Now that our smartphones can not only search the web for us but also predict the fastest route to work, how do info pros set themselves apart from anyone with access to Google? This full-day workshop looks at what is innovative, creative, and digitally transforming in advanced web search, research, and analysis. Searchers Academy allows you to interact with a series of industry experts who share their ideas and expertise in the field of research on the web and in social media. There’s always something new to be learned from these leading-edge info pros. Participants should have basic experience with web searching, but even searchers with an extensive searching background will come away with a new attitude and new resources and tools for more effective and strategic searching. Expect to have your assumptions challenged about effective search techniques, strategies, and approaches.

Academy topics include:

Libraries require appropriate technology in order to best fulfill their strategic missions. They invest in many types of tools for managing their collections, enabling discovery for patrons, and fulfilling access in the most efficient way. As the proportions of electronic and digital content continue to increase, libraries need to align their technology infrastructure. In this half-day workshop, Breeding outlines some of the types of technology products and services available to help libraries face these challenges. The workshop focuses on the issues raised by the attendees to help guide their development of technology strategies which best serve their organizations.

Immerse yourself in the tech of the future. Understand what artificial intelligence is, what it means for our communities, and how we can use it to engage our members and customers. Hear about the challenges and opportunities as well as the resources you can check out to learn more and share with your colleagues. Get ready to face the future with this in-depth intro and interactive, thought-provoking discussion. Also get a sneak peek at complimentary learning experiences and sessions happening at the conference.

In spite of the positive and progressive proliferation of digital tools and means to find and consume information and to connect socially, Libraries remain the physical space in every community where people will find access, beyond physical and digital divides, to tools, content, spaces, programs, services and to each other as they seek, create and share new knowledge. Transforming service models and physical spaces by first harnessing the interests and aspirations of the community through meaningful engagement and intentional innovation builds the capacity and strength of individuals and the larger community. Join Sue Considine for an interactive session to build your road map to meaningful community engagement through community led making.

How do we design for changing technologies and flexible smart spaces? How do we incorporate new gadgets, apps, and technologies to engage our communities? Get some insights and ideas for planning for the future for successful user library experiences.

Technology has changed the face of libraries and is continuing to change how we work and how we deliver services to customers. This workshop introduces emerging technology trends and shows how those trends are reshaping library services. Examples are provided of how to incorporate these evolving trends into libraries. Attendees learn what trends to look for, find out the difference between a technology trend and a fad, and get ideas on how their library can respond to technology as it emerges.

This half-day workshop, presented by early adopters and library practitioners, shares what it takes to start a community program based around augmented and virtual reality (AR/ VR). During the workshop, participants gain an appreciation of the history of this bleeding-edge technology and learn how all the basic hardware/ software components work to create engaging experiences in your library and far beyond it. An HTC Vive, Microsoft HoloLens, Google Cardboard, a DIY hologram viewer, and other technologies are present, so participants have an opportunity to play with all the latest and greatest AR/VR technologies as well as identify opportunities to use these technologies in their communities.

Need a stretch after a day of workshops or traveling on airplanes? Want to hear some of the lore of Cannery Row and see some of the sights? Join our native librarian as she leads a walking tour from the Marriott to Cannery Row before our Games & Gadgets evening networking event!

Join our gamers and gadget lovers for an evening of fun, playing, learning, and networking. See how you can transform your thinking, your programs, and your spaces with the latest games, gadgets, and ideas! Share with a poster about what your library is doing with creative making and makerspaces. Play, make, and fill your bingo card for a chance to win a free registration to next year’s Internet Librarian! Led by Brian Pichman and Tod Colegrove this event starts your conference experience with lots of learning and laughing! Refreshments included.