2008 BCLA Conference

Location

Theme

Off the Shelf & Out of the Box: Creativity in Libraries

Libraries are centres of innovation and creativity. To the uninitiated that phrase might cause an arched eyebrow. To those of us “in the know”, however, it is as much a statement of fact as any that guides the profession. For many of us, it is that culture of creativity that inspired us to make libraries our life’s work. A quick glance at some of the sessions in the 2007 BC Library Conference, aptly titled “Off the Shelf and Out of the Box: Creativity and Libraries” is illustrative: “Library and Gallery”, “YouTube and Libraries” “Got Game” and “Bibliocommons” are just some of the sessions that show how libraries, by connecting with the world of art, videosharing, gaming and the social aspects of the web, are doing more than ensuring their relevance, they are helping to shape what is relevant.

With such an enticing theme the 2008 conference has to be bigger and better than ever, and the conference planners have delivered. In addition to welcoming back delegates from the BC Library Trustees Association, the conference will benefit from the addition of the Health Libraries Association of BC. These two groups have worked hard to ensure that the program is exceptionally strong and extremely varied. This year there truly is something for everyone. For the first time, there will be ten concurrent sessions, rather than the traditional six or seven. The expanded program will make your session choices tough…and we think that is a good thing.

Keynote presenter Fred Kent promised to be thought-provoking as he discusses the importance of “place” and how libraries are (or can be) a central public space in their communities. After the keynote, catch up with colleagues at the AskAway dessert reception. Plenary speakers Gene Ambaum and Bill Barnes, the “Unshelved” guys, will start Friday off with a bang as they regale delegates with tales from the funny pages. Take a few minutes to check out the rest of the sessions..we’re sure you’ll find many that you’ll circle as “can’t miss’.

As with any BC Library Conference, the program is just half the story. The tradeshow is a great place to connect with friends and find out the latest from our vendor partners. There are a number of social events, including the always popular Awards Reception. And of course, there are business meetings that ensure that our associations continue to run smoothly.

It promises to be a great three days…

Keynote Speaker

Program

BC Library Conference 2008 Program (pdf)