I'll be at Computers in Libraries all next week, the premier technology conference for libraries. Since some libraries are pretty leading edge in using technology to reach their clients, and generally to support their missions, it may be interesting for Slawyers to have some updates, which I'll try to supply.

This year Web 2.0 is still a pervasive topic, but since libraries have been using social software for a few years now, the content seems pretty down to earth. Presenters are looking at how to marry library strengths, such as in-depth personal reference interviews with mobile and other technologies that present limited opportunities for "F2F" (face to face). There is a strong contingent of presenters looking seriously at how open source software works in libraries. One of the highlights will be Roy Tennant's presentation Moving Libraries to the Cloud, and Stephen M. Cohen will present What's Hot in RSS and 130 Web Tips, Tricks, Tools and Resources in 160 Minutes (sound like a wild ride).Additionally there are a number of great workshops (see the program).

Here are the descriptions of the Keynotes, which give an idea of the flavour of the conference this year:

Friending Libraries: The Nodes in People’s Social Networks
Lee Rainie, Director, Pew Internet & American Life Project

Rainie discusses his organization’s latest findings and why they suggest that libraries can play a role in people’s social networks in the future. He’s not going to describe how to set up a Facebook profile. Rather, he’s going to talk about the reasons that people rely more and more on their social networks as they share ideas, learn, solve problems, and seek social support. He’ll describe why the internet and cell phones have changed the way people construct and operate social networks and why libraries can act as the “node” in people’s networks.

Library Without Walls: Meeting Place of and for People!
Paul Holdengraber, Director, Public Programs, New York Public Library
Erik Boekesteijn, Concept Developer and Projectmanager, Science and Innovationdepartment, Delft Public Library ShanachieTour

As the founder, curator, and voice of “LIVE from the NYPL,” an innovative series of public talks, debates, performances, it is Holdengraber’s responsibility to “think up programs that will stimulate intellectual fervor, inspire discussion and dissent, and create forums to bring books and people together.” He defines what he does in two words: “cognitive theater!” He has interviewed, moderated or, as he prefers to say, instigated—conversations with writers, artists, world leaders, humorists, cooks, psychoanalysts, and filmmakers from around the globe. In a passionate and engaging interview Erik Boekesteijn will goad Paul Holdengraber and have him reveal why he believes that public conversations are one fundamental way to make libraries irresistible to ensure their everlasting importance for the future.

Digital Strategies & Knowledge Commons
Michael Edson, Director of Web & New Media Strategy, Office of the CIO, Smithsonian Institution

If libraries, museums and other institutions exist for the increase and diffusion of knowledge, how do we do it digitally? Edson discusses the Smithsonian's emerging digital strategy and shares the vision of a Smithsonian Commons–a critical mass of content, services, and tools that could be given to the world for free, no strings attached. This talk will be relevant to anybody thinking about the future of libraries and information services. He is passionate about his work and illustrates his ideas and plans with examples from other progressive organizations. Gain lots of insights and ideas for creating your tomorrow.

Michael is a librarian, webmaster, and researcher at the University of Victoria Diana M. Priestly Law Library. He has an MLS and MA (Medieval History) from the University of Toronto, and is the father of two youngsters.
[click on the author's name for more information]

up

One Comment on “Computers in Libraries 2009”

  1. I'm looking forward to your report back, Michael, since I'm not making it this year. Get there early for Steven Cohen's talks since it is always a full house (closest I've managed to get at CiL was the overflow room to watch him on livestreaming video). He doesn't usually advertise it, but did you know he is a law librarian?

    Have a great time!

    Cheers,
    Connie

SlawTips      

SlawTips Use join.me to Get on the Same Page Across the Web
Wednesday, February 8

When you need to collaborate on a document displayed on your screen, it’s great to have a colleague from down the hall come into your office and look over your … »»

Technology

SlawTips Top 10 Financial Errors: #8 Always Assume More Risk Than Needed
Friday, February 3

You should assess whether you can accept the financial risks associated with taking the matter, just as clients will assess whether they can (and will) pay your fee. Spend time at the beginning of the. […] »»

Practice

SlawTips Seeing New Federal Legislation
Wednesday, February 1

Today’s Tip is a simple reminder to view by “latest activity date”. The Parliament is back in session and those Slaw Tips readers for whom monitoring legislation is a regular … »»

Research

noted on Slaw    

MLB Selected Case Summaries    

These summaries of selected recent cases are provided each week to Slaw by Maritime Law Book.
More information.

  • Banks and Banking - Liability of banks to third parties - Negligence - General

    The plaintiffs were the former shareholders of a company that failed. They sued the defendant bank alleging that it breached its contract with the company and the plaintiffs and breached a duty ...

  • Actions - Cause of action - General principles - New or extended cause of action - Opening of floodgates

    The plaintiff and defendant worked at different branches of the same bank. The defendant’s common-law husband was the plaintiff’s ex-husband. Over a four year period, the defendant ...

  • Aliens - Definitions and general principles - Immigration consultants

    The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) had been designated as the sole regulatory body of immigration consultants in Canada from 2004 until June 2011. On June 30, 2011, Bill C-35 came into force, which significantly amended ...

  • Criminal Law - Sexual offences, public morals and disorderly conduct - Public morals - Obscenity - Possession of child pornography

    The accused was convicted of making child pornography available and two counts of possession of child pornography (see [2010] Sask.R. Uned. 197). Subsequently, he was sentenced ...

  • Criminal Law - Procedure - Charge or directions - Jury or judge alone - Directions regarding pleas or evidence of witnesses, co-accused and accomplices

    Rowe was convicted by a jury of five offences. He appealed.

    The Ontario Court of Appeal allowed ...

  • Narcotic Control - Offences - Possession - General

    The accused wished to access marijuana for medicinal purposes but did not have an authorization to possess marijuana issued under the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations. He was notified that a package of marihuana addressed to him had been ...

  • Narcotic Control - General - Legislation - Exemptions - Medicinal marijuana

    McCrady, who had an application pending under the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) to possess and grow marijuana, was convicted of possession of marijuana (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), s. 4(1)). Hearn pleaded guilty ...

  • Criminal Law - Sentence - Trafficking in hashish or marijuana (incl. possession for purposes of trafficking)

    The accused pleaded guilty to one count of possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. He was sentenced to 30 days’ imprisonment to be served intermittently and 11 months’ ...

  • Municipal Law - Powers of municipalities - Particular powers - Imposition and collection of taxes or fees 

    Catalyst Paper Corp. operated a paper mill in the District of North Cowichan. Catalyst objected to the tax rate that it paid compared to residential ratepayers. In 2009, the ...


law foundation icon

The re-development
of Slaw is assisted by
a grant from the
Law Foundation of Ontario

TalkLaw/ParLoi    

This is a listing of a few upcoming events in Canada of interest to lawyers, law students, legal librarians, and others involved in the practice of law.

Clicking on any event in the list below will give you access to more information and to links allowing you to see the full entry and to add the event to your own calendar.

Click this link for a fuller version of the TalkLaw/ParLoi calendar of events and for instructions as to how to add events and calendars to your own calendar.

Switch to our mobile site