Face to face networks

I enjoyed the Cambridge 23 things cpd meet up last week in the Maypole pub, networking is always easier with a glass in my hand. Matching real life people to their twitter, facebook or blogging personalities is a great party game although it can be quite disconcerting if you are approached by someone commenting on your activities and you don't know them from Adam.
For the great part of my career, involvement in CILIP was confined to paying the annual subscription and skimming through the Gazette, Sunrise and other publications although I did attend a few CILIP Rare books conferences and a couple of East of England events. In terms of networking and support the CCLF (Cambridge College Libraries Forum), the annual Libraries@Cambridge meetings, the Cambridge Libraries Group, monthly brown bag lunches and the Liberty users group met most needs with the specialized Trumpington Street Disaster planning group providing advice when required.

Training can however come from other sources. For several years I ran a Brownie pack and Girlguiding UK provides excellent training for leaders including event management and publicity. I sail, and the RYA provides specialized courses in first aid (101 things you can do with a fender) and the Cruising Association has meetings  in CA house where people can share expertise.

Networking should not be confined to library workers but should also include participating in committees within your organisation: health and safety, environment, heads of department. You won't make enemies by offering to take minutes and may well get a better feel of what is going on.