Library 2.012 Virtual Conference - FREE!

Given all the cuts to libraries and particularly to librarian professional development (including travel), I actively seek and would like to promote those opportunities that are cost-effective.  And how much more cost-effective can you get with something that is free?  (OK, your time is money, but eliminating conference fees and travel expenses boosts the cost-effective equation tremendously.)

The Library 2.012 Virtual Conference is next week and there are 148 presentations (and counting) scheduled over 2 days.  They cover six different "strands":

• STRAND 1: Libraries – Physical and Virtual Learning Spaces

• STRAND 2: Librarians & Information Professionals – Evolving Professional Roles in Today’s World

• STRAND 3: Content & Creation – Organizing and Creating Information

• STRAND 4: Changing Delivery Methods

• STRAND 5: User Centered Access

• STRAND 6: Mobile and Geo-Social Information Environments

Here is a sampling of the presentations:

• ALA Presents Ebook Business Models for Public Libraries
• Cultivating Culture: Promising Virtual Practices for Indigenous Communities
• Toward a Sustainable Embedded Librarian Program
• DDA@UNT: How's that workin' for ya'?
• DDA in the Real World: How does our DDA compare with our other book collections?

OK, I confess...the list is a bit biased...the last two are mine.  I hope these will be a stimulating look at what our patrons have selected and how they compare with our print and EBSCO eBooks collection.  This will be my first presentations using WeCollaborate, which provides a slightly more interactive environment than simple webcasting. 

But even if my topic of demand-driven acquisitions is not on your radar, consider taking a moment to look at the options available and take advantage of this opportunity to see what others have done.