Day 1 - Tuesday, 21 October 2014

What are the major drivers of change in library services? International library leaders set the scene and explore the forces driving libraries’ rapid innovation and multifunctional potential. Today’s savvy librarians need to focus on the full digital and physical experiences customers have when they make a (real or virtual) library visit – so they can quickly find information, make decisions, or participate – creating positive experiences that visitors not only remember but want to share with others.

Two contrasting case studies highlight the range of new opportunities open to librarians – ranging from using digital music services in a library context, to being a User Experience specialist.

The modern library supports learning on all levels. All types of library, in many different countries, face the same challenges, driven in many cases by technological developments or financial contraints. Despite having the same core issues, libraries come up with different answers, shaped by their differing cultures. By being globally inspired – and translating that inspiration into local action – libraries can transform their communities.

User-centred design, customised discovery, new content models, and redesigned content and services are just some of the innovations being rolled out by two library services.

What are the major technology trends that will impact library services and their users? Using the key technology trends identified in NMC’s Library horizon report 2014, this session explores the impact these technologies may have for those working in the library sector, and reviews how librarians and information professionals should respond in order to maximise the potential of the new developments.

Discover how working with, and learning from, technology partners can have a major and positive impact on library projects.

As part of a German research foundation project, the KIT Library helped build a web-based portal for scientists working in the field of technology assessment. By contributing traditional library knowledge and adding expertise about new developments and technologies in the information field, the librarians proved themselves invaluable to the development process. The project reflects the changing role of librarians.

Two case studies illustrate how gamification is being used to engage the user and enhance their experiences by increasing social sharing and by ‘bringing the library out of the building’.

How are documents evolving and what are the implications for library and information science professionals? This session explores the emergence of immersive documents, where pervasive computing and multisensory interfaces blend with interactive and multimedia texts, to herald new ways in which we can communicate, learn, practise, find out and be entertained. Understanding how these new forms fit within the information communication chain, and especially how they impact on information behaviour, is vital for the LIS profession.

How can the publishing industry and academic libraries work better together? We both face challenges for the future and we share many common goals and ideals, but we don't know much about each other's reality or problems. Why don't we collaborate more?  Swedish academic libraries initiated a discussion with publishers to learn more about each other and to discuss the issue of Swedish e-books in academic libraries; Gale Cengage Learning share the story of a successful collaborative publishing venture.

Museums are rich in both artefacts and original research content, and libraries and archives are a major source and influencer in getting this content into the digital universe. Limited resources (money, staff time and skills, equipment, space) make it imperative to collaborate and cooperate within and across institutions. Richard Hulser explores the potential of these multi-institutional collaborations.

Hear how JoVe created a new, effective tool for systematic teaching in laboratory courses that saves teachers time and resources and expedites the learning process for their students. At Wellcome, improved search and discovery tools help users to get the best out of library holdings and materials.