Vendor Vibes

All conferences include a vendor hall, and what a fun and exciting experience this can be. Lights, glitter, action and learning co-exist in any large vendor hall. Row upon row of vendor exhibits line each row - with over 1, 153 library vendors represented!! From the American Association of School Librarians huge display and bookstore in the middle of the vendor hall, to Child World's booth full of great children's books to WGBH Boston Video with a large and wonderful selection of DVD's for library and classroom use.

Of course, free goodies abound: pens, pencils, sticky notes, candy, bookmarks, rulers, posters, etc. Lots of free stuff for the taking. Of course, there are books, DVDs, and all types of walk-away media for sale. The last day of the conference, most vendors discount titles anywhere from 20 - 50% off.

The following is a list of what can be found in the vendor hall on any given moment:

Learning Opportunities:

• Interested in learning more about available databases? Database demonstrations from all of the major database providers. From individual to group demos, the opportunity exists to learn about all of the offerings and how they might benefit your school. What could be better than to have a database demonstrated with your needs in mind and with your specific questions answered! Purchase on the spot: done! Request a free trial: done as well!
• New books abound and are yours for the perusing. Many of the major publishing houses are represented, with new titles on display! Read a few lines, ask questions about the book, and even pick up a few sample copies for free! Also, remember the great discounts offered on the last day of the conference! This is a great collection development opportunity!
• Building a new library or renovating an older facility? There are numerous vendors here at AASL in Reno to help you do just that! New shelving? Comfortable furniture, including sofas, chairs, and lounge furniture? Need a detailed layout for a new library? Book trucks, display cases, circulation desks, lighting? All of this is here and more!
  
• Interested in Library Automation? Well, this is the place for you, with over ten vendors demonstrating their products, offering free trials, and conducting training sessions on existing products. Gather your information, sign up for free trials, and talk to the vendors present. Your decision making will be much easier and more informed than ever before!
• Want to make new library displays? Vendors are here to help - from die-cut lettering to new posters to stands and even stuffed animals for your display!!
• Looking for professional resources? Check out the AASL store, as well as publishers booths, including Linworth, Libraries Unlimited, and Neal Schuman. Many of the titles are also offered at great discounts on the last vendor hall day!
• Want to further your education in the library field or enter a new program? Many graduate schools that offer programs in the library field are on hand to speak to you directly about what programs they sponsor. These schools send representatives to the conference, and are available for personal consultations about entering their schools.
• Shipping books/stuff home? The USPS maintains a shipping center in the vendor hall, with a UPS and FedEx shipping station just outside the hall. Take your pick - getting your treasures home or back to your school library is a breeze!

As important as the conference sessions are, the vendor hall offers a myriad of learning and growth opportunities whether you ahve been in the field for 1 year or 20 years! Experience the thrill of the vendor hall - enter a raffle, play a vendor-sponsored game, and join in the fun. You will be learning all the way - sometimes without even knowing that you are!!