QPLA committee for the opportunity to attend.
Thank you again!
Kate
