About NASIG

Hard to remember. I do remember sitting in on planning sessions as part of a group that involved John Riddick and Becky Lenzini well *before* there was a NASIG and talking about how to structure it. I was part of the "board" before there was one and served on the first Board as a member. This goes back to about 1983, which was some time ago!

Community of spirit and a pleasant time with my colleagues.

Size and scale are the most noticeable, along with more and more complexity in many areas of conferences and services. Also an increasing amount of sophistication in communications (electronic, for example) and planning.

That's a big question. I guess, in general, remember "who" NASIG is and why it was created. If the who and why are relevant, then the organization can continue to be relevant no matter what changes -- size, technology, and so on.

1986. Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Well, I remember how shocked I was that the campus was *sooo* lovely and the town (as typified by Lancaster Pike) was so full of bars and so comparatively un-charming! Also, I had forgotten what dorm rooms were like. That was the beginning of the fight with heat and humidity that has been a characteristic of many of our dorm stays.

1987. Denison University, Granville, Ohio. Got a key to the chapel and practiced the lovely pipe organ there, so I'd not get behind with my music lessons. The other thing I remember is that it was hot/humid. I didn't think and painted my nails (polish) and then sat out under a tree with Heather Steele, talking, and couldn't understand why the nail polish didn't dry. It was the humidity, of course!

1988. Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, Georgia. Oh, Oh -- this was my naughty NASIG. I came to my room and found mold in the corners and a plethora of bugs in my suitcase the second I began unpacking! It was not appetizing, so I finally moved to a nearby hotel for the duration. But the conference was close by so I was able to enjoy it all the more!

1989. Scripps College, Claremont, California. Loved the cool, damp weather and the big old room I had. Shabby and primitive, but in its own way classy.

1990 Brock University, St.Catherine's, Ontario No sharp memories of the conference itself, but the theatre and the falls were spectacular. I enjoyed playing tourist with some NASIG pals in the nearby villages. Nice cultural and Canadian atmosphere.

1991 Trinity University, St.Antonio, Texas I remember practicing the organ again in the Trinity chapel! It was a terrific conference in so many ways, including the deluge and getting ready with the Program Committee for UIC the next year, which we were already doing by then. On the last day, en route home, I came down with a terrible flu that lasted two weeks, thus paying for my pleasures.

1992. University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois. What a contrast -- the heavily used urban campus. That took us all some adjustment, though we did manage to do well. I remember after the fact, that when Patricia Brennan (ARL) and I were inputting the evaluations into SurveyPro, several dorm residents had complained that the washcloths were too tiny. God is in the details!

1993. Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. Picture-, weather-, and letter-perfect meeting. I took off one half a day (via early a.m. US Air flight and return right after lunch) to attend, on invitation, a breakfast in the white House Rose garden! What a kick that was -- but I definitely wanted to return for the rest of the conference (rather than staying on at home in DC) because it was just too good to miss.

1994. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC. My favorite place in the world (BC) so there is nothing, nothing that can spoil it for me. Thus my impressions of this conference are probably unfair (it was very special!!). I loved the grey and the setting on the point. A hard location to beat, but we do keep at least matching the previous years, if not surpassing them.

Specialness of many of the people who have become colleagues & friends Sense of Community Non-commercial environment in which to meet and talk as equals

Actually, I was in the exhibit hall of the '86 ALA mid-winter when I first heard about NASIG from a vendor who was VERY excited about the potential the organization might have IF it were to do even half as well as UKSG. So, Bryn Mawr being only a stone's throw from Lancaster, I joined and went to what now is the first of ten-in-a-row!!

I expected to have the opportunity to chat substantively BUT informally with many of the "people in the know" within "Serial Land". I expected to hear some worthwhile papers. I expected to come away from NASIG ONE rejuvenated and refreshed.

AND EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE EXPECTATIONS WERE MET!!!

Of course, we are much, much larger both as measured in membership (five fold increase?) and attendance (3 fold increase?) so I never have been one to compare either NASIG itself or the Bryn Mawr, Denison or Olgethorpe days with our present situation. It just wouldn't be fair.

The above being self-evident, one CAN say, however, that NASIG has become more sophisticated and discerning in what it is about, has successfully provided a "niche" for all its constituencies while at the same time maintaining the collegiality for which it is world renown, and, perhaps most importantly, has remained "current" with the rapid changes in the management of information throughout the chain of knowledge flow.

"To thine own self be true, and it shall follow...[etc.etc.]" is the single one warning I would give to NASIG. We can not allow ourselves to stray from our mission as defined by the goals and objectives of the Vision Task Force although it is sometimes tempting to do so...we must continue to build upon the work of Lenzini, Riddick and others who have clearly begun what will (prediction!!) become the Numero UNO organization that will serve all its members and the profession(s) at large as the key conduit for intelligent, informed decision making. We MUST always listen to ourselves!!!

Name the top 3 things you like best about NASIG.

The opportunity to interact with the "best of the best" in each link in the information chain...and to be judged by the work one does rather than one's organizational affiliation. The great substance of the conferences ... especially the plenaries and concurrents. Making GREAT friends...who are there for me as I walk both the plateaus AND the valleys of my professional and personal lives.

This seemed to be an organization dedicated to all aspects pertaining to Serials - the first to do so in North America. And to date it has lived up to its billing.

I was curious and looking for an avenue to answer serials problems. I was hoping for a forum for an exchange of ideas, i.e. indepth, not superficial. The conference certainly did not disappoint me.

One of the basic changes has been in numbers. It started small and intimate and has grown immensely. NASIG has successfully tracked the evolution of information transfer / communication / network and gives more than a glimpse into the future. It has been realistic about the changing role of the librarian, be it serials, cataloguing or reference librarian.

NASIG should continue to do what it is good at, i.e provide a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas. It should try to keep discussion groups small - the increase in size is a problem; in fact, size could be the death of the organization. The volunteer engine has given the organization its energy, and this should never be lost. I would suggest having the tours in the middle of the conference as we did, because it gives a welcome break to the tough problems being considered.

1986. Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. The excitement of this forum was captivating, and the response outstripped the expectations.

1987. Denison University, Granville, Ohio. The tours were always a highlight, and I particularly was struck by the Indian Mound Tour.

1989. Scripps College, Claremont, California. This was my first introduction to California, and I was quite surprised at the weather - cool and wet.

1990. Brock University, St.Catherine's, Ontario. For this conference I was Chair of the Local Committee. This was the first conference to be held in Canada, and so it was really a bit of an experiment. The following vignettes indicate the interesting problems encountered by the Local Committee: At this conference a delegate was stranded at a U.S. airport and would be arriving at Buffalo after the last shuttle to Brock. We managed to use our "librarian's" ingenuity to track down the exact flight and time of arrival, to arrange for an airport limousine to pick her up, to page her successfully at her transfer point, and to have the residence doors open for her arrival. As is usual in these situations there is always a scramble for "damage control" over something. On check-in day we discovered that Conference Services, without reference to the Committee or to any registration requests, had reassigned the rooms which had been very carefully assigned to registrants according to their specifications such as choice of roommates, physical requirements. This meant we had to negotiate reassignment of rooms and hope that we were able to meet everyone's wishes. At the end of the Conference the Committee heaved a sigh of relief when the assigned land carrier who seemed to specialize in chaos did not lose or have anyone kidnapped on their way from or to the airports. I believe this was the last time the Conference actually laid on ground transportation. After the Conference "serials" ingenuity again came to the fore when a lost note book with no name or address to identify the owner was reunited with the owner. Sleuthing through the notebook revealed details of pay cheques, bank accounts and phone numbers which identified the region and on this information the list of registrants was combed to identify the person. Fortunately I am a mysteries fan. A spin-off from this conference is a little-known fact. The following spring I was nominated and was selected for the International Convention Ambassador's Award which the St. Catharines Chamber of Commerce gives out to a select few at a Champagne Breakfast each year. This award completely surprised and delighted me.

1991. Trinity University, St.Antonio, Texas. This Conference was a pleasant relief from the hectic pace of the year before. It was great to be able to rejoin the informal exchange of ideas. Again I enjoyed the sights of the city. That was the year I joined the "river rats." A group of us went for a cruise on the river when the heavens opened and the water descended in torrents to much laughter and drenching.

1992. University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois. I remember very clearly the opening dinner entertainment which was a belly dancer. Though I have travelled and do travel a great deal, somehow I had always missed that entertainment.

1993. Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. Again I enjoyed the walking tour of the city and the beautiful campus.

1994. University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC. This was a return to a Canadian site with its unique characteristics.

The last three years I have been very much just the attendee. The topics remained pertinent, and the future a mite scary when it comes to where the profession is going. However life is an adventure, and though we have no crystal ball, the future is exciting. Conference content keeps me current, and I often return to work to follow up on ideas I have received . However, I expect long after I retire the memories that will remain will be the informal contacts and experiences. I am constantly amazed at how well the Conferences are run. Though the committees are aware of problems, the arrangements seem to be seamless.

Focused topics Opportunity for informal discussion divorced from a "trade show" atmosphere Tours which introduce us to the area

I heard about NASIG from two colleagues, Marilyn Gonsiewski Lewis and Kay Thorne. In early 1986, Marilyn was the Serials Librarian at California Polytechnical State University and a member of the NASIG Executive Board. She raved about this "new and different" organization for serialists and urged me to join. She spoke about the success of the UKSG conferences and assured me that there would be lots of opportunities to get involved in this grassroots organization! Later that year Kay Thorne, Serials Cataloger at San Jose State University, called me about attending the first conference at Bryn Mawr College. She asked, "Aren't you going?" Clearly the news about NASIG was spreading on the West Coast.

I was attracted to NASIG for a number of reasons. I liked the NASIG concept and NASIG style. NASIG is an organization that reaches out to everyone interested in serials, librarians, publishers and vendors. It strives to create a unique and special community, which fosters communication among its members. From the beginning it focused on becoming a forum for the discussion of issues and encouraged all members to participate. To foster full and equal participation by publishers and vendors, exhibits were not part of the conference. Finally, NASIG extended a warm and very personal welcome.

I expected something wonderful and the conference exceeded my expectations! The Bryn Mawr campus was a beautiful site, although some of the dorms were rather spartan. Having attendees stay on the campus created a retreat atmosphere which encouraged interaction at many levels among the attendees. I met many colleagues at the first conference and initiated a number of lasting relationships. The Bryn Mawr experience became the "NASIG experience." Also, in general, the mid-eighties was an exciting time in the serials world. For example, the pricing of British journals was a topic of much debate. It was addressed at Bryn Mawr by four speakers in a plenary session entitled "The Bryn Mawr Teaparty: 1776 Revisited."

NASIG was once the "new kid on the block," an organization that had to work hard to gain recognition and prestige. Today the organization has a unique and valued position in the information community. In 1991, Ann Okerson, in her president's column, commented that our conference was the "hottest small library conference in North America." That continues to be the case because of the quality of our programming, the reasonable cost and the quality of the conference experience.

Work to maintain the "NASIG experience" -- the professional experience with a personal touch. Continue to encourage and mentor new members by providing opportunities for involvement.

1986 Bryn Mawr College Having lunch outdoors in a courtyard surrounded by stone buildings which recall those at Oxford. It seemed so appropriate, given the fact that NASIG was modeled after UKSG. Sharing a room with a new colleague and friend, May Youmans from Western Carolina University.

1987. Denison University. Talking with colleagues on the bus ride to the campus and to OCLC for a tour. Dancing with John Riddick and then talking with him about having a NASIG conference on the West Coast. At the time I had no idea that I might be asked to be a member of the local arrangements committee for the fourth conference.

1988. Oglethorpe University. Hearing Deana Astle play the dulcimer on the lawn outside the dorms after a day filled with discussions on copyright issues. Feasting on the "make your own" ice cream sundaes during one of our afternoon breaks.

1989. Scripps College. Being part of a "dream team" responsible for "local arrangements" (now called Conference Planning). Working with Tina Feick, who was president and the other committee members (Mark Braden, Maria Capp, Lisa Peterson). It was an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience. Working with the conference director to find a different site for the banquet because it was too cold for an outdoor banquet AND rain was expected that evening. It was a near death experience!

1990. Brock University. The conference banquet and the walk beside Niagara Falls. The lively discussion that followed Sheila Intner's paper which challenged serials catalogers and called for a new paradigm for accessing serials.

1991. Trinity University. Learning to do the Texas two-step and the great Texas welcome provided by Kathy Soupiset and Danny Jones, co-chairs of the Conference Planning Committee. Buying my first NASIG t-shirts! (Why did we wait so long to do this?)

1992. University of Illinois at Chicago. Past President Mary Beth Clack's thoughtful and gracious speech at the conference opening. At the conference reception watching the lights come on in downtown Chicago from high atop the Amoco building. It was a wonderful event at the conference we shared with colleagues from SSP.

1993. Brown University. As President, walking the campus the day before the conference with Pat Putney and Jean Callaghan, the co-chairs of the Conference Planning Committee, and thinking that it was all coming together thanks to the efforts of so many and how we WOULD meet the great expectations everyone has for NASIG conferences. Having Cindy Hepfer and October Ivins as co-chairs of the Program Planning Committee. The committee developed a great program filled with innovative plenary sessions and a wonderful selection of concurrent sessions and workshops. They only consulted me occasionally and then just to let me know who things were progressing.

1994. University of British Columbia. Attending the NASIGNET preconference done by Birdie MacLennan, Marilyn Geller and the breakout sessions done by Maggie Rioux, Ann Okerson and Dave Rodgers. Feasting at the salmon barbecue and touring the Anthropology Museum. Attending the workshop on ethics given by Mary Devlin where she was so effective in presenting various situations and facilitating the discussions. This is my favorite type of NASIG workshop!!

The sense of community and the opportunity NASIG provides for meeting new colleagues and maintaining friendships

The consistent and outstanding quality of the conference program

The opportunities for professional involvement

In 1986, a colleague from Cleveland State University told me that a new group (NASIG) had been formed that addressed issues relating to serials. Since I had recently become Head of the Serials Dept. in my own library, this piqued my interest. I secured a copy of the Bryn Mawr Conference information and decided to sign up...the rest is history.

I hoped to pick up some applicable information and have the opportunity to see how other people were handling the same types of serials problems I was encountering--and I did. In Ohio, we are fortunate to have a great deal of networking activity, and I have always been involved in local/state/regional serials discussion groups and NASIG has broadened that scope even more.

The most obvious change is the number of attendees at the conferences. As time progresses, it seems that there are more and more faces that I do not recognize. However, I do not view this in a negative way at all. Every year I see a resurrection of the same enthusiasm that I felt, and have continued to feel, when I attended my first NASIG conference at Bryn Mawr. Secondly, although NASIG may have experienced some growing pains over the years, the commitment to the organizational mission has held firm and therefore the high standard set forth in the beginning have not changed.

I do not have any specific suggestions for the future, NASIG should just continue to keep in touch with the concerns and needs of the membership and be a forum for monitoring what is happening in the serials arena.

1986. Bryn Mawr. Great food...am not sure if any of the subsequent conferences matched the food at Bryn Mawr! The vision and enthusiasm of John Riddick, Tina Feick and Becky Lenzini.

1987. Denison University. This conference stands out from all of the others because I was part of the Local Arrangements (aka "Blue dots"). This was the conference where the "dancing" began--I recall that some rather entrepreneurial individuals "relocated" the party to accommodate some college regulations regarding libations!

1988. Oglethorpe University. The dancing flourished at this conference--the first square dance was in the gym at Oglethorpe and the real "diehards" danced to DJ "toons" one night. Took lots of pictures!

1989. Scripps College. Scripps had a beautiful campus, but I thought California was supposed to be warm!

1991. Trinity University. Getting "soaked" and having my wallet (driver's license, credit cards, and money) stolen on the Riverwalk boat ride! The "silver lining" was that someone in Texas mailed the wallet--minus the money--back to me that same week!

1992. University of Illinois at Chicago. Chicago was cold and windy.

1993. Brown University. Missed the boat!

1994. University of British Columbia. Experiencing the Anthropological Museum.

Networking with people that work in serials. Conference workshops. Educational opportunities

First meeting was close to Villanova. Opportunity to learn more about serials. NASIG was small in size.

What did you expect at/from the first conference?

To learn more about serials.

Grown in size, has added people issues to the agenda and less publisher vs. library issues, which is a plus.

To continue to deal with personal issues and personnel issues.

1986. Bryn Mawr. Small groups, great tours!

1987. Denison. Bugs in bathrooms, no screens on windows. Library Director in pith helmet.

1988. Oglethorpe. Rustic dining room, but nice!

1989. Scripps. Outside eating in cold, wet weather in sunny California.

1990. Brock. Trying to get in the men's dorm--key didn't work. Thank God!

1991. Trinity. Not being able to get in our rooms with the key.

1992. UIC. Strolling the Loop and tight security

1993. Brown. Problem bathrooms, old library system.

1994. University of British Columbia. Fantastic view from our room

Sessions. Different locations. Getting together with friends

The concept of an organization specifically oriented to my job attracted me to that initial organizational meeting in Chicago in 1985. The interest and the enthusiasm from that meeting seemed to be very positive, and as they say -- the rest is history. NASIG membership was to me an obvious choice.

I recall that I attended Bryn Mawr with few, if any, preconceived notions. I really didn't know what to expect, so that whatever did or did not happen would not disappoint me. I simply hoped for a positive experience.

My immediate response is the obvious: SIZE. I don't believe that "bigger is better," but neither can I say necessarily that "bigger is badder."

How can I suggest improvement to something which is "pretty darn good?" If NASIG can continue to stay on the path as laid forward in 1985, we will continue to be a dynamic organization.

Memory lane...

1986. Bryn Mawr College. 1st conference is always very special; food was great!! Campus atmosphere was exceptional. Beginning of that NASIG dancing tradition. 1 1/2 hour wait for an airport shuttle; There was this small used book store near campus (or was it on campus? I forget).

1987. Denison University. Welcome to open the conference was entertaining and unusual. 1st fun run/walk. Prime example of NASIG administrative adaptability when some of us moved the music/DJ to where the dancers were (in other words where the drinks were served).

1988. Oglethorpe University. Folk dancing of some 300 NASIGers, elegant banquet at a Marriott, Stone Mountain--what a huge rock! New friends made :-) Old friend moves on :-(

1989. Scripps College. Sunny California? A rose garden where you were actually encouraged to pick a rose. Square danced for the first time. Has Maria recovered yet from her position as transportation coordinator?

1990. Brock University. Niagara Falls -- Wow! Transportation hassles of which I had none. Another rousing bit of square dancing. Anyone for a Virginia reel -- in Canada? it worked! Alphie's Trough.

1991. Trinity University. HOT! Anyone for a little 2-step? River Walk and the "River Soak" -- still parts of me that haven't dried out. The "NASIG Players" made their first AND only performance to a captive (or any) audience--so much for my performing career....sigh.

1992. University of Illinois at Chicago. COLD! About as cold as it was hot in San Antonio. How cold was it? -- Ask those who went to the baseball game, and have YET to feel their toes.

1993. Brown University. Ivy League atmosphere; OLD!! Bay cruise--Kathy how did you enjoy the cruise?

1994. University of British Columbia. Scenic Location; Salmon BarBQ, now that's a lot of fish! Can one order Kansas beef in a Thai restaurant?

1995. Duke University. A tradition returns! Welcome back John Merriman!

the People, the People, the People

John Riddick contacted me over ten years ago to participate in the original study group. His enthusiasm was the primary motivating force. As a former serials librarian, I had felt isolated within my working environment, and I saw that NASIG could be the serials network that I and others needed. The ongoing attraction has been the people involved in NASIG, the fantastic programs, the great conferences and the opportunity to network with people with similar concerns and issues.

As I was in charge of the local arrangements, my answer may have a different perspective.

Working with John Riddick and Mary Beth Clack, I found an energy that I had never felt before. We had a mission and we worked very hard to achieve that mission.

I planned for 150 people and we got over 250!!!! I never thought that we would have the kind of positive response that we got. AMAZING was the ongoing reaction.

We were an unknown, we had no budget and no insurance!! We tried to create an informal atmosphere where all members of the information chain could network and we apparently succeeded.

The programs have dramatically expanded to move outside our serials environment to speakers and topics from outside our industry. Very healthy step.

The size of the conference has increased. The numbers question will continue to haunt us. I miss the smaller conferences where I felt that I knew everyone. Yet I would never exclude any member from their conference!!

Every year we have gotten slicker in our organizing of the conference. We learn each year.

NASIG has become a strong organization. Financially it is very sound. The membership is healthy and dynamic. I am very proud to have been part of this organization.

Keep the informal tone of the conference. Keep providing challenging programs. Keep the network alive.

We need to move into regional conferences and/or continuing education programs - perhaps using the programs presented at the annual conferences. Many of our members are unable to attend the conference.

1986. Bryn Mawr College. lunches in the Cloisters - I go back to the campus and look at the Cloisters area. Seeing everyone talking to everyone else the fantastic weather - no rain!!! doing the bunny hop at our dance!!

1987. Denison University. lovely campus and charming New England style town. The Director singing an aria to call us to dinner, warm weather

1988. Oglethorpe University. small auditorium yet very conducive for discussion -- best audience participation that we have ever had the beginning of the discussion groups - cataloguing!!! the beginning of structured committee meetings

1989. Scripps College. cold weather - moving events inside!!! peer review panel - faculty/editor participants (our first outside the industry), wine tasting

1990. Brock University. suite rooms, first time - felt large, size of conference, Canada Banquet at Niagara Falls

1991. Trinity University. Very hot. Fantastic dorm rooms. Two-stepping one night. River rides where many got drenched!!! electronic journal becoming a major topic

1992. Univ of Illinois at Chicago. urban campus, great programs, one evening at the top of the bank building

1993. Brown University. charming campus, boat ride for banquet, much of electronic developments - faculty participation

1994. University of British Columbia. Great conference setup, Programs dealing with change, Tours of the city; salmon dinner - anthropological museum

THE PEOPLE
THE OPPORTUNITY to NETWORK
THE GREAT ORGANIZATION

I was anxious to become involved in professional organizations having attend an ALA or two and a UKSG. I had been a part of the infamous "Class of 1984" at UKSG with John Riddick and others, and I was working with John in the OCLC Serials Control Users Group. John approached me to be a part of the NASIG Executive Council to help formally organize the group and plan the first conference. He offered me the position of Treasurer, and I accepted without hesitation. It was the best decision of my professional life!

None of us knew quite what to expect. We needed 125 to break even, we had 251! The campus was wonderful and everyone seemed to have a good time, plus it was *soooo* stimulating to attend a conference that focused on serials. I want to lay claim to starting the informal atmosphere of NASIG. Marilyn Gonsiewski Lewis and I were working the registration desk, and someone asked us about the evening meal, what were we going to wear? Well, it was a cookout type meal to be held outdoors, and it was a warm day, so we looked at each other and the shorts and t-shirts we were wearing, and said "we're wearing this!" I take great pride in starting this wonderful NASIG tradition. But back to the question, I just looked forward to an intensive dose of serials!

Obviously, the conferences have grown bigger, but they have also become more sophisticated in programming. We now invite speakers of national and international repute. In the "old days" you could meet, albeit only briefly maybe, every single attendee. Now you are lucky if you even recognize all the names. But John had a great vision for NASIG; he thought we could grow bigger and better. And we certainly have a wealth of talent amongst our membership! But NASIG has not lost its sense of camaraderie, focus of purpose, pursuit of honest, frank and non-confrontational dialogue, networking and most of all FUN! NASIG is a living, breathing, growing organization (one of those sentient beings they talk about on Star Trek). It is truly a wonderful and special place to be.

"Keep on truckin'" as they said in the 70's. NASIG must always look forward, but not forget its roots. It is an organization of the people, by the people and for the people. Listen to the membership, trust its instincts, and go for it!

1986. Bryn Mawr College. I echo all the others in awarding Bryn Mawr top marks for food. I first saw bridal attendants in black here. Our double rooms were like a suite--separate sleeping rooms. But others were not so fortunate--one dorm had no hot water. Had my first Dove bar in town. Great dancing with the live band. Writing the check at the end of the conference (about $33,000) to the college. Having to stay up late to close the bar so I could carry the $$ proceeds back to my room for safe-keeping (the start of the "Cashbox era") Going to Longwood Gardens after the conference with Marilyn and her friend Karen. What a wonderful place!

1987. Denison University. It was hot outside but cold in the science building where we had the plenaries. Met lots of nice people on the Local Arrangements Committee, they worked really hard. I've always considered myself an honorary member of each of these committees, because I was Treasurer (for four years) I had to assist with registration and collecting the cash bar proceeds, so I always hung out with them. It has been invaluable experience and a great deal of fun! Washcloths were 10 cents! I remember some folks bought a dozen to take home! I was never bothered by bugs or a hot room! Closing the bar at 2 a.m. meant I got back to my room when it had a chance to cool and even the bugs were asleep! Now we look for air-conditioning!

1988. Oglethorpe University. Our first sell-out! The harpist at the banquet. The best DJ we ever had! Dancing and dancing--Kathy took my picture at my sweatiest! Being so exhausted afterwards that I never noticed the airline didn't tag my bag (no wonder Eastern went belly-up!). I did get it back. Really got to know Mary Beth Clack. First NASIG souvenirs--mugs (white with blue design)

1989. Scripps College. It was sunny there, only it was the day before everyone arrived! I still have my visor! and two sweatshirts! Do you remember envying the Mexican dancers? At least they were doing something to keep warm! Many new-found coffee drinkers (or is that coffee cup holders?!) The "wine lady" was late, and there was a great panic; then I got to show her up a little by bragging about the good New York State wines! Teresa and the other local arrangements folks were unflappable--just that good old laid-back California feeling. Accidentally went home with the check for the bus service. Thank you Maria for covering that! And Dr. Ribbe with his oar! What a great prop!

1990. Brock University. I moved on from being Treasurer to being a part of Local Arrangements. I had the privilege of being the registrar, and trying to assign everyone to a room. We sold out of singles quite early, and there were a number of unhappy people who had to double up. I also tried to arrange people on the lower floors who couldn't deal with stairs, but the Brock housing office overruled me. We did try hard to get everyone settled in as best we could. After everyone was successfully registered, I remembered "blowing off all the steam" on the dance floor at Alphie's Trough. Thank you Charles for keeping up with me! And I want everyone to know that we specifically asked for there to be a rainbow when we arrived at the Falls! It was the piece de resistance. And I had my first bus shepherding experience to the Shaw Festival, which also was put to the test at the Falls. I know who all the stragglers are (Jean, Pat, Marian and the Kluwer gang!) Sad to say, Brock was our last formal banquet, as the numbers simply got too big to cost-effectively and logistically hold a banquet. Thanks to the generosity of the Brock Library and the province of Ontario, this was our first major money maker.

1991. Trinity University. What a beautiful place! It was worth the heat and humidity. I was inside watching the heavens pour onto so many other NASIGers. It was a very memorable sight! Poor Mary Beth got flooded out of her room! My first conference with no responsibilities, so I was tapped to help line up introducers for the workshops. Another one of my "life-time" appointments in NASIG, I'm still doing them today.

1992. University of Illinois at Chicago. I was coming back on the Board as Secretary, and had to step in early for Lisa Peterson, who was expecting her first child in a week or two. Sorry UIC, but what a contrast to the beauty of Trinity. Nevertheless, we had an excellent program, and thanks to a fare war by the airlines, a great turnout. I loved the baseball game, even in the cold, and couldn't you have predicted it would go into extra innings! The reception was fabulous, the view is to die for! The start of a new NASIG tradition...

1993. Brown University. Yes, those stragglers of conferences past, Jean and Pat, really pulled together for an almost perfect conference. The weather, the campus, the program, the lobster, the boat cruise, Josiah's, it was all just wonderful. But what happened to all those dancers of the past? I selected some of the best dance music in our collection, and only a few could keep up with the pace! Thanks Kate, Gene, Bob and Marty for trying!! What great deals in the Bookstore.

1994. University of British Columbia. I don't know which I like better, Vancouver or Paris. But I do give Vancouver top marks for scenic views. Such a fabulous city! And the gardens on campus--breathtaking! The salmon was superb, the Museum memorable. It was absolutely essential to take some time to visit the area. Whistler, Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Gastown, are only a few of the possibilities. When are we going back, Kat?

(I decided to list 5)

People Opportunity for personal and professional growth and development Different conference venues that allow attendees to explore the entire North American continent Affordable price for membership and conference Networking in an informal and egalitarian atmosphere

NASIG has made the difference in my professional life. I hope NASIG has gained as much from my participation as I have from it.

PART I