The Future is Now

Important notice to delegates

The Future is Now: new roles and relationships for academic libraries

The University of Johannesburg Library and Information Centre and the Conference Planning Committee are pleased to announce that a conference on the impact of new technologies on the roles and partnerships for academic libraries will take place from 17-18 May 2010 at the University of Johannesburg’s Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

Within the field of library and information science, the issues of rapidly changing technology and the need to adapt and align services and relationships accordingly, are a constant concern and challenge. Apart from the continued focus on technology, academic librarians are increasingly aware that the needs of their clients are also changing and that they must move from understanding technology to understanding end-user needs and behaviour in the context of the technology. Libraries are at a cross road where they need to embrace new technology and at the same time give more attention to clients than to developing their infrastructure. Many of the predictions about the role of technology in academic libraries are coming true – the future is now!

Date                                            Venue
17 - 18 May 2010                                     University of Johannesburg, FADA Auditorium
                                                                    Bunting road  campus   (Map)
                                                                    Auckland Park
                                                                    Johannesburg

Conference topics
Papers and poster on, but not limited to, the following topics are invited:

1. Mobile technology and academic libraries
     • Cool tools and gadgets
     • Adapting to the needs and expectations of the net generation students, and technology savvy
        lecturers
     • Emerging competencies for library staff
     Keynote speaker: Arthur Goldstuck

2.  New models for publishing and the implications for libraries
     • Alternative publishing and funding models
     • National and international collaborative projects
     • Open Access initiatives
     • Making the library part of the publishing supply chain
     Keynote speaker: Susan Gibbons

3.  The impact of embracing new roles and forging new relationships on the image of the academic
      library.

4. Managing Copyright and intellectual property related to the use of new technologies in academic
        libraries

Audience
The conference will appeal to
     • library and information professionals interested in the innovative opportunities created by new
       technologies
     • publishers interested in forging new relationships with library and information centers
     • suppliers of mobile technologies