To Slam or not to Slam? That is the question!

The question was posed "Is there a role for your library in 'Slamming the boards'?" and it made me consider the different opportunities we might have as a library to promote our specialist services. As a local studies librarian, there is a real opportunity for me to promote the local studies and family history collections in all libraries, but with particular reference to my area where possible. And the Children's and Youth Librarian could more effectively answer questions relating to HSC materials or Children's literature and again use the opportunity to promote their collection. But is this then taking away from the integrity of the event? I think not, as long as the answers are given honestly and any advertising is done at the end and it is made clear that these events are run at most libraries.

I've heard of the 'Slamming the boards' events each month and have honestly considered participating, but I have always been either too busy (aren't we all?!) or not confident enough with the technology to feel I could give my best. I think I feel that if its going 'in print' (albeit online) it needs to be 100% perfect and accurate, and whenever I've drafted an answer, I tend to spend hours tweaking it to make it perfect, only to give up because, of course, it never is!