2018 LIASA Conference experience by Danie Malan (LIASA National Treasurer, 2014-2018)

My 2018 LIASA Conference experience

Looking back at my two terms as National Treasurer in the LIASA Executive Committee (2014-2016 and 2016-2018), I can definitely regard the 19^th Annual LIASA Conference as one of the highlights of my professional career. Attending conference as a member of the Executive is quite different in comparison with attending as an ordinary member of the Association. Members of the Executive need to be on standby at all times to attend urgently called meetings, finalise last reports and to resolve unforeseen problems related to the organising of this annual event. 

Exco members need to report for their first meeting on the Friday afternoon before the start of conference. Meetings and discussions to finalise items on the agenda for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will continue throughout the weekend, often late into the evenings and also include a lengthy meeting with members of the LIASA Representative Council. I was looking forward to attending a pre-conference on ‘Inter-personal change in the workplace’, but in the end I was instead summoned to attend an urgently called Exco meeting.

The first day of conference turned out to be an exciting one with the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa as the keynote speaker. The opening session was followed by lively discussions on the restructuring of LIASA and the professional body status, followed by an interesting presentation on an ‘Online publishing support service’ of which I chaired the session. The early evening cocktail function provided the opportunity to re-unite with colleagues and friends from other institutions and provinces, but also to build new connections with vendors and service providers. My participation in Sabinet’s promotional ‘selfie’ competition resulted in me being the lucky winner of a Lenovo 7” tablet. Thank you Sabinet!

During the second day of Conference, I had the opportunity to attend the AGM of the School Libraries and Youth Services Interest Group (SLYSIG), as well as the AGM of the Research, Education and Teaching Interest Group. Other sessions included conversations on ‘Libraries and the Development Agenda’ and the restructuring of LIASA. Following the traditional President’s dinner, Exco convened again until the early morning hours to finalise reports for presentation at the AGM on Thursday.

During the Annual General Meeting, the Exco member responsible for finance and the budget, i.e. the National Treasurer, once again realised what it meant to be ‘in the hot seat’. However, with this AGM, my term as Exco member ended and I could hand the financial responsibilities of the Association over to the newly elected Treasurer. Good luck to you, sir!

The day ended in a relaxed mood with the gala dinner, which is always an enjoyable highlight for all conference delegates.

It was a privilege to serve LIASA and its members for two consecutive terms of office. It was hard work and a huge, but fulfilling learning opportunity. I want to thank Brenda, Lindiwe, and my loyal UP Department of Library Services LIASA colleagues, for your continued support and encouragement throughout the four years.

I can wholeheartedly encourage non-members to join LIASA, the official professional body for all Library and Information Services workers in South Africa. Become involved in LIASA structures on branch and interest group level and become the change you want to see in the profession! 

Danie Malan's winning "selfie".