When Omar Poler accepted the award for third place, he responded, “Gas money for TLAM.”

It was a fitting response considering TLAM fieldtrips have been instrumental in establishing relationships with American Indians across Wisconsin.

TLAM was awarded third place at the Diversity & Outreach Fair poster session at the American Library Association annual conference. The six-day convention, which was expected to attract over 16,000 librarians, ended June 26 in Anaheim, Calif.

More than 30 institutions participated in the Diversity & Outreach Fair, which took place June 23 in the Anaheim Convention Center. This year’s theme was “Building Community Connections.”

The ALA Office for Literacy & Outreach Services organized the fair. Library supplier DEMCO provided gifts certificates for the top three posters.

TLAM won for its poster, “Convening Culture Keepers: Building Connections Between Library Students and American Indian Communities.” The design illustrated how TLAM has forged relationships with Native Americans through coursework and conferences. The poster emphasized service-learning projects that have inspired TLAM members to visit American Indian reservations throughout Wisconsin.

TLAM instructor Poler and TLAM Student Group officer Troy Espe answered questions during the two-hour event. Although located in the back of the room, the TLAM poster attracted attention from librarians from around the world. ALA Past-President Loriene Roy, who is pictured in the poster, conversed at length with Poler.

Omar Poler and Loriene Roy converse at the poster session.

Several TLAM members also showed their support by visiting the table. Members included Catherine Phan, Janice Rice, Dawn Wing, Ashley Guy, and Hayley Johnson.Poler, who also is the TLAM Student Group adviser and Convening Culture Keepers conference coordinator, designed and edited the poster. TLAM Student Group officers Kelly Kraemer, Jessica Miesner, and Espe provided text.

-Troy Espe

TLAM at the ALA Diversity & Outreach Fair Poster Session

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