TechSoup Blog

Introducing the Library 2.0 Small and Rural Library Conference

Written by Steve Hargadon | Apr 11, 2020 1:22:00 AM

We're excited to announce a June Library 2.0 mini-conference that is being co-organized by TechSoup. It is "Small, Rural, and Independent Libraries," which will be held online (and for free) on Wednesday, June 17, from 12 to 3 p.m., U.S. Pacific time. Register for this free event here.

This mini-conference will focus on innovation and innovative thinking in rural, independent, tribal, and other small libraries, as well as the many unique challenges that libraries face in these strange times. A diverse array of keynote panelists and curated presenters will cover topics that will include

  • Innovations to provide Internet access and training to rural patrons
  • New ways that small libraries can offer services that the big urban libraries offer
  • Taking community partnerships to the next level
  • How workers from small and rural libraries can easily connect with each other to get ideas and keep innovating
  • Novel ways to fund special programs
  • Unique Internet of Things offers that are tailored to specific communities
  • Safety, security, and ways to deal with emergencies when the sheriff's department is far away

This event is being organized in partnership with Jim Lynch from TechSoup for Libraries, Kate Laughlin from the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, and The School of Information at San José State University, the founding conference sponsor.

Everyone is invited to participate in our Library 2.0 conference events, designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among information professionals worldwide. Each three-hour event consists of a keynote panel, up to 15 crowdsourced 30-minute presentations, and a closing 30-minute keynote.

In case you have never attended a free Library 2.0 Mini-Conference, here are some frequently asked questions about the events.

What Are the Free Library 2.0 Mini-Conferences?

The Library 2.0 mini-conference events are held three times a year on specific library-related topics. They are designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among information professionals worldwide.

What Is the Format of the Mini-Conferences?

Each mini-conference is three hours long and consists of a one-hour keynote panel; then three half-hour slots with a total of 10 to 15 crowdsourced presentations; and finishing with a 30-minute closing keynote.

What Is the Conference Online Platform?

Mini-conference sessions are held in the Zoom virtual meeting platform. To test your individual computer or device, go to zoom.us and sign up for a free account.

Are the Mini-Conferences Really Free?

Yes. The School of Information at San José State University is the founding conference sponsor and supports the event series so that it can be freely available.

How Do I Register for a Mini-Conference?

Each mini-conference has a devoted page on library20.com, and on that page is a link to the individual conference registration, which takes place through Eventbrite.

Where Do I Find the Specific Agenda for a Mini-Conference?

The detailed agenda for each mini-conference is hosted on its devoted page and is usually posted in final form the week before the event.

How Can I Join a Conference on the Day of the Event?

You can join a Library 2.0 mini-conference at any time up to, and during, the actual conference. You follow the regular conference Eventbrite sign-up link on the conference page, and an automated email with the schedule and sign-in instructions is sent to you within minutes.

Can I Listen to Just Part of a Conference?

Yes. Once you have registered for a mini-conference, you can pick and choose which sessions to attend and can come and go in sessions as you please.

Can I Volunteer to Help with a Conference?

Yes, each mini-conference has a team of volunteer moderators to help presenters during their sessions in case they encounter any difficulties. Look for the volunteer link in the main Library 2.0 site menu.

How Do I Access the Recordings of the Library 2.0 Events?

The Library 2.0 online event series started in 2010 as a multi-day annual online event. There are now 10 years of conference keynote and session recordings available on the Library 2.0 site, and many keynote sessions on the Library 2.0 YouTube channel. Access to the recordings is free, requiring only a free Library 2.0 account.

How Can I Ask Questions or Provide Feedback During or After the Event?

During the mini-conference event, there is an online chat box available on the front page of Library 2.0. You can also chat with other attendees in a particular keynote or session by using the Zoom chat feature.

Can I Present at a Library 2.0 Mini-Conference?

Yes, each mini-conference has a call for proposals that opens when the conference is announced, and gives you the opportunity to propose a 30-minute presentation session on the specific conference topic.

About the Author

Steve Hargadon is an educator and pioneer in live, virtual, and peer-to-peer education conferences. He is the organizer and conference co-chair at Library 2.0. He took over Library 2.0 in 2010 and brought it into his Learning Revolution family of educational networks and online events. In the fall of 2011, Steve and Library 2.0 started a partnership with Dr. Sandra Hirsh and the The School of Information at San Jose State University to hold large-scale, free, online conference events for the library community at large. Steve typically organizes three mini-conferences per year. To date they have reached over 60,000 attendees from 175 countries. Each event typically draws over 5,000 registrations.