The Office of Library and Information Services, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is pleased to present a day long workshop on the future of libraries and librarianship. Join us on December 6 at the Barrington Public Library for a stimulating discussion of how technology can work in the library and how you can leverage technology and social software to serve your users in new and innovative ways. Three nationally known speakers will share their thoughts and practical experiences while engaging you in a thought-provoking look into the future of library services:

• How does your library utilize computers and technology to provide access to books and information? 
• How can you put computers and technology to work to further the mission of your library? 
• How can you maximize emerging technologies in the library to serve up information the way your users want or expect it? 
• How can you seamlessly integrate technology with traditional library functions? 

Learn the good news about what you’re already doing in your libraries, how to bring the library to your users thru online technology, how to get more out of computers and technology, and how technology and literacy can go hand in hand.

You must pre-register for this session, and spaces are limited.
Register using the OLIS CE registration form.

Presenters

Linda W. Braun is an educational technology consultant with LEO: Librarians & Educators Online. In her job she works with schools, libraries, and other types of educational institutions to help them figure out the best way to integrate technology into their programs and services. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science where she teaches young adult and technology classes. Linda has a Masters of Science Degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons College and a Masters of Education with a specialization in Technology in Education from Lesley University.

Linda’s books published by the American Library Association include Teens.Library Developing Internet Services for Young Adults and Technically Involved: Technology-Based Youth Participation Activities for Your Library. She has also authored three books for Neal-Schuman including Hooking Teens with the Net. In December 2006, Teens, Technology and Literacy was published by Libraries Unlimited. Information Today published her latest book, Listen Up! Podcasting in Schools and Libraries, in the fall of 2007. Linda has also authored articles for journals including netConnect, Library Journal, and School Library Journal and is a columnist for VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates).

Casey Bisson is a software developer and information technologist specializing in building applications and systems to serve libraries and higher education. He was named a Mover and Shaker by Library Journal in 2007, where he was described as a Mad Scientist. He is the recipient of a 2006 Mellon Award for Technology Collaboration for developing Scriblio (formerly WPopac). He is currently the information architect for Lamson Library at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire.

Casey is an avid writer and speaker in the library technology arena. He is the author of MaisonBisson, in which he writes about his passion for libraries and hiking in New England, among other things. His article “Open-Source Software for Libraries” was featured in the May/June 2007 issue of Library Technology Reports. A 2006 interview by Meredith Farkas entitled “Casey Bisson speaks! We all should listen” details Bisson’s thought about library systems and what web services could mean for libraries.

Andrea Mercado, reference librarian and implementer of technology solutions, is the author of the blog LibraryTechtonics and manager of the PLA Blog, where she writes content, manages software and wrangles volunteer bloggers. A self-described information junky, she uses her technology skills and knowledge to apply them to her first love, information and research, in any useful way humanly possible. Andrea is currently a Reference and Techie Librarian at the Reading Public Library in Massachusetts, where she answers reference questions, teaches computer classes, and serves as the tech trainer for staff. Previously she has worked in the areas of web development, technical writing, project management and technical support.