Abstracts NPSIG IFLA2011

NPSIG off-site meeting at the IFLA 2011 in Puerto Rico.

“Job Search 2.0: Where Web 2.0, Libraries & the Great Job Search Collide, Issues & Opportunities for MLIS Graduates”

The most immediate need facing recent and soon to be graduates of Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programs is the need for employment. This paper explores the ways in which Web 2.0, a concept that has revolutionized our libraries, can also revolutionize our job search. It will first examine the concepts of social networking and social media at large, and how they relate to the job search. Exploring both active and passive elements of Web 2.0’s role, this paper will examine how it can both help and hurt the job search. As well, it will explore how graduates who do not engage in Web 2.0 are impacted by this phenomenon. The paper will discuss how Web 2.0’s role in job searching impacts our library, our users and Library 2.0, as well. Finally, as appendices, the paper will offer advice for those looking to: join a social network, establish a healthy, attractive social media reputation, engage Web 2.0 in their job search, mitigate the negative effects of social media, and assist patrons in their own job search using Web 2.0 applications.
Observing that this topic was of interest and concern to both fellow students and members of the general populace, I created a simple web portal for the public to explore and learn more. It offers links to related resources, information and food for thought on this important topic. Feel free to poke around it at: http://www.netvibes.com/cmlaplante#The_Topic

by Candice Melinda LaPlant

Candice LaPlante is an active graduate student studying Library & Information Science at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN (USA). With an emphasis on LIS’s intersection with social justice and international development, Candice’s graduate career has been colored by exciting opportunities, education and involvement, both stateside and abroad. Fulfilling internships at the Southern African Wildlife College (South Africa), the Library of Congress (USA) and NAF Atsugi (Japan), she has complimented her studies with diverse in-the-field experiences. At home, she has worked across a variety of libraries, including public, private, specialty and academic, learning and growing with each new opportunity she engaged in. Nearing graduation, Miss LaPlante looks forward to entering the buzzing field of LIS and contributing to the overall welfare of the global information society. Emphasizing that International Librarianship is not an address, but a mindset, she looks forward to serving this vital purpose no matter where she is employed. She is enthused to be attending IFLA for the first time, where she hopes to meet other like-minded individuals who are dedicated to “Integration, Innovation and Information for All.” Quote “I can’t imagine a more auspicious aegis under which to begin my LIS career.”

St. Catherine University (St. Paul, MN, United States of America), MLIS graduate institution

First time presenter.

“Congratulations! You’ve Landed an Interview: What Do Hiring Committees Really Want?”

The job market for new librarians has been difficult for years and because of recent economic troubles, finding an entry-level position has become even more difficult. The authors, who graduated from library school in August 2010 and one of whom is a 2011 American Library Association Emerging Leader, performed a literature review and found that there is little current research investigating what hiring committees are looking for in candidates for entry-level librarian positions.
The authors surveyed academic and public librarians that have served on hiring committees regarding the characteristics they look for in entry-level job candidates during the interview process. Both objective and subjective questions were asked of those surveyed. Invitations to participate in the survey were delivered through various listservs that are used by information professionals. After the data was collected, the authors summarized the findings in order to present both current and future job candidates with information relevant to the interview process.
The presentation will include a review of literature relevant to the topic and an overview of the results of the survey. Much of the objective data will be presented, visually, in the form of graphs and particularly insightful, subjective comments will be displayed as quotes.
Because of the increasingly competitive applicant pool for entry-level positions, it is important for those entering the librarian job market to have relevant facts about what hiring committees seek in potential candidates. The authors will provide research-based information that will help entry-level candidates be better prepared to ace an interview.

by  Megan Hodg

Megan Hodge earned her Master of Science in Library Science in August of 2010 from the University of North Texas and is currently the Circulation Supervisor for Randolph-Macon College and an Adjunct Instructor for Bryant & Stratton College. She is also a reference librarian for the collaborative virtual reference service My Info Quest, chair of NMRT’s Nominating Committee, and a book reviewer for Library Journal. Her professional interests are outreach, UX, instructional design, and emerging technologies.

Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA, USA

First time presenter.

by Nicole Spoor

Nicole Spoor earned her Master of Science in Information Science in August of 2010 from the University of North Texas and a Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007. She is currently the Information Resources Librarian for the William R. and Norma B. Harvey Library at Hampton University. In this position she provides reference services, teaches information literacy classes, and serves as the School of Business Liaison Librarian.

Hampton University, Hampton, VA, USA

First time presenter.

“Rafting in a library: Navigating the development of new tools and services”

Working in a public library and being under 30 is a lot like an extreme sport: you have to be adventurous and determined, love challenges and adrenaline rush, but always bear in mind that whatever you do will be worthwhile in the end. While bringing young and innovative professionals to a library becomes an imperative nowdays, they have to be prepared for a number of challenges – main being not having a lot in common with their older counterparts. Belgrade City Library’s Development and IT Department is in charge of introducing innovative practices and creating richer patrons’ and librarians’ experience. Even though providing new tools, services and ways of collaboration sounds motivating and inspiring, it has to be carefully planned and carried out. Overcoming generation and attitude barriers in introducing distance learning via Moodle, real time education with web based software or QR codes embedded in the stacks was a task that Belgrade City Library’s young professionals carried out successfully. This paper shows what happens behind-the-scenes: where young professionals find their inspiration, how they carve new paths in library development, how they strive to support the library, to increase awareness of and access to its vast resources and to enhance it’s vital role in Belgrade municipalities.

by Milan Vasiljević

Milan Vasiljević holds МA degree in LIS from the University of Belgrade. He has more than four years of professional experience in various types of libraries. Since 2009 he’s been working in Belgrade City Library as a librarian instructor. His key responsibilities are organization of educational courses and trainings for librarians and implementation of new technologies through Belgrade City Library network. Mr. Vasiljević will be participating in Jay Jordan IFLA/OCLC Early Career Development Fellowship Program in 2011. He was previously awarded a grant – “Online Course Grant for Library Professionals from Developing Countries from The Association for Library Collections & Technical Services, a division of the American Library Association” – for Fundamentals of Electronic Resources and Acquisitions (2009). He is author of papers on library and web environment, standards, HR. He organizes trainings for librarians and participates in projects dealing with the development of libraries. Mr. Vasiljević is a member of Serbian Library Association.

Librarian instructor, Library Development Department, Belgrade City Library, Serbia

First time presenter.

“The Community Manager in libraries”

Thanks to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has produced a significant change in the area of Library and Information Science (LIS). Whereby they generate new functions to connect and provide users and citizens more quickly, collaborative, open and close the services and information they require. Likewise they have also changed the relationships between users and the centers and institutions and using the tools offered by the new environment greater rapprochement between clients and organizations and vice versa. In order to focus and maximize the 2.0 virtual media comes up a new figure adapted to the environment librarian able to exploit the technological benefits. The new generation of LIS professionals is the Community Manager. Its objectives are focused on the digital literacy, Web 2.0. tries to improve his knowledge of traditional network of the institution, for the purpose of make and browse content and discussion on blogs, social networks, forums, wikis, chats, etc. with a clear aim of promoting exchange of know-how and opinions in a multichannel: among users, centers and both. Becoming the “face of the brand”. Through the Paper aims at providing a first consideration and comprehensive of the assessment and evolution of the Community Manager in libraries and documental and information centers, the activities and tasks that they have been developed so far, the new channels of communication and collaboration with customers by 2.0 technologies and the skills that must be possessed to care for and keep up of supporters and community participation of libraries and be the link of union between their needs and the capacities and abilities of the institutions.

by Juan José Prieto Gutiérrez

Complutense University of Madrid, Spain

by Alicia Moreno Cámara

Social Media Consultan, Spain

by Julián Marquina

Baratz Community Manager, Spain

“Creativity and innovations in Ugandan libraries”

Library development has come a long way from clay tablets to the present times. At every decade there is a development ranging from the early technology of using type writers to the present era of virtual libraries. All stages have impacted on the success of library operations. In the 21st century the dominant input into library and information services is rapid technological development involving several technologies including mobile innovations and web2.0, social media. This technology has been based on creativeness and innovation of librarians as time advances. The aim of this paper will be to report how librarians in Uganda are innovatively creating products and services that meet the ever changing needs of virtual libraries adept information seekers and users. The paper will be reporting empirical results from a field study among Ugandans libraries. The study will be informed by the review of related literature in other countries of the world. It will adopt a survey research approach, study population will be senior practicing Librarians. Findings of the study will be used for continuing education in Uganda. Lessons drawn will enrich the practical knowledge and skills in the emerging trends in Library work and service.

by Caroline Ilako

Caroline Ilako is a young librarian who studied Library and information Science in Makerere University, she started her career as a librarian in 2004 in Nkumba university Library, she is currently the head of the Law section of Makerere University Library Uganda.

Makerere University, Uganda

First time presenter.

by Prof. Ikoja-Odongo

Ikoja-Odongo is a Professor of Library and Information Science Makerere University Uganda. He has written and published widely in reputable journals and presented papers in many local and international conferences.

Principal of School of Computing and Information Science, Makerere University, Uganda

“The Library Grows With Me! – Summer School for Young Romanian Librarians”

While libraries around the world are reinventing themselves, in Romania many libraries are only now beginning this journey. Also, cooperation and collaboration among library professionals is a desideratum not yet achieved. The new professionals, after being exposed to obsolete LIS curricula, armed with very few practical applications, they enter into hierarchical and rather conservative organizational cultures, where experimenting is rare and promotion very difficult. This debut can result in loosing motivation and changing professions. Acknowledging that continuous professional development opportunities and cooperation among professionals are top requirements for healthy library systems, IREX together with ANBPR initiated in 2010 a Summer School for Young Professionals. The aim was to identify committed young librarians and to encourage their involvement in the development of the public library system. The objectives were to encourage proactive and innovative initiatives of young professionals; to encourage pro-activity in professional organizations; to create a proper framework for networking and innovation sharing. Participants would enhance their abilities to advocate and establish partnerships contributing to the development of their carriers and of the system. 17 librarians from 10 counties aged 25 to 34 were selected based on self-sustainable project proposals to be implemented in their communities. The Summer School was organized as a non-formal place for learning and sharing. During 6 days of training, notions of communication, networking, advocacy and community outreach, basic project management, fundraising, new media, team-building and team-working were debated via workshops facilitated by librarians and community development professionals. This paper will analyze the process, resources involved, lessons learned and current results of the initiative. With 15 projects in implementation, and an active blog generated by participants, the Summer School can be considered a good model for engaging librarians in the professional environment, and a promising start for a national network for new professionals, under the umbrella of ANBPR.

by Cristina Vǎileanu

With a background in philosophy and an MA in political sciences, Cristina’s main expertise is in gender studies in the area of social inclusion and labor market, as well as political participation. For more than 10 years she has been advocating for gender equality and worked as program manager and gender expert in programs promoting women’s rights and gender equality implemented by the Women’s Program of the Open Society Foundation, the National Democratic Institute, the UNDP and the UNIFEM in Romania and the Republic of Moldova. She joined the Global Libraries Program in Romania and IREX’s team in March 2009 and is working closely with the National Association of Librarians and Public Libraries in Romania (ANBPR) to assist them in the process of building their organizational capacity as the major Romanian professional association of public librarians.

Capacity Building Specialist, IREX Romania, Biblionet Program, Romania

by Anca Râpeanu

Anca Râpeanu graduated from the Library and Information Science Department, Faculty of Letters, University in Bucharest in 2003. After being a reference librarian in the Carol I Central University Library in Bucharest, Rapeanu got closer to the Global Libraries program, and started to collaborate with IREX, first as a volunteer, then as a part-time employee, and, since June 2008, as a full-time employee, serving as the coordinator for the Community Participation Contest.

CPC & Innovation Specialist, IREX Romania, Biblionet Program, Romania

by Monica Avram

Monica Avram has a strong academic background in History and currently is a PhD candidate in History and assistant professor at the University of Târgu-Mureș. Since 2002 she worked as a librarian at the Mureș County Library where she completed the old books catalogue, was in charge of interlibrary loans and coordinated the program ”Closer to reading: the public library serving students”. In 2009 Monica Avram was promoted as Director of the Mureș County Library. She is also a member of the Library Board of Directors and an author of various published studies and articles on librarianship and old books. Monica joined the ANBPR in 2002 and in the following 3 years she became the President of the Mureș county branch of the association. In 2008 she was elected member in the Executive Board of the ANBPR and is one of the active participants in the association’s working-group on communication and networking.

Member in the Executive Board of ANBPR, Director of Mureș County Library, Romania

First time presenter.

“Using Web 2.0 tools to enhance the teaching and learning of LIS: a case study on best practices at the University of Puerto Rico”

The Web 2.0 is the new platform of the Internet that is providing open, connected, online learning environments for networking, communication and collaboration in schools and universities. Using Web 2.0 tools for teaching and learning in Library and Information Science (LIS) is crucial, due to the technological dimension of this field and the growing influence of Web 2.0 applications in libraries and other information units. This research analyzes how Web 2.0 tools have been integrated into the academic program of the Graduate School of Information Sciences and Technologies (GSIST), at the University of Puerto Rico. It shows evidence and best practices of this process during the period of 2006-2010. The study employs a qualitative methodology and uses observation, a questionnaire and focus groups with faculty and students for collecting data. Preliminary findings of the faculty survey show that most of them have incorporated Google tools, digital videos, blogs, web conferencing and social networks into their courses. It evidences that the GSTST faculty acknowledges the value of Web 2.0 to enhance teaching and learning, and that they use different applications to widen the students’ knowledge, and to foster interaction, communication and collaboration. It will contribute to the creation of a common knowledge base for faculty, students and librarians in the University of Puerto Rico, especially in the field of Library and Information Science. This research follows the curriculum renewal process of the GSIST and is consequent with the communities of practices with which librarians are engaged in the University of Puerto Rico system. Finally, the research can serve as a referent to encourage the interest in integrating and using Web 2.0 applications in the teaching and learning process of other Library and Information Science schools.

by Nitza M. Hernández López, Ph.D.

Nitza M. Hernández López is Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Information Sciences and Technologies (GSIST). She received the Ph. D. in Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1989. Her current research is related to information and knowledge management strategies in organizations and the influence of information and communication technologies in LIS education programs.

Graduate School of Information Sciences and Technologies (GSIST), University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Puerto Rico

by Carlos Suárez-Balseiro, Ph.D.

Carlos Suárez-Balseiro is Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Information Sciences and Technologies (GSIST). He received the Ph.D. in Documentation from the University Carlos III, Madrid, in 2004. His current research is related to human information behavior, scholarly communication process and LIS education programs.

Graduate School of Information Sciences and Technologies (GSIST), University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Puerto Rico

“The Diversity Imperative for Cultivating 21st Century Librarians: The Knowledge River Model”

The advent of the Information Age and rapidly changing demographics have irrevocably transformed the landscape of the Library and Information Sciences (LIS). The proliferation of technology and the world’s growing interconnectedness has impelled a shift in roles and competencies for information professionals. It has introduced unprecedented opportunity to explore the needs of diverse communities and understand the information access challenges they face. Today’s new generation of librarians is uniquely positioned to bridge enduring inequities related to information access and literacy. Diversifying the LIS profession and training all LIS students to be culturally competent are critical steps in championing these endeavors. Several models, such as the Knowledge River (KR) program, have emerged in the United States to prepare new librarians to serve and advocate for traditionally underserved user groups. This program at the University of Arizona is a graduate training and funding program concerned with the information needs of Hispanic and Native American communities. Through a variety of strategies and innovative practices, the program leverages the special cultural knowledge and linguistic abilities of its students to cultivate future leaders. Its 100+ graduates epitomize the new face of our profession: alumni have received numerous state and national recognition; are active in professional associations; and many hold management/administrative duties in their current professional positions. Current KR students are encouraged to continue the tradition of leadership that has been exemplified by previous KR Scholars. Plans are underway to develop an alumni network to mentor students, build the program’s resource capacity, and capitalize on the group’s collective skills for greatest impact. Similar initiatives have been established at other institutions and through organizations like the American Library Association. This presentation will examine strategies and lessons learned from the KR model as an important step in launching parallel programs of international scope.

by Jessica Hernandez

Jessica Hernandez is a Librarian at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)’s Biosciences Library, a government research library in Silver Spring, MD. She completed her MLS from the University of Arizona’s Knowledge River Program in 2009, and is currently pursuing a MS in Educational Technology from the University of Arizona. Jessica’s work at FDA involves: reference and research services to support the agency’s public health mission, library instruction, web development, and emerging technologies. Her subject areas of interest include minority health and health disparities research. In the future, she hopes to utilize her training in Educational Technology to support consumer health information initiatives for special populations. She is the first Latina librarian at FDA, and has a special passion for diversifying the LIS and federal workforce. Jessica is also committed to supporting the professional development of graduate students and early career librarians. As a member of the American Library Association’s Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Roundtable (FAFLRT) and New Member’s Round Table (NMRT), she helps to promote careers in government libraries. Jessica is also a member of REFORMA, and serves as the Chair of the Public Relations Committee, and Co-Editor of the REFORMA Newsletter. Jessica was named an ALA Emerging Leader in 2010 for her leadership and service to the profession. She was recently awarded the 3M/NMRT Professional Development Grant to attend the 2011 ALA Annual Conference. This is Jessica’s first time attending the IFLA conference, and she does not have previous presenter experience.

Librarian, FDA Biosciences Library, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA

First time presenter.

by Sandy Littletree

Sandy Littletree is the Knowledge River Program Manager at the University of Arizona School of Information Resources and Library Science. Her work at Knowledge River includes recruitment and retention of students, student support, alumni relations, program development, grant management, and community outreach. Before coming to Knowledge River, Sandy was a Librarian at North Carolina State University Libraries in Raleigh, NC. She serves as the Vice President/President Elect of the American Indian Library Association, 2010-2011; and currently serves as the secretary of the Gathering of Arizona Tribal Libraries. She holds an MA degree in Curriculum and Instruction from New Mexico State University and an MS degree in Information Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. This is Sandy’s first time attending the IFLA conference.

Knowledge River Program Manager, School of Information Resources and Library Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

“The new LIS professional from the perspective of the interdisciplinarity and the Colombian context”

One factor that has determined the work of the LIS professionals has been the rapid growth of the scientific and academic information, which together with globalization (regarding its political, economic and cultural aspect) has given a prominent role for the information professional within the discourse and the dynamics of the information society, because of the importance it has today storing, searching and decoding information . In this sense, this work delves into the importance of valuing the professional not only for his ability to manage information, but also by his ability to propose interdisciplinary communication bridges, and participate in political, historical, cultural and social discussions that generate projects that vindicate the importance of the information and the knowledge in the daily life of people, especially for those who do not have the same opportunities of accessing to the information. In the Colombian case, it demonstrates a marked difference in the training and occupational perspective of LIS professionals, because of the socio-economic and political development of the region, characterized by an immense cultural diversity, armed conflict, and social inequality. Under these conditions the professional must restructure much of their knowledge, approaches and experiments with new practices to help overcome challenges such as linguistic and cultural pluralism of ethnic communities and their particular relationship against Western culture, favoring intercultural experiences that socially and culturally enrich the communities. It is for this reason that this research characterizes the LIS professional in the issues and opportunities proposed by the Colombian scenario, where is very important the interaction with other branches of knowledge such as the anthropology or the sociology; this involves a different training curriculum and approach of the field of Library and Information Science in this part of the world, compared to developed countries.

by Alejandro Tinoco Carillo

He was born in Bogotá, Colombia. He studied Information Science – Library Science at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (2005 – 2010). Motivated by the social and cultural reality of his country, he has focused his learning and professional initiatives to the provision and construction of projects that promote cultural enrichment of Colombian society, especially in rural and marginalized populations. Based on his graduate work entitled “Public Library Intercultural Thinking: A legal and political analysis” he has been closer to the reality of public libraries in the country, where he proposed several alternatives to strengthen their social function, showing other responsibilities that the LIS professionals have to assume regarding the Colombian context.

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana – Department of Library and Information Science, Colombia

First time presenter.

by Daniel Gordillo Sánchez

He was born in Bogotá, Colombia. He is in 9th semester of the undergraduate program of Library and Information Science at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. He has been chosen twice as the best student of his major and currently works for the Library of the Universidad Pedagogica Nacional. He is responsible for the re-design of the web architecture of the library, and is involved in the program of cultural extension of the Library. He has researched about topics related with the Library and information science epistemology, and the information society in Latin America; recently he has published his 1st scientific paper entitled: “El World Usability Day en Colombia y la importancia del Profesional de la Información” in the Documentación Spanish Journal.

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana – Department of Library and Information Science, Colombia

First time presenter.

“The essence of modern LIS professionals”

Novel virtual and physical spaces challenge libraries to promote new services and require new skills for the profession. The role of a librarian has become more and more complex. This paper is twofold. It will discuss how and where graduates from the University Of Tampere School Of Information Sciences have found employment in the years 2000-2008. The discussion will show the variety of job opportunities offered for LIS professionals. University of Tampere is one of three universities in Finland that have information studies in their curriculum. This study gives a comprehensive insight into the job opportunities available for new graduates in Finland. This paper will also focus on how new services and roles of public libraries in the information society set new requirements for skills of LIS professionals. In addition to the traditional services, communality, information technology and social media extend the variety of services offered by the libraries. Especially social media makes the production of digital contents possible together with the library customers. Along with these new services, the role of libraries and LIS professionals is changing rapidly. The paper will provide an insight to a Finnish national development project, in which three regional public libraries have developed new innovative services for their customers. These new services have required comprehensive training for the staff of these libraries. The training of the staff has been organized by the University of Tampere. This paper will discuss what have been the core training needs within LIS professionals that are already working in the libraries and there has been a long time since they have graduated from a university. This paper will also discuss the pitfalls and success stories on staff training. Without this project these libraries wouldn’t have been able to experiment and pilot such new services. Also the training wouldn’t have been possible without this project. This paper will thus also focus on how to achieve professional development in the libraries in difficult financial times and through co-operation with universities.

by Teemu Rauhala

Mr. Rauhala has worked at the University of Tampere more than ten years. He is an expert in adult education and lifelong learning, especially in the field of information studies. He is also an expert in eLearning. He has been in charge of several training courses and continuing professional development courses. He has worked in close co-operation with several libraries in Finland. Currently he is working in a national development project which aims in promoting new services for libraries and new skills for the LIS professionals.

Education Manager, School of Information Sciences, University of Tampere, Finland

First time presenter.

“Key skills and competencies of a new generation of LIS professionals”

Facing technological innovations, libraries worldwide are changing their librarian landscape. These innovations impact the roles, competencies, skills and knowledge of LIS professionals. Many studies have shown the competencies can be classified as personal skills, generic skills, and discipline-specific knowledge. Based on composite research, this presentation reports the required characteristics of new generation LIS professionals. Personal skills including being analytical, creative, technical, flexible, reflective, able to cater a range of users, detective-like, adaptable, responsive to needs, enthusiastic and self motivated are the center in library works. Being analytical, dealing with technological innovations such as the PESTLE, SWOT collections, is paramount. Technical skills also play the key role in library works. Generic skills are respectively required as follows: information literacy, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, ethics and social responsibility, problem solving and leadership. In today’s digital environment, it is important to note that a LIS professional serves many roles: a helpful facilitator in searching and evaluating required information; an effective communicator with commands in speaking, writing and presentation; a critical thinker updating the fast pace of digital era; a collaborative practitioner in problem solving with leadership qualification. Discipline-specific knowledge includes Metadata, Database Development and Database Management System (DD&DMS), User Needs, Digital Archiving and Preservation, Collection Management, and Content Management System (CMS). The present paper depicts the three most required qualifications. Metadata, which is a core theme of LIS works, enables LIS professionals to create linking accessible data. DD&DMS is required to strategically and technically manage database. User Needs can help in user analysis to appropriately serve specific groups. In conclusion, to work efficiently and effectively in the fast- changing digital age, LIS professionals must have the qualifications in providing information as well as dynamically exercising personal skills, generic skills and discipline-specific knowledge.

by Ms. Pussadee Nonthacumjane

M.A. The International Digital Library Learning, (DILL) Oslo University College, Norway; Tallinn  University, Estonia, and University of Parma, Italy

Department of Library Science, Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand

First time presenter.

“Shaping a new generation of LIS professionals in the 21st century”

The rapid development of cutting-edge and emerging information technologies has provided libraries with new ways of delivering and disseminating information resources and services in the digital age. In face of ever-changing information evolutions and revolutions, libraries and LIS instructions worldwide need to explore which new changes and innovations will shape new generation of LIS professionals in the digital age. The purpose of this paper is to show key technology skills and essential competencies of a new generation of LIS professionals needed in service-oriented and user-centered library environments. With web-based library information architectures, this paper outlines developing information technology trends applicable to dynamic and interactive library information services over the Internet platform. While reviewing existing LIS courses in information technology and systems offered by three top American LIS programs, this paper makes some constructive suggestions for innovative LIS courses in the coming years of 21 st century. Finally, based on the impacts of information technologies, this paper intends to draw a clear road map for new generation of LIS instructions and professionals in the coming years of the 21 st century.

If accepted, this proposed presentation will include, but not limit to, the following major sections:

1. Introduction
2. Evolving Library Information Technology Architectures: This part will highlight which library information technologies will shape key skills and competencies for a new generation of LIS professionals.
3. Evolving Library Information Services and Future Libraries
4. Analyses and Comparisons of LIS Courses: This part will examine primary LIS courses in information technology and systems, which are offered by three top LIS schools in the United States.
5. Suggestions and Recommendations
6. Summary

Target participants will include academic administrators, executives, LIS faculty, librarians, and other professionals who would like to explore what will information technologies impact on the field of library and information science.

by  LiLi Li

Mr. LiLi Li is Associate Professor/E-Information Service Librarian at the Georgia Southern University. In addition to his first master degree in Library and Information Sciences, he also earned his second master degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) in 2004. From 1998 to 2001, he worked for businesses as IT Consultant, Programmer/Analyst, and Software Engineer/Developer. During his IT careers, not only did he participate in designing, developing, enhancing, integrating, and maintaining large-scale enterprise client/server applications, but also he accumulated his valuable real-world IT experiences in the fields of computer software life-cycle design and development, client/server architecture, database design and maintenance, web applications, and user technical supports. From 2002 to present, Mr. LiLi Li has been promoting web-based academic library information applications, instructions, and services at Georgia Southern University Library. He has been utilizing HTML, XHTML, DHTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), JavaScript, PHP, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Access2010, and MySQL to design, develop, and enhance web-based library applications. He is a university library liaison to Departments of Computer Science, Information Technology, and Information Systems in the university. In addition, he is involved with promoting the university library’s distance learning services for the online students. He has published and presented on academic library information technologies at state, national, and international conferences. His first book, which is titled “Emerging Technologies for Academic Libraries in the Digital Age”, has been collected by over 150 academic libraries from 23 countries and regions around the world, including the well-known British Library. In the summer of 2006, he made his first presentation at the World Library and Information Congress: 72 nd IFLA General Conference & Council in Seoul, South Korea. His presentation paper, which is titled “Building the Ubiquitous Library in the 21 st Century”, is now accessible at: http://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla72/papers/140-Li-en.pdf.

Associate Professor / E-Information Services Librarian, Georgia Southern University Library, Statesboro, GA, USA

“Living in an e-only world”

Whether we like it nor not, libraries, especially in the world of research, are becoming more and more online based. Journals have been available in electronic versions for some years, and now this trend also started to affect books. At the same time, we librarians have to deal with an ever growing number of new tools and this new knowledge has to be passed on to our users. From my personal experience, in research libraries I like to take a look at various skills that are becoming more and more important within this environment. In my talk I would like to focus on five essential skills:

1. Communication
2. Inter-science cultural competence
3. Passing on of knowledge
4. IT competence
5. Openness

In my presentation I would like to share with you what these skills mean to me, why I think they are so essential, and why they are important for the librarian of the future.

by Patrick Danowski

Patrick Danowski is computer scientist and scientific librarian. He works as Senior Expert Information Services at IST Austria where he responsible for the electronic library. Before he worked as Emerging Technologies Librarian (fellow) at CERN. From 2006 to 2009 he worked at the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin where he did different projects. His traineeship as academic librarian, he did at Zentral. und Landesbibliothek Berlin, while he did the master of library- and informationscience at Humboldt University. He is blogging since September 2006 about library 2.0 and other themes in his weblog “Bibliothek 2.0 und mehr”(translated: Library 2.0 and more). His further interests are Semantic Libraries, open access (in combination with cultural heritage) open source, libraries and Wikipedia.

e-Library, IST Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria