Tuesday One

OPENING KEYNOTE — Libraries of the Future: Places of Desire
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM - San Carlos Ballroom (Marriott)
Paul Holdengraber, Director, Public Programs, New York Public Library

In his position as founder, curator and voice of “LIVE from the NYPL,” Holdengraber thinks up “programs that will stimulate intellectual fervor, inspire discussion and dissent, and create forums to bring books and people together–cognitive theater.” Following his interview of Vint Cerf, Holdengraber is himself interviewed about why he believes public conversations are a fundamental way to make libraries irresistible, ensuring their everlasting importance; how to take advantage of the “afterlife of the conversation”; how to create moments of magic; and tips for oxygenating and transforming libraries for the future. Join this funny, knowledgeable, and insightful speaker; he'll make your day!

Making Virtual (VR) Reference Multidimensional
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM - Steinbeck Forum (Conference Center)
William Breitbach, Librarian, California State University, Fullerton
Mike Demars, Librarians, California State University, Fullerton
Linda Bedwell, Reference & Instruction Librarian, Dalhousie University Libraries

After more than a decade of VR services, problems persist: absence of a reference interview, communication limitations, extended transaction times, concerns about the quality of instruction, and technological problems. The first presentation looks at how to address these problems using simple-to-use and free technology, including Jing (for on-the-fly videos); on-the-fly webpage annotation with text, graphics, audio, or webcam; harnessing the power of YouTube; embedded IM, and more. Bedwell shows how, by experimenting with free online communications tools, strategic online placement, and other innovative solutions, the Novanet Live Help online reference service has established itself as a highly valued and much-used service. In 1 year, during which Dalhousie cancelled their virtual reference software subscription and adopted chat widgets in its place, usage statistics skyrocketed fivefold.