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I knew this would happen. A couple of smart librarians noticed that I used the terms “fashion-forward” and “fashionable” when referring to the search for America’s Most Glamourous Librarian. At first, I thought I’d try to clarify so we’d all be on the same page. But then I remembered something. You can’t tell librarians what to think.

So, as I head off to New Orleans this morning and the quest widens, I’ll just leave a few thoughts about what’s glamour and what’s fashion. I’m not telling you what to think but try to imagine these as….(Oh, wait, I guess I am telling you what to think!) guiding principles when nominating, and ultimately, choosing America’s Most Glamourous Librarian.

Glamourous people are interested in other things, ideas, and people. (Theoretically, that definition gives librarians a better than average chance of being glamourous, don’t you think? Okay, I made that definition up, but I have nothing against stacking the deck in our favor.) Glamourous people employ fashion, but they aren’t slaves to it because they’ve got their own thing going on. They probably define fashion and glamour more broadly: “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only,” said Coco Chanel. “Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Now, doesn’t that sound like a librarian’s definition of glamour? For that matter, doesn’t it describe us perfectly?

More thoughts on how to spot glamour: You can’t wait to see a glamourous librarian because they make you sigh with relief, refreshment, or admiration. This person will probably be simultaneously interesting to the eye, the heart, and the mind. They won’t dress like a peacock in a room full of ducks just because they can…although it is possible that they will dress like a turkey in a room full of ducks. Am I right about that, Martin Garner Fan Club Members?

For those of you attending ALA in New Orleans, I know how to find you. Here’s how you can find me: I’ll be carrying a hot pink clipboard and a camera bag. My heels are too high and my hair is too short. For the left behind, you can follow the contest at #America’sMostGlamourousLibrarian. Remember, the deadline for nominees isn’t until the end of July! There’s still plenty of time to e-mail your photo or post it to our Facebook page! You don’t have to attend the conference to participate! Cause that just wouldn’t be right. Remember, too, that you can win a free item from our site if you accurately guess the number of glamourous librarians I can capture on film over the weekend!

I also want to give this shout out for the International Librarians Reception, Monday, June 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Generation Hall. Tickets are $40. And can I also just thank all the wonderful librarians and friends of librarians who have posted and helped us promote this contest? You’re just wonderful!

I’ll see you at the following events.

Opening Reception, Friday, 5:30

Newbie Veteran Meet-Up, Saturday, 7 to 9 p.m., plus a few others if I can work them in.

Newbery Caldecott Wilder Banquet, Sunday, 6 to 11 p.m.

Gala Author Tea, Monday, 2 p.m.

The Inaugural Banquet, Tuesday, 7 p.m. I’ll be lurking near the door late in the evening, hoping to catch a few shots of the glitzy people. I don’t have tickets!