The Call for Speakers Has Closed
Libraries: Tech Partners for Community Sustainability
Our world and our communities have been disrupted and changed in so many ways, it is difficult to see the way forward for libraries and information professionals. Our information industry has so many solutions, passionate advocates, and experienced and customer service-focused info pros that we will take a leadership role in rebuilding our communities, so they have a sustainable future. Whether that is a smart city, rural township, corporate organization, academic campus, K–12 school, or any other information-intensive community, we can and do make a difference. Computers in Libraries 2023 highlights novel examples of libraries innovating, taking advantage of leading technology, and making it happen in their communities.
The primary mission of libraries (offering equal access to information for everyone) is even more important today because of all the division in our society, rampant mis/disinformation, inflation etc. We all know that libraries help build healthier communities; provide free and safe places to learn, grow, and be social/entertained; and give access, insight, training, and opportunities to work directly with a variety of emerging technologies that are clearly changing our world while ultimately giving people the tools to take with them into an ever-evolving workforce. Computers in Libraries 2023 focuses on how we use technology to help improve our libraries and, more importantly, the people using them. Utilizing emerging technologies to improve the quality of living standards for all citizens definitely impacts our sustainability of our communities, as does our outward attention to nonprofit and entrepreneur communities.
Hear from forward-thinking libraries, creative fablabs, and centers of information excellence; network and learn from leaders in the field; and definitely be an active participant in the 38th Computers in Libraries—the most comprehensive North American conference and exhibition concentrating on all aspects of library technology. The conference offers a multifaceted program designed to meet the needs of librarians, community and information managers, systems professionals, e-resource managers, researchers, webmasters and web managers, archivists, content and museum curators, digital strategists, XR leaders, and information specialists. The focus of the conference is on emerging and leading-edge technology that allows us to engage with, and bring strategic value to, our user communities. Using the latest information, practices, and technology to help you make informed choices, this event looks at how to experiment and excel, escalate and delight both the human and digital experiences in your community—whether it is an academic, corporate, nonprofit, public, or school library community.
Conference Tracks & Topics
Computers in Libraries caters to all interests and all levels of knowledge, offering five simultaneous tracks plus many workshops, networking opportunities, and an extensive exhibit hall. This year’s tracks and themes encompass: Innovative Libraries & Practices; K-12 school libraries; Killer Strategies & Community Attention Grabbers; Partnerships & Collaboration; User Design & Experience; Learning from Library Leaders; Creative Making & Makerspaces; Digital Transformation & Engagement; Information Discovery & Search; Community Outreach to Non Profits, Entrepreneurs & Businesses; Content Management; Artificial Intelligence & Leading Edge Technology; Web Design, Tools & Development, Experimenting and more. Speakers are knowledgeable, authoritative and focus on practical applications, “how to” solutions, and case studies as well as technical and managerial issues. Please consider sharing your knowledge and ideas; send us a proposal to speak. Below are some of the topics we hope to cover, but don’t let this list limit your imagination! We look forward to hearing from you.
Possible Topics (suggestions only – the more creative the topic, the better!)
- Connect With New Tech Partners
- Facing Disruption With Strategy Reset
- Learning From Failed Experiments
- Aligning Digital & Human Experience
- Digital Community Programs Services
- Next-Generation User Communities
- Community Engagement Strategies
- Mining Library Data for Decision Making
- Innovative Libraries, Practices, & Services
- Digital Transformation & Engagement
- Ebook Publishing, Distribution, & Lending
- User-Friendly Interfaces for Positive UX
- Video: Streaming as a Marketing Tool!
- Content Management & Curation
- Enterprise Information & Knowledge Management
- Understanding Community Needs & Opportunities
- Finding & Working With Partners
- Sparking Imagination & Innovation
- Creating Tomorrow’s Learning Environments
- Connecting People & Technology
- Creating Strategic Value
- Digital Archiving
- Cutting-Edge Information Tools
- Connecting With Clients in New Ways
- What’s New in Library platforms?
- Gaming & Learning
- Streaming Content to Mobile Devices
- Library Performance Improvement
- Information Discovery & Visualization
- Web Design/Redesign & Usability
- Digitizing Collections
- Cool Web/Tech Tools
- Usability Testing for Web Sites
- Web Development Tips & Tools
- New & Emerging Technologies
- Community Sustainability
- Building Smart Communities
- Successful Tech Experiments
- Internet of Things & Libraries
- Innovation Labs & FabHubs
- Emerging Tech & Tools
- Culture Changing Techniques
- Cool Library Partnerships
- Mobile Computing
- Transforming Library Spaces
- Researching Customer Needs
- Measuring Impact of Services
- Library Labs & Incubators
- Digital Repository Management
- Illustrating Value & ROI
- Aligning with Strategic Priorities
- Creative Management Practices
- XR, AR, & VR Experiments
- Community management
- Latest Engagement for Mobiles
- Making Tough Choices
- Evolving Web Strategies
- Innovative Community Apps
- Social Media & Libraries
- Strategic Library Competencies
- Managing & Engaging Digitally
- Maximizing User Experience
- Technology Planning
- Building Technology Alliances
- Elearning Strategies & Cases
- Managing Electronic Resources
- Personalization & Customization
- Collaboration Software
- Search Engine Tips & Tools
- Teaching Tips for all ages
How to Submit a Proposal
If you would like to participate in Computers in Libraries 2023 as a speaker or workshop leader, please submit a proposal as soon as possible ( extended to October 9, 2022). Include the following brief details of your proposed presentation on the form: title, abstract, a few sentences of biographical information that relate you to the topic, and full contact information for you and your co-presenters (title, address, email, and phone). All abstracts are reviewed by the Organizing/Review Committee and notification regarding acceptance will be made in the fall.
Program Organizing and Review Committee
Program Chair
Jane I. Dysart, Dysart & Jones Associates
Program Coordinator
Brian Pichman, Evolve Project
Committee Members
Amy Affelt, Database Research Worldwide, Compass Lexecon
Bryan Alexander, The Future of Education Observatory
Marshall Breeding, Library Technology Guides
Frank Cervone, University of Illinois, Chicago
Carolyn Foote, School Librarian
Richard Hulser, Consultant
Rebecca Jones, Dysart & Jones Associates
Dick Kaser, Executive Editor, Computers in Libraries
