Annual Conference Preview: Transforming Our Libraries, Ourselves

First Andrew Carnegie Book Medals, revamped ALA Awards presentation, new Inaugural Brunch highlight 136th Annual Conference

June 13, 2012

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Attendees say ALA’s Annual Conference is the “best gathering for professional development opportunities, exhibits and vendor reps, and networking possibilities that a librarian is likely to find” and “the gold standard in professional development and networking.” Join the discussion during ALA’s 136th Annual Conference in Anaheim, California, June 21–26.

Hear from the two winning authors of the first Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction on Sunday, June 24, from 8–10 p.m.

“The Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction recognize literary excellence,” said Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation and past president of New York Public Library. “But more, they also celebrate the important role librarians play in opening up the world of imagination, education, and aspiration to new readers and avid book lovers alike.”

The ceremony includes medals and $5,000 to each winner, as well as $1,500 for the remaining finalists. Afterward, meet and mingle with the winners and ALA President Molly Raphael and Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels. Tickets are $30 ($25 for Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) members) and will be available onsite. The awards are made possible by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York and are cosponsored and administered by Booklist, ALA’s review journal, and RUSA.

  • The ALA Awards Presentation occurs Sunday, June 24, 3:30–5:30 p.m, during the President’s Program.
  • Closing General Session, Tuesday, June 26, 9:30–11 a.m. J. R. Martinez, 2011 winner of Dancing with the Stars speaks. He is author of Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit, to be published in November. The Closing General Session will be followed by an Inaugural Brunch Tuesday, June 26, 11:15 a.m.–1 p.m. Join President Raphael as she honors incoming President Maureen Sullivan and division presidents-elect.
  • The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and the Public Library Association (PLA) are teaming up to offer “Consultants Give Back” —an opportunity for libraries to receive free 30-minute consultation sessions from professional library consultants. (Consultants interested in offering their services as a part of this event can now register online. Consultants with expertise in a wide variety of topics—like RFID, marketing and communications, executive searches, buildings and facilities, strategic planning and library trends—will be available during the “Consultants Give Back” office hours, Sunday, June 24, 1:30–5:30 p.m., as well as at other scheduled times throughout the conference.
  • Join in ALA’s Think Fit Yoga program Sunday, June 24, at 7 a.m., before the morning’s meetings and conference rush. Certified instructors will guide participants through the 60-minute session that includes strength building, a body-balancing workout, and a quick cool down on the California Terrace of the Anaheim Convention Center (ACC). To register, visit the “ticketed events” section of the Annual Conference registration page and sign up. Cost is $15.
  • Making the case for time off and support for travel and expenses to attend a conference, especially in times of tight budgets and reduced staff, requires a solid understanding of the potential benefits to the workplace, to a supervisor and to colleagues. A new resource—Making Your Case for Attending —is available at alaannual.org to help potential attendees communicate the many ways that conference attendance can pay big dividends.The resources include:
    • An outline of why attendees will be more valuable to the institution after the conference, with benefits such as bringing back implementable ideas and best practices that can make a library more effective, save money, and serve users better; becoming a more effective library advocate, strengthening the library’s network and reputation; and injecting fresh energy, excitement, and professionalism into their work;
    • A series of suggested steps to follow, including a sample budget worksheet and memo to a supervisor to help document the benefits of attending, as well as plans for how what’s learned will be reported and shared on return;
    • Links to resources that help a potential attendee zero in on programs and other conference events that apply to their particular area of work; and
    • “In the Words of Your Colleagues,” dozens of testimonials from the 2011 Annual Conference post-conference survey that show how attendees feel they benefited across the board, including what they learned both formally and informally, the connections they made, the inspiration, the energy, what they got out of the exhibits and how much fun they had.
President’s Program

Sunday, June 24, 3:30–5:30 p.m, Molly Raphael welcomes bestselling author Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer for her ALA President’s Program. The mother-daughter author team launches a national tour of Between the Lines, a book they wrote together, scheduled to be published in June.

Picoult says of Between the Lines, her first young adult novel: “It was Sammy’s idea, and frankly, she’s got a better imagination than I ever did at her age. It’s about what happens when happily ever after . . . isn’t.” Picoult’s 18 published novels include the number one New York Times bestsellers House Rules, Handle With Care, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, and My Sister’s Keeper. Van Leer is a junior in high school who conceived the idea for Between the Lines and pitched it to her mother while she (Picoult) was in the middle of a book tour.

Ebooks, digital content

Learn more about ebooks and digital content in libraries at these key events:

Young adults, making a difference

Saturday, June 23, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Three courageous and creative young adults who have already changed things for the better within their communities, cultures, and societies—William Kamkwamba, Talia Leman, and Gaby Rodriguez—make for a unique Auditorium Speaker session.

Kamkwamba grew up in Malawi believing that magic ruled the world and hardship dominated life. The story of how he achieved his dream of bringing electricity, light, and the promise of a better life to his family and his village is told in the New York Times bestseller (coauthored with Bryan Mealer), The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope.

Leman has orchestrated the philanthropic efforts of 12 million children on four continents. At age 12, she raised more than $10 million for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, ranking in the top three of all fundraisers, including major international organizations and corporations.

Rodriguez (now 18 and a college student) made national headlines in 2011 as the 17-year-old high school senior from Toppenish, Washington, who revealed she had faked a pregnancy for a class project—a story that became the book and Lifetime movie The Pregnancy Project.

Rock Bottom Remainders

Saturday, June 23, 8 p.m. ALA welcomes the Rock Bottom Remainders for their last-ever performance, being held for the ALA/ProQuest Scholarship Bash. The band includes some of today’s most shining literary lights. Among them, they’ve published more than 150 titles, sold more than 150 million books, and been translated into more than 25 languages. Scheduled to appear are Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson, Amy Tan, Scott Turow, Mitch Albom, James McBride, Roy Blount Jr., Matt Groening, Stephen King, Kathi Goldmark, and Greg Iles. Tickets are $25 and will be available onsite in the Registration Area. The money raised provides scholarships for graduate students in library and information studies, including Spectrum.

Featured speakers

Hear from a number of other popular authors in the Auditorium Speakers Series

Saturday, June 23, 8–9 a.m. Bestselling author John Irving talks about his 13th and latest novel, In One Person, described as his most political since The Cider House Rules and A Prayer for Owen Meany. The book offers an unforgettable portrait of the solitariness of a bisexual man dedicated to making himself “worthwhile.”

In 2000, Irving won the Oscar for best adapted screenplay for The Cider House Rules. Less commonly known is that Irving competed as a wrestler for 20 years, coached the sport until he was 47, and was inducted in 1992 into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Saturday, June 23, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Best known for his starring role as Kurt Hummel in the Golden Globe and SAG Award–winning comedy Glee, Chris Colfer has penned his first children’s book, The Land of Stories, to be released in July. The book tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner Bailey, who leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the characters they grew up reading about.

Saturday, June 23, 4–5:30 p.m. Authors George R. R. Martin, most famous for his ongoing series A Song of Ice and Fire, and Blake Charlton, known for his Spellwright Trilogy, will discuss the increasingly mainstream aspect of the science fiction and fantasy genres.

Sunday, June 24, 8–9 a.m. Behavioral economist and bestselling author Dan Ariely, New York Times bestselling author of Predictably Irrational and The Upside of Irrationality, takes a groundbreaking look at the way we behave, examining the contradictory forces that drive us to cheat and keep us honest, in his forthcoming book The Honest Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone—Especially Ourselves.

Sunday, June 24, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Sapphire is author of the bestselling novel Push, adapted into the blockbuster movie Precious in 2009. The 1996 novel tells the story of Precious Jones, an illiterate 16-year-old girl raped and impregnated by her father, battered by her mother, ignored by the authorities, and saved by a determined and radical teacher. Sapphire will introduce her recent novel, The Kid (2011), which brings readers deep into the interior life of Abdul Jones, son of Precious.

Monday, June 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m. Dan Rather, the award-winning journalist who anchored CBS Evening News discusses his memoir Rather Outspoken for Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF) President Donna McDonald’s President’s Program. Rather’s book covers important moments of his journalistic career, including (but certainly not limited to) a frank accounting of his dismissal from CBS, the George W. Bush Air National Guard controversy, the Abu Ghraib story, new insights on the JFK assassination, and inside stories about the top personalities he has interviewed.

Monday, June 25, 10:30–11 a.m Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver have paired together again to create “Ghost Buddy,” a series for middle-school-age kids that addresses topics such as bullying and living in a blended family. Winkler is involved in children’s welfare efforts and often speaks on the subject of children’s literacy and learning. Oliver is creator of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and an educational specialist who has been writing popular books for children for years.

Division president’s programs

In addition to the ALTAFF President’s Program featuring Dan Rather, the following programs are being hosted by division presidents:

Saturday, June 23, 10:30 a.m.–noon. American Association of School Librarians (AASL)—Carl Harvey: Lori Takeuchi, director of research at the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop, will present on the Families Matter report (PDF file) issued in June 2011. The report shares results from a survey of more than 800 parents of children ages 3 through 10 and reveals how parents nationwide feel about raising children in a digital age.

Saturday, June 23, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA)—Janine Golden: Heather Krasna, career expert and author of Jobs That Matter: Find a Stable, Fulfilling Career in Public Service.

Sunday, June 24, 10:30 a.m.–noon. Reference and User Services Association (RUSA)—Gary W. White: “Library in Your Hand: Mobile Technologies for Exchanging Information with Patrons,” with Joan Lippincott of the Coalition for Networked Information, who will speak about why libraries should embrace communicating with patrons through mobile devices; Kristin Antelman of North Carolina State University on mobile initiatives including NCSU’s WolfWalk, a photographic guide to campus history optimized for mobile devices; and David Lee King, who will discuss the social media used to communicate with patrons at Topeka (Kans.) Public Library.

Sunday, June 24, 10:30 a.m.–noon. Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA)—Norma Blake: John Jantsch, bestselling author of Duct Tape Marketing and The Referral Engine, will take his theories and apply them specifically to libraries.

Sunday, June 24, 1–2:30 p.m. Public Library Association (PLA)—Marcia Warner: Following the recognition of PLA’s 2012 award winners, President Marcia Warner will welcome keynote speaker Sherman Alexie, bestselling author of 22 books, including The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

Sunday, June 24, 4–5:30 p.m. Library Information and Technology Association (LITA)—Colleen Cuddy: “The Fourth Paradigm: Data-Intensive Research, Digital Scholarship and Implications for Research Libraries” with Tony Hey, corporate vice president of Microsoft Research Connections, and Clifford Lynch, director of the Coalition for Networked Information. They will discuss the emergence of the “fourth paradigm” for scientific research involving the acquisition, management and analysis of vast quantities of scientific data.

Monday, June 25, 8–10 a.m. Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)/Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)—Mary Fellows, Sarah Flowers: “The Digital Lives of Tweens and Young Teens” with Stephen Abram, vice president at Gale Cengage Learning, and Michelle Poris, quant savant at Smarty Pants.

Monday, June 25, 10:30 a.m.–noon. Association for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS)/Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)—Betsy Simpson, Joyce L. Ogburn: “Future of the Book: Innovation in Traditional Industries” with Duane Bray, a partner at IDEO, a global innovation and design consulting firm. Bray discusses the challenges that traditional industries face when experiencing change and offers techniques for recognizing and harnessing opportunities for innovation.

Program sampler

In addition to the programs already mentioned, Annual offers a wealth of opportunities to satisfy multiple interests. Highlights include:

  • Friday, June 22, 7–11:30 p.m. Reforma, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, hosts the Denim and Diamonds Dinner Dance to launch the Reforma Educational Foundation. Tickets are $60 per person and must be purchased in advance. Visit reforma.org/gala2012.
  • Saturday, June 23, 8–10 a.m. Join ALTAFF for “First Author, First Book,” a conference tradition that features first-time authors and a free continental breakfast. Guests include Beth Howard, Jay Caspian Kang, and Howard Anderson. Learn about how they got published and their writing disciplines. A book signing follows, and most books are free. Barbara Hoffert, editor of Library Journal’s Prepub Alert, will moderate the panel.
  • Saturday, June 23, 8–10 a.m. Hear the latest on legislation affecting libraries during the ALA Washington Office Update. Breakout sessions from 10:30 a.m.–noon include “E-Government in Action—Matching People with Jobs” and “The Elections and You: How to Campaign for Libraries During the Electoral Session,” as well as “Fair Use and Academic and Research Libraries: Using Best Practices to Make Better Practice” and “Cutting Edge Technology Services,” sponsored by the Office for Information Technology Policy.
  • Saturday, June 23, 12:30–1:30 p.m. A Bookmobile Saturday Author Luncheon will feature a noted author. Tickets are $25. All ticket sales will end June 14. No onsite tickets will be available. The events are coordinated by OLOS, the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services, and the Association for Small and Rural Libraries.
  • Saturday, June 23, 1:30–3:30 p.m. ALTAFF will host “Isn’t It Romantic?” featuring bestselling romance writers Deborah Coonts (So Damn Lucky, Forge Books/Macmillan, 2012), Tessa Dare (A Week to be Wicked, Morrow Avon/HarperCollins, 2012), Jillian Hunter (The Duchess Diaries, Signet/Penguin, 2012), Susan Mallery (The Barefoot Season, Mira/Harlequin, 2012), and Jill Shalvis (At Last, Forever/Hachette, 2012. The program will be moderated by Barbara Hoffert, editor of Library Journal’s Prepub Alert. An author book signing will follow. Some books will be given away and others will be sold at a generous discount. Tickets are $35.
  • Saturday, June 23, 3–5 p.m. Bookmobile learning sessions and the 2012 Parade of Bookmobiles will be held in conjunction with the 2012 Diversity and Outreach Fair.
  • Sunday, June 24, 7–9:30 a.m. Celebrate Kadir Nelson, Shane W. Evans, and Ashley Bryan at the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Breakfast. The event honors the year’s best African-American authors and illustrators of books for youth. Individual tickets may be purchased by June 14 for $60. Tickets will not be available onsite.
  • Sunday, June 24, 5:30–7:30 p.m. “The Laugh’s On Us,” hosted by ALTAFF, with comedian and ALTAFF spokesperson Paula Poundstone, cocreator and former head writer of The Daily Show Lizz Winstead, as well as comedians Carlos Kotkin, Tracy McMillan, Julia Pandl, and Joel Stein. Some books will be given away and others will be available for purchase at a discount. Purchase tickets early to this event, which always sells out. Tickets are $49 in advance and $55 onsite.
  • Sunday, June 24, 6–11 p.m. ALSC will honor the winners of its Newbery and Caldecott medals for outstanding writing and illustration in children’s literature at the Newbery Caldecott Banquet. Nearly 1,100 librarians, reviewers, publishers, and fans of children’s literature attend the banquet. Tickets are $94 and may be purchased onsite.
  • Monday, June 25, 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. The Stonewall Book Awards Brunch celebrates the winners of the 2012 Stonewall Book Awards, the oldest award honoring the best in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender writing. Join the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table as it recognizes the winners and honorees in fiction, nonfiction, and children’s and young adult categories. Tickets are $55. No onsite tickets will be available.
  • Monday, June 25, noon–2 p.m. New York Times bestselling author Carmen Agra Deedy will speak during the AASL Awards Luncheon. Deedy began her two-decade-long career as a storyteller whose National Public Radio commentaries were collected and released as the short story collection Growing Up Cuban in Decatur, Georgia. Tickets are $55 and must be purchased in advance.
  • Monday, June 25, 2–4 p.m. Bestselling writers will discuss their writing life and forthcoming books at the ALTAFF Gala Author Tea. A book signing will follow, with some books given away free and others available for purchase at a generous discount. Tickets are $49 in advance and $55 onsite.
  • Monday, June 25, 6–8 p.m. Join the International Relations Round Table at the International Librarians Reception as they welcome and celebrate with librarians from more than 80 countries. All conference attendees are welcome to participate in a mixing of culture and ideas, regional cuisine, hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar. Tickets are $40; the event is free for international librarians. No tickets will be sold onsite.
  • Monday June 25, 8–10 p.m. YALSA’s Michael L. Printz Program and Reception will feature author John Corey Whaley, whose book Where Things Come Back won the 2012 award. Joining him will be honor book author Daniel Handler and illustrator Maira Kalman (Why We Broke Up); author Christine Hinwood (The Returning); Craig Silvey (Jasper Jones); and Maggie Stiefvater (The Scorpio Races). Tickets are $34. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
Vendors galore

The exhibit hall, with more than 1,500 booths featuring products and services, is designed to help librarians manage their facilities. Vendors will be on hand to discuss and demonstrate everything from virtual libraries and mobile book-stacking systems to premium quality library furniture. It is one-stop shopping for all library needs.

Friday, June 22 at 5:30 p.m. The official opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting will follow the Opening General Session. Start your conference experience with the Opening Reception, beginning immediately after the opening ceremony, and featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and special giveaways from exhibitors.

Exhibit hours:

Friday, June 22, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, June 24, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Monday, June 25, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Individual booths will hold Meet the Author/Illustrator events, an opportunity to meet and greet favorite adult and children’s authors and illustrators throughout the conference.

Specialty pavilions

The exhibit hall showcases the latest publications, products, and technologies available to libraries.

  • ALA Membership Pavilion—booths with information from ALA divisions, round tables, offices, and ALA-affiliated groups.
  • ALA Store—the most current professional development materials and gifts, posters, and other items to help you promote literacy and libraries.
  • Artist Alley—located in the Gaming/Graphic Novel Pavilion, offers the best from all genres, from children’s books to graphic novels. See original artwork by today’s leading artists and illustrators.
  • DVD/Video Pavilion—showcases recorded materials for libraries of all types.
  • Gaming/Graphic Novel Pavilion—educational and recreational games and graphic novels.
  • Government Information Pavilion—a new pavilion of exhibits offering the latest and greatest information from featured government agencies.
  • Green Pavilion—showcases products and services to help libraries be ecologically smart.
  • International Pavilion—the place to find multilingual and multicultural publications and library materials.
  • Library School and Instruction Pavilion—a showcase of LIS educational programs by the Association for Library and Information Science Education and individual schools.
  • Mobile Applications Pavilion—find the latest mobile apps and technologies to manage libraries, improve service to patrons, and help readers of all ages.
  • Small Press/Product Area—new and independent presses often launch their newest titles and new vendors often introduce themselves to the library community here.
  • Spanish Publishers Pavilion—created for librarians who requested a convenient way to reach both new and established Spanish publishers on the exhibition floor.
  • Technology/Library 2.0 Pavilion—features the latest products and service designed to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and creativity of today’s librarians.
  • Zine Pavilion—zine creators, librarians who manage zine collections, and a display of topical zines that will be raffled off to a library at the close of the exhibits.
Also, don’t miss:
  • “What’s Cooking @ ALA” Cooking Demonstration Stage, showcasing a variety of chefs and authors, coupled with displays of the latest cookbooks. Chefs will prepare the hottest recipes on the demonstration stage and autograph their latest books daily.
  • The PopTop Stage focuses on popular librarian favorites including mystery, romance, travel, sci-fi, religion, and horror. It features readings, discussions, and presentations.
  • The Graphic Novel/Gaming Stage features hot new artists and authors as well as discussions on the graphic novel genre.
  • “LIVE! @ Your Library” Reading Stage. Enjoy author readings, learn how to develop author programs. After each reading, LIVE! authors will be available to sign copies of their work for conference attendees.
  • Wrap Up/Rev Up celebration. Join musician Bettye LaVette to keep the party going from the exhibit hall to the Ballroom for entertainment and prize giveaways. Monday, June 25, 2–3 p.m.

Business/Financial Meetings

The following is the schedule for ALA’s business and financial meetings, including the Executive Board, Council, Budget, Analysis, and Review Committee (BARC), and the ALA-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA):

Friday, June 22

Saturday, June 23

Sunday, June 24

Monday, June 25

Tuesday, June 26

First-timer 101

ALA division and round table Conference 101 programs throughout the weekend offer valuable assistance to conference newbies. The programs are crafted to help plan how to “do” conference based on the kind of work attendees you do or the type of library where they work. Get expert advice on programs to attend, exhibitors to visit, parties to frequent, and ways to get the most out of conference. Programs especially for new attendees are highlighted in the program guide. Check out the ALA pavilion on the exhibit floor to learn more about ALA.

Make sure to check the “I am a first time registrant” box when registering to receive a personal welcome from an ALA Ambassador—an ALA member who is a longtime conference goer. ALA Ambassadors can help make connections to programs, people, and places before conference. ALA Ambassadors can be identified by their name tags throughout the convention center.

Jobs, jobs, jobs

Provided by ALA’s Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR), the ALA JobLIST Placement Center is open Saturday, June 23, and Sunday, June 24, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. There will be an orientation on Saturday, June 23, at 8:30 a.m.

Job seekers should register and search for jobs on the JobLIST website. All services are free to job seekers. Registration is not required, but recommended. Registration will give registered employers access to your résumé and allow for direct communication between job seekers and employers.

Employers who want to post positions should post them on the JobLIST website. Employers who want to use the interviewing facilities must have an active ad placed on JobLIST at the time interviews are scheduled. Employers who want a booth in the Placement Center should contact Beatrice Calvin at bcalvin@ala.org, or 800-545-2433, ext. 4280.

As part of its continuing efforts to help job seekers retool their skills and prepare for job searches in the current economy, the Placement Center hosts a free Open House on Sunday, June 24, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Representatives from various libraries and library-related companies will have an opportunity to talk with conference attendees about their individual work environments. They will discuss various aspects that make their institutions unique, such as work culture, facilities, sports, music, arts, campus, and community life, and will showcase the activities available in and around their institutions that highlight the quality of life.

Richard J. Holden, regional commissioner for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, provides observations and analysis on future job trends in our society with a special emphasis on the library and information profession at “Labor Market Updates: Looking into a Crystal Ball,” Sunday, June 24, 9–10:30 a.m., in the Placement Center.

Human resource professionals, library school deans and administrators, students, and anyone looking for a job now or contemplating changing jobs in the future are advised to attend this program. The program is free and registration is not required.

How to customize your conference

View the ALA Annual Conference Scheduler. It allows attendees to see the full scope of what’s available as well as help plan and organize their conference attendance. Highlights of the scheduler include:

  • The ability to browse sessions in multiple ways
  • Easy-to-create personal calendars that can be shared or kept private
  • Tailored lists of recommendations based on division, groups, library type, and interests specified in user profiles
  • Ease of adding, prioritizing, and updating sessions and events
  • Ease of adding booth visits and meetings with specific exhibitors
  • A Quick-Start Guide to the Scheduler and other ways to get help in order to learn more.

Plan your conference on the go using the Conference Scheduler mobile app.

Networking Uncommons

The Networking Uncommons space is a dedicated small group meeting area in the Convention Center. It features tables, chairs, free convention center Wi-Fi, projector and screen, as well as a few gadgets to push content out in real time. Sign up for a specific time slot or drop in. During open times, the area is up for grabs. It is large enough that multiple groups can use it at once, even if another group has scheduled space. Check out the daily topics geared to specific interests.

“Mapping Transformation”—ALA Virtual Conference

“Mapping Transformation” frames the ALA Virtual Conference July 18–19, the interactive professional development opportunity for those unable to attend Annual in Anaheim, as well as for those attendees seeking more information. A full series of interactive 45-minute web sessions will provide insights from experts, offer opportunities for conversation with speakers and other attendees around key issues related to transformation in libraries, and allow for sharing innovations.

Speakers include George Needham, library strategist, and Joan Frye Williams, library futurist, on “Libraries in a Post-Print World”; Lee Rainie, director of the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, on the rise of ebooks and next steps in the project’s research on the evolving role of libraries; Brian Mathews, associate dean, Virginia Tech University Libraries, Emily Dowdall, senior associate, Pew Charitable Trusts’ Philadelphia Research Initiative, Nate Hill, web librarian, San José (California) Public Library, and others on transformative thinking and activity in libraries, e-readers, publishers partnering with libraries, open source software, and library experiences.

Each day will include keynote speakers, sessions, and—back by popular demand—30-minute author lunches hosted by Booklist editors Brad Hooper (talking with Katherine Boo) and Donna Seaman.

Annual Conference full registrants will receive a 25% discount on Virtual Conference registration. As in previous years, the conference archive will be available free to registrants for up to six months and no cost to full Annual Conference registrants. Registration is $69 for individuals ($51.75 with Annual Conference discount), and $300 for a group option of up to 15 IP addresses ($225 with Annual Conference discount).

Need to find a place to eat? Use this restaurant guide for local spots in Anaheim.

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