This year, Core is celebrating the season of giving by fundraising for six scholarships to Core Forum in Minneapolis over November 14-16, 2024. This multi-day event is one of Core’s most valuable and unique offerings, and it’s not your average library conference.
That is why we are asking you to help us extend this enriching experience to more of your deserving colleagues. By donating to the Core Forum Scholarship Fund, you will support the personal and professional development of another colleague in the field. The following are major reasons why attendees enjoy Core Forum and why it’s an experience worth paying forward.
A Melting Pot of Professionals
Core Forum is unique in its diversity. It attracts first timers and veterans alike, including professionals from all types of libraries and specialties. Also, attendees aren’t just library staff. They’re from a spectrum of backgrounds that include furniture and equipment vendors, architects, planners, government employees, and more. As Cataloger Amanda S. puts it, “It’s really the conference to attend if you do any back-of-house library work.” This diversity fosters an environment rich in perspectives, making it a fertile ground for innovative ideas.
Unmatched Networking in a Cozy Setting
The size of Core Forum strikes the perfect balance: large enough to be diverse, yet small enough to be intimate. This manageable scale facilitates deeper connections and easier navigation. “This was an excellent networking event,” one attendee remarked. “The size made it so much easier to talk with others and see them throughout the days.” For Gina C., an Associate Dean, the targeted content and smaller sessions make Core Forum an ideal place for networking and learning.
Exceptional Learning Experiences
Core Forum stands out for the quality and variety of its sessions. With six concurrent tracks, there’s a wealth of knowledge to explore. Attendees like Holly M., an Electronic Resources Librarian, appreciate the focus on specific interest areas, saying, “I loved having a high-quality conference that was focused on my interests.” Elisabeth M., from MDA Design Group, echoes this sentiment, praising the organization and programming quality as among the best in her 30 years of attending library conferences.
Inspirational Keynotes and Delightful Surprises
One of the most talked-about features of Core Forum is its keynote speakers. Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy’s keynote this year in New Orleans, for instance, offered a captivating glimpse into local culture and history. “Maybe the best keynote speakers I’ve ever had the pleasure to hear,” an attendee reflected. “I think being surprised was part of the extra joy at this event. My expectations were exceeded and there was content that I didn’t think would be helpful to me that was — like Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy’s poetry,” reflected one attendee. These moments of surprise and inspiration are what set Core Forum apart, providing attendees with a refreshing break and a reminder of the broader community they serve.
A donation to the Core Forum Scholarship Fund isn’t just a gift; it’s an investment in the future of our profession. By supporting colleagues to attend this extraordinary event, you’re helping to shape the future of library and information services. Let’s come together to make Core Forum 2024 a landmark event, accessible to all who aspire to be there.
