I couldn’t believe my good fortune when I learned that for the second year in a row I would have the privilege of representing SLA’s Legal Division at the BIALL conference. After crisscrossing America to attend the annual conference in San Diego, I jetted off to Strathclyde for the beginning of my Great Britain adventure.
Returning to BIALL was like going back to summer camp for another year. There were smiles and hugs from both people I’ve known for a short while and from people I just met last year. I remember thinking at my first conference in Belfast that it was cool to see just one person I already knew. In Glasgow, it almost felt like a homecoming of sorts. It was lovely to see both Stephen Phillips and Sam Wiggins on two different continents within the same week. All three of us were the intrepid travelers who managed to squeeze both SLA and BIALL into the span of a few days. The BIALL sessions did not disappoint and I learned a lot about the nuances in Scottish law from the presentations by both Professor Hector MacQueen from the Scottish Law Commission and Bruce Beveridge, Vice President of The Law Society of Scotland. I must say that SLA Europe Chapter President Stephen Phillips’ presentation was perhaps the best one I’ve seen about proving value. While the topic of proving value has almost become anathema to some in the information professional community, Stephen’s fresh take was noteworthy. At the risk of embarrassing them, I admit that I couldn’t help but feel like a proud mama bear to the two past Legal Division ECCA winners, Sam Wiggins and Marie Cannon, for their great presentation of, “From Academia to the Office: New Professionals in the Workplace.” During their session, I couldn’t help but reflect on how valuable the ECCA is and that I’m terribly proud that the Legal Division supports it so enthusiastically. I really enjoyed myself at the BIALL conference and thank then-President James Mullen for his gracious hospitality.
After the conference ended, I was free to get out and explore Scotland. I confess; I didn’t know much about Glasgow before my trip. My knowledge consisted of the fact that I’ve seen the movie “Gregory’s Girl” many times, which was filmed in nearby Cumbernauld and in the greater Glasgow area. Incidentally, I do have a tiny sliver of a personal connection to that part of the world – my high school, for reasons I won’t bore you with here, was named after Strathaven in South Lanarkshire. (Go Panthers!)
After a whirlwind tour of Glasgow, I was whisked off to Edinburgh by my guide and handler, the lovely new Europe Chapter member Jennie Findlay. She so very kindly opened her home to me and I was able to experience Edinburgh like a local. (I rode a bus! I went to the supermarket!) It was here in Edinburgh that I ate a scone that was quite possibly as large as my head. Eteaket on Frederick Street has a mighty fine afternoon tea.
The next leg of my journey was train travel from Edinburgh to Harrogate, via York. Harrogate, the site of the 2014 BIALL conference, was as lovely and charming as everyone told me it would be. I was greeted at the station by another Europe Chapter member, Laura Woods. Laura and I haven’t seen each other since the 2011 conference in my hometown of Philadelphia. She took me to Betty’s Tea Room, which was such a delight for an afternoon tea loving Anglophile nerd like me. We ventured into the village of Knaresborough and it was here that I got see picturesque Yorkshire. 
Next, I was off to London for the final leg of my journey. On the way to Kings Cross I made a snarky comment about the train being late, discussed the weather and ate Walkers Crisps on the train. I’m pretty sure this now qualifies me for UK citizenship. I enjoyed a studio flat for a few days and had way too much fun in the local Waitrose. I was very pleased with myself that I remembered to ask where the trolleys were kept and not say shopping cart. It’s the little things in life that you really have to savor.
The days I spent in London were jam-packed with events. It was such a treat to see Europe Chapter Past President Sara Batts at the top of the Gherkin. I’m grateful to her for giving me the opportunity to experience something so unique.
I was chuffed when I learned that Events Chair Sam Wiggins and sponsor Justis were able to confirm a chapter event to coincide with my visit. The “Behind the Termini Tour” with Past President and Blue Badge Guide Rachel Kolsky was very fun, interesting and informative. I definitely experienced a part of London that I don’t think many visitors take time to see.
Seema Rampersad was my top-notch guide in the British Library. Not only did I get to see the treasures held there, but I also had the opportunity to dine in the very fancy canteen with ECCA Co-Chair Simon Barron. Thanks to the helpful tips from Anneli Sarkanen, I was able to see London from more of a local’s point of view. Here was my view of St. Paul’s Cathedral as I rode the route 15 bus on my way to Tower Bridge.
I was thrilled to be able to experience the London area in so many different ways. From attending the Taste of London Festival, meeting up with colleagues who work in the city, to seeing friends in St Albans – I was able to really get a taste of a less-touristy way to have a very enjoyable visit to Great Britain.
Those who know me understand that there was one very touristy place that I just couldn’t leave the country without visiting.
During my trip, Laura Woods Tweeted, “@LibrarySherpa is my favourite person to show around. All the stuff I think is boring/ordinary, she finds fun & interesting.” To me, this perfectly summarizes my UK adventure from this past June. I did indeed find everything to be fun and interesting! I am indebted to my wonderful friends and colleagues who were so very generous with their time and hospitality during my trip. I hope to return the favor for when you visit this side of the pond.
