ASCLA preconference investigates technology’s role in world of resource sharing

UPDATE! Check out bios and presentation details for the full list of speakers at this event by clicking here.

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When it comes to resource sharing, the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) knows how to figure out exactly what your users need.

The upcoming ASCLA preconference “Giving People What They Want: Information Access in Libraries and Beyond” will feature a thought-provoking examination of technology and how its pervasive development is challenging traditional approaches to resource-sharing and content access. Presenters will examine users’ different information-seeking behaviors and how they differ significantly from how libraries have traditionally provided information. Participants will also discuss technological limitations inherent in sharing resources across disparate systems; innovative approaches that are broadening the definition of resource-sharing; and the impact of digital publishing, library end-user research, and innovative implementations of resource-sharing.

“Giving People What They Want”, which is open to and librarian or library staff involved or interested in the field of resource sharing, will be held 9a.m.-5p.m. on Friday, June 25 at one of the ALA conference hotels in Washington, D.C. Featured speakers at the event will include Lee Rainie, director at the Pew Internet & American Life Project, Washington, D.C., and Marshall Breeding, director for innovative technologies and research at the Jean and Alexander Heard Library, Vanderbilt University.

Interested participants can register for this event only, or can register in conjunction with Annual Conference registration by adding it as a ticketed event. For institute-only registration using the online form, select “Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type and proceed to select this event from the list. Advance registration ends May 14, 2010. Advance registration prices for this event start at $205 for ASCLA members. On-site registration starts at $215 for ASCLA members and will be available online until Sunday, June 20. All interested participants must register by June 20—there will not be seats available at the door on the day of the event.