The library is dead. Long live the library!

The New England Chapter of ASIS&T presents…

The library is dead. Long live the library! The rebirth of libraries in the 21st century

Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 9am – 4pm

MIT Media Lab – Bartos Theater, Cambridge, MA

Library closures, slashed budgets, user apathy – everything’s online, right? It’s a story many of us have heard too often or experienced ourselves, especially with the recent downturn in the economy. But many libraries are re-inventing themselves, offering new services and transforming into very different entities while still at heart performing the same role they always have – helping communities connect with information.

Come to this NEASIS&T program to hear:

  • How changes in publishing are driving changes in libraries. How can we radically change an ancient institution that evolved from providing shared print copies into one that effectively provides online content (that we often don’t even own). It’s time to get past the kludges in our processes and organizational structures and embrace our future.
  • What it takes to be a librarian these days. What skills and interests are necessary? In 10 years will we be librarians or technologists?
  • Success stories from libraries that have radically changed their roles and services.
  • How to design your library around user expectations and keep your organization relevant.

We’ll provide breakfast, lunch, and network access for all!

Speakers:

  • John Palfrey, Vice Dean for Library and Information Resources at Harvard Law School & Co-Director of the Berkman Center for Internet & Society
  • Steven Bell, Associate University Librarian for Research & Instructional Services at Temple University’s Paley Library
  • Shana Kimball, Publications Manger at the Scholarly Publishing Office of the University of Michigan Library
  • Marguerite Avery, Senior Acquisitions Editor at The MIT Press
  • Cyril Oberlander, Associate Director of Milne Library at the SUNY College at Geneseo

Cost:

Students / Retirees: $50
ASIST members: $60
General public: $75

$5 discount if you promote us on the web!
Mention this event on your blog, website, or one of your social networks. Then email Bill Helman at: helman2@simmons.edu with the link to your site. You will be provided with the Discount Code for $5 off the price of registration. (Note: Please request code before registering.)

If you tweet: please use the #hashtag: #neasist09 for this event.

Register: http://neasist.eventbrite.com

More event info: http://neasist.wordpress.com