It has been 20 years since IALL (the International Association of Law Libraries) held a conference in Australia. Held over the last week of October this year, it was Sydney’s turn to play host.

The opportunity to exhibit at IALL was too good to miss with Sarah Thompson representing Softlink Information Centres at our stand.

Courtesy of IALL 2019 https://www.facebook.com/IALL.org/photos/pcb.2630102313722577/2630101343722674/?type=3&theater

Over a hundred and fifty law librarians and those working in the legal sector around the world attended. There were representatives from the US, Europe, Asia, and New Zealand as well as a significant contingent of “locals”. For many of the overseas visitors, it was the first time they had visited Australia.

The conference had something for everyone, including presentations from Australian law experts and visits to the NSW Parliament and the High Court in Sydney.

And, of course, Sydney is full of unique places to visit which inspired some wonderful organized tours. There was only time to show off a few of them including an Aboriginal cultural cruise on Sydney Harbour and a visit to the brilliantly positioned Taronga Park Zoo. The IALL 2019 conference was unforgettable for everyone.

Alas, Sarah did not do much “touring”. However, she did enjoy the opportunity to meet and chat with visitors about the conference, our library management and research management software and naturally, Sydney.

“Everyone I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed the sessions they attended and raved about the tours. For many of the overseas delegates, visiting Sydney was on their bucket list so to combine it with the IALL 2019 conference was serendipitous!”

A highlight for Sarah was meeting Rebecca Engsberg, who travelled from America to be at the conference. Rebecca had let us know last year she would be there and was hoping to see us during her visit to Australia!

Several other Liberty and illumin customers also popped by to see Sarah. Most were intent on taking away a badge or mug or one of the coveted Softlink power banks.

Alex the Alpaca, our illumin mascot, proved a hit with many attendees including Kate Freedman, Senior Librarian Liaison for Law and Business at ACU’s Melbourne campus, and the incoming 2020 ALLA President.

Kate, a keen knitter, informed us that knitters love mugs. The question is does she knit with alpaca wool? Whether she does or not, Kate happily posed with her Alex mug. Everything tastes better from one of them.

Softlink Information Centres would like to thank all who visited us. We would also like to thank the IALL 2019 conference organisers who put on a brilliant event. It was a great hit with everyone.