Library 2.012 Conference Explores the Future of Libraries

By Laurie D. Borman

Posted Tue, 11/20/2012 - 12:23

Library 2.012, the “Future of Libraries” conference, ran from October 3 through October 5.

November / December 2012

The 40 continuous hours of Library 2.012, the “Future of Libraries” free conference, which ran from October 3 through October 5, featured 150 presentation sessions and more than a dozen keynote addresses from across the globe. Topics ranged from physical and virtual learning spaces to evolving professional roles in today’s world, organizing and creating information, changing delivery methods, user-centered access, and mobile and geosocial information environments.

ALA offered five sessions at the event, which were archived and are available at library20.com:

“Collaboration, Innovation, Education: A Model for Successful Financial Literacy Programming at the Library,” presented by Aubrey B. Carroll, information service manager at Florence County (S.C.) Library System;

“The Influence of E-Trends on Library Management,” presented by Kathy Rosa, director of ALA Office for Research and Statistics;

“Restoring Contemplation—Why We Should and How Libraries Can Help,” by Jessie L. Mannisto;

“What Can Libraries Learn from New User (and Nonuser!) E-Reading Data from the Pew Internet Project?” presented by Kathryn Zickuhr, Pew Internet research analyst, and Larra Clark, director of the Program on Networks and associate director of the Program on America’s Libraries for the 21st Century at ALA’s Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP); and

“Ebook Business Models for Public Libraries,” presented by Carrie Russell, director of the Program on Public Access to Information at ALA’s OITP.

American Libraries listened in on several of the sessions, which offered everything from great websites that school librarians can use to assist students’ research to the new librarianship worldview. Librarians in special, academic, school, and public libraries, as well as US college students from rural and urban areas, and others as far away as New Zealand and Argentina, participated in the online chats.

As participant Kerryn Whiteside noted in a chat about ebook models for public libraries, “Lots of food for thought—and some hope.”

Comments

Thanks to Library 2.012 partners!

On behalf of the San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science (SJSU SLIS), founding partner of the Library 2.012 Worldwide Virtual Conference, I would like to thank the American Library Association and our many partners for supporting the conference. Without them, SJSU SLIS wouldn’t be able to bring this global conference to the information community free of charge.

I encourage you to take advantage of the great information shared during the conference. All the sessions were recorded for viewing at your convenience. Here’s the link to access the recordings: http://www.library20.com/page/library-2-012-session-recording-links-and-…

Several SJSU SLIS faculty presented at the conference. Many collaborated as co-presenters, sharing their expertise and research with the global audience of information professionals. Altogether, SJSU SLIS faculty delivered nine presentations. I had the privilege to give the opening keynote. If you missed my keynote about the perceptions of the Library 2.0 professional, you can watch the recording here.

In addition, four current MLIS graduate student research assistants at SJSU SLIS presented findings of the IMLS grant-funded study “Making Space for Young Adults in Public Libraries: Establishing a Research Foundation.” The session recording is available on the Library2.012 website.

Plans for the third annual Library 2.0 Worldwide Virtual Conference are underway. To receive conference news and updates, please join the free Library 2.0 network at: http://library20.com

Thank you, again, for making this conference such a wonderful collaboration of knowledge. I look forward to our next conference and your insightful presentations!

Dr. Sandra Hirsh
Professor and Director
San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science

Submitted by Sandra Hirsh (not verified) on Mon, 11/26/2012 - 19:10.

Transcripts?

Looks like there were a lot of fascinating presentations! There are several presentations I’d like to check out, but unfortunately, I’m deaf, hence I’m unable to listen to the recordings. Is there a chance any of the recordings will be transcribed? I’d love it if the recordings were transcribed.

Thanks.

Submitted by EMHenry (not verified) on Mon, 11/26/2012 - 20:25.

Recordings

Unfortunately, we were unable to provide transcripts as the conference was all done by volunteers and free. We did ask for help in providing transcripts this year, but no-one stepped forward. We would love to have volunteers to help with this for the next conference Library 2.013 (dates TBD), so please do let us know if you have any suggestions!

Submitted by Sandra Hirsh (not verified) on Tue, 11/27/2012 - 19:09.