Not just your usual Midwinter networking

For Immediate Release
Tue, 11/09/2010

Contact:

John Chrastka

CHICAGO — An abundance of scheduled discussion opportunities to pick from at the ALA Midwinter Meeting sets the stage for rich and productive outcomes — in addition to the informal networking that is always a highlight. Almost 200 discussion and interest groups and forums offer attendees the chance to share ideas and explore solutions with colleagues.

A more complete list of scheduled discussion and interest groups and forums on the ALA Midwinter Meeting wiki provides more detail, but a condensed sampling of topics being addressed in the broad context of libraries and librarianship includes: online collaboration; current trends and issues related to implementing an Information Commons; literacy and transliteracy; e-readers; developments in service delivery in MUU contexts; virtual communities; mobile frameworks; QR codes; disability service issues such as Web and e-resource accessibility; assessing virtual reference; the evolution of technical services; popular culture; collaborative digitization; storytelling; teaching, curating and preserving new media content; scholarly communication; virtual and physical services; trends in interiors; gaming; independent consulting; approaches to balancing career and family; RDA; access options; who users really are; ERIC changes and future plans; serving YA in large urban populations.
 
The ALA Washington Office will bring together experts for a post-election analysis of the 2010 elections and how the results will impact libraries in both the short and long term. The Washington Office will also offer an Update focused on changes to the E-rate program as a result of the recent FCC Sixth Report and Order on upgrading the E-rate program for the 21st century.
 
Some discussions are especially for new and prospective librarians, including career directions and emerging specializations.
 
Pre-Midwinter Institutes offer yet more opportunities.
 
Find out about the many other Midwinter Meeting highlights including awards, author appearances and exhibits.
For more general information on the ALA Midwinter Meeting,  Jan. 7 -11, 2011 in San Diego, and related special programs and events, visit www.ala.org/midwinter. Advance registration saves you money and is open until Monday, Nov. 29.