Three timely and important topics in the field of library and information science were explored in depth during the Library 2.016 Worldwide Virtual Conference: Privacy in the Digital Age, Library as Classroom, and Libraries of the Future. This year, the conference took a slightly different format by featuring three three-hour conferences held in the spring, summer and fall instead of just once a year.

The San José State University School of Information is a founding partner of the online library conference series, and iSchool Director Sandra Hirsh serves as conference co-chair.

Library 2.016: Privacy in the Digital Age

Keynote speakers and information professionals discussed the roles and responsibilities of libraries regarding the protections of intellectual freedom, privacy, free speech, information access, and freedom of the press during the Library 2.016: Privacy in the Digital Age mini-conference, held on March 16, 2016. All sessions were recorded and are available on the conference website.

Library 2.016: Library as Classroom

The Library 2.016: Library as Classroom mini-conference featured library innovators and educators who discussed the library’s role in community learning. The opening keynote saw more than 400 participants from all over the world. Organized by Dr. Michael Stephens, assistant professor at the SJSU School of Information, the June 15, 2016, conference inspired attendees with new programming ideas and creative ways to engage our communities in “life-wide” learning. All sessions were recorded and are available on the conference website.

Library 2.016: Libraries of the Future

The third mini-conference in the three-part Library 2.016 series was held on Thursday, October 6, 2016. Sponsored by the American Library Association Center for the Future of Libraries, the theme was “Libraries of the Future” and explored some of the key trends that point toward specific futures for libraries. More than 5,600 information professionals from around the world registered for the free conference. Session recordings and curated resource materials are accessible on the conference web page.