The Library 2.017 Worldwide Virtual Conference featured three topic-specific mini-conferences scheduled throughout the year—the same format introduced in 2016. The first web conference for 2017 was held on March 29 and covered the topic of expertise, competencies and careers. On June 1, futurist Bryan Alexander led an intriguing conversation about digital literacy and fake news. The final web conference for 2017 was held on October 11 and discussed different types of makerspaces and how they can benefit our global communities. Each three-hour web conference consisted of an opening and closing keynote session and crowd-sourced presentations on the specific conference topic. 

Library 2.017: Makerspaces 

Abstract: Makerspaces are popping up at libraries more and more these days. The creative outlets for tinkering, collaborating, problem solving, and learning provide a new dynamic for library services. Just like the individual projects made, no two library makerspaces are the same. During this free web conference, attendees investigated how library makerspaces can foster community partnerships and provide a space for patrons to innovate through hands-on learning.

Keynote Speakers:

• Heather Moorefield-Lang, Assistant Professor, School of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina
• Dr. Kyungwon Koh, Assistant Professor, School of Library and Information Studies, The University of Oklahoma
• Dr. June Abbas, Professor, School of Library and Information Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Oklahoma
• Kristin Fontichiaro, University of Michigan
• Dr. Leanne Bowler, University of Pittsburgh

Visit the conference web page to access the recordings.

Library 2.017: Digital Literacy and Fake News 

Abstract: What does “digital literacy” mean in an era shaped by the Internet, social media, and staggering quantities of information? During this free web conference, the keynote panelists had a lively conversation about the role of libraries and librarians in addressing fake news, propaganda, and biased research. Social media for information gathering, the requisite skills for critical thinking and decision making, and digital citizenship in our globally diverse world were also discussed.

Keynote Speakers:

• Bryan Alexander, Futurist, Future Trends in Technology Education (opening session moderator and closing keynote)
• Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe, Professor/Coordinator for Information Literacy Services and Instruction in the Library and Affiliate Faculty Member at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Doug Belshaw, Educator, Consultant, Speaker, Author
• Mnar A. Muhawesh, Editor In Chief, MintPress News

Visit the conference web page to access the recordings.

Library 2.017: Expertise, Competencies and Careers 

Abstract: Moderated by Dr. Julie Todaro, ALA president, the opening keynote panel of thought leaders explored competencies, careers and successful practices for 21st century information professionals.

Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. John Bertot, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs at University of Maryland (College Park, Maryland)
• Valerie J. Gross, President and CEO, Howard County Library System (Maryland)
• Dr. Eileen G. Abels, Dean, Simmons School of Library and Information Science, Simmons College (Boston, Massachusetts)

Visit the conference web page to access the recordings.

All sessions were recorded and are available on the conference’s website. If you are not a member of the Library 2.0 network, please join for free to access all of the archived sessions from past conferences. The Library 2.0 Worldwide Virtual Conference was co-founded in 2011 by Dr. Sandra Hirsh of the San José State University School of Information and Steve Hargadon of The Learning Revolution.