10 Takeaways from LibTech 2017

Post date: Mar 26, 2017 9:22:47 PM

10 Takeaways from the 2017 LibTech Conference

Mike and I got back from St. Paul last week. This was the tenth Annual Library Technology Conference, held at St. Paul’s Macalester College. It stayed true to the mission of gathering librarians from a variety of settings (public, academic) and sharing ideas and strategies for using technology. We missed last year because of my foot surgery and decided we needed to back this year.

1. It was Pragmatic: when I was still teaching, I always brought back a fresh idea, new type of technology, or new way of using existing technology. I learned about Tumblr there, I picked up some tips on using IPads, I attended workshops that focused on various web apps, research strategies, social media, and using tools like Moodle.

2. It was Aspirational: the first key note was very theoretical and philosophical about the use of data in the library world, but it made me think more about how big data is changing our world!

3. It was Inspirational: The second keynote focused on the concept of crisis mapping using social media, Google Earth and other web tools. The speaker’s wife was in Haiti during the big earthquake a few years ago. He wanted to find out how she was doing so he was trying to call, text and check social media. He saw that people there were posting on Twitter and Facebook, reporting damage and rescue efforts. He got friends together and created a map showing where people were waiting to be rescued and FEMA used it. They were getting phone calls from the airport in Haiti for updated details. His wife was fine.

4. It was a great chance to network: after one session, we chatted with the speaker, also from Iowa, who said he would like to get together with Mike, an experienced Technical administrator.

5. It was Social: people sit down and chat with strangers over lunch. We have met a number of people at each conference and enjoyed sharing ideas. Several years, it was a good opportunity to talk with local folks! This year we chatted with Ambri, from the Cedar Falls Public Library, and attended her session.

6. It was informative (and FUN): Mike and I went to a session and learned how to create a video using a smartphone, YouTube Editor, and then uploading it to YouTube, using a simple concept, aiming for 90 seconds, and working in groups of four. Mike and I ended up taking acting roles along with Rachel, a very animated young woman with an outstandingly crazy stocking hat, while the fourth member, Tom, was our camera man/editor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8tX0jM2xRY&list=PLZXNXrtLtJ66Eh1yFeUpOzxRLWw-iQczW&sns=tw "Three reasons to come to the library: a short video starring Rachel, Mike and Cherie," at LIBTECH, March 16, 2017

7. It was a chance to get some SWAG: this year, we got cool socks! In past years, we got great fabric bags made from recycled water bottles. They are some of my all-time favorite bags because they weigh next to nothing and can get thrown into a purse or suitcase for use on the road or shopping trip.

8. It was DELICIOUS: They always have wonderful food, with fresh fruit and pastry in the morning, lots of salads and wraps and veggies for lunches. The wrap up reception is always yummy with lots of finger food, more fruits and veggies. They always have options for vegetarians or vegans or whatever the dietary need might be.

9. It was Responsible and Amenable: Macalester has more recycling options and containers than I have seen almost anywhere else. Even the plates and utensils are biodegradable. Macalester also has facilities suited for large and small sessions, top notch technology and Wi-Fi, lots of friendly volunteers, and a beautiful campus in all seasons.

10. It was a chance to stay downtown Minneapolis, at the Radisson Blu hotel, with wonderful rooms, a parking garage, restaurant, etc. right in the heart of downtown—and close to the Theater District! We got to see “Booty” and the Beast, a play at the New Comedy Workshop, where our adopted “nephew” Matthew Vichlach works his technical magic behind the scenes. His mom LaVonne was also in town, so we got to enjoy a supper together before the play.

Last updated March 26, 2017