Library 2.0 Virtual Conferences

The San José State University School of Information held three virtual Library 2.0 mini-conferences in 2024. These events were free to attend. All sessions were recorded and made available to attendees. 

Library 2035: Imagining the Next Generation of Libraries (Recordings Available)

Our third Library 2.024 mini-conference, ”Library 2035: Imagining the Next Generation of Libraries,” was held online (and for free) on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. US-Pacific Time.

What will libraries look like by 2035? That is the question that was tackled in the recently published book “Library 2035: Imagining the Next Generation of Libraries.” In that book, library leaders shared their thoughts about the lessons learned over the past decade and what they forecast as the opportunities, strengths, and challenges that lie ahead for libraries in the next decade. In this free virtual conference, we broadened the conversation to include additional perspectives and global visions about what the future of libraries will look like. 

Our special conference chair was Dr. Sandra Hirsh, associate dean of academics in the College of Information, Data & Society at San Jose State University. She edited the recently published book, “Library 2035: Imagining the Next Generation of Libraries” (Rowman & Littlefield) in March 2024.

Please visit the Library 2.0 Conference YouTube playlist to watch the recorded sessions.

The Supportive Library: Helping Patrons Experiencing Homelessness (Recordings Available)

The second of three Library 2.0 conferences was held on Thursday, June 20, 2024. The sessions explored the theme of “The Supportive Library: Helping Patrons Experiencing Homelessness.”

From a librarian’s perspective, we know and understand that patrons experiencing homelessness are an especially vulnerable population. We also know that to work in libraries is to be on the forefront of homelessness. However, while we are working directly with vulnerable patrons, many of us may not know how to help someone who is unhoused or who is experiencing food or other insecurities. We may not understand why they don’t trust us, or why they are striking out angrily toward us. We may not know the mental challenges or trauma they are experiencing or the loneliness and isolation they are feeling. In turn, this can expose our own vulnerabilities.

What we do know is that there are many challenges for our vulnerable patrons. What can we do to help strengthen these patrons, knowing that this requires being emotionally vulnerable ourselves? How do we find the emotional strength and courage to be open and authentic? What can librarians provide? 

Attendees were encouraged to embrace vulnerability, share stories of helping vulnerable patrons, express how they have been vulnerable and needed support, and what it means to take risks and step outside of their comfort zone.

Our special conference chair was Kimberli Buckley, M.A, MLIS, senior community library manager at Contra Costa County Library, and a lecturer at the San José State University School of Information.

Please visit the Library 2.0 Conference YouTube playlist to watch the recorded sessions.

AI and Libraries: Applications, Implications, and Possibilities (Recordings Available)

The first of three Library 2.0 conferences was held on March 21, 2024. Sessions explored the theme of “AI and Libraries: Applications, Implications, and Possibilities.”

Attendees learned how libraries and library workers are engaging with artificial intelligence tools in their libraries from research support to information literacy to technical services. The conversations addressed the practical implications of these tools in the library profession.

Our special conference chair was Dr. Raymond Pun, the academic and research librarian at Alder Graduate School of Education, and the immediate past president of the Chinese American Librarians Association and a past president of the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association.

Please visit the Library 2.0 Conference YouTube playlist to watch the recorded sessions.

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