Session B301 — "I" Roles—Who & What do We Teach?
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Mike Crandall, The Information School

The rapid growth of the Internet and the Web have put information squarely into the eyes and ears of the public. As awareness rises, so does the demand for people who understand the complexity of information and have the background to effectively manage it in our modern infrastructure. The growth of Information Schools over the past decade is a recognition both of the importance of the historical and current knowledge developed in the library and information science community, and the changing audiences that need to be reached with that knowledge. The cross-disciplinary nature of the curriculum in these schools is targeted not only at libraries and information centers, but also the heart of non-library organizations, where information runs the show. From the CIO to the information architect, from the CKO to the competitive intelligence manager, from the search engine designer to the database integrator, from the head of marketing to the CRM system manager, information is a core component of the modern organization — and education is the key to the information professional’s success.

Session B302 — Changing Roles for Librarians
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Andrea Mercado, Reference Librarian, Reading Public Library, & Consultant, LibraryTechtonics.info
Maureen Hammer, Virginia Department of Transportation
D. Scott Brandt, Interdisciplinary Research Librarian, Purdue University

Over the past 20 years, computing in libraries has influenced the rise of system administrators, Webmasters, and technology trainers. Constantly, new skills and knowledge are needed to figure out how to apply emerging technologies to library services and professional careers. Hear several perspectives: the role of conference blogger—what skills and experiences are needed to successfully chronicle a major conference for the world to share and engage?; the role of knowledge manager for external and internal written as well as internal unwritten knowledge—are taxonomy skills and virtual support of communities critical?; the role of interdisciplinary research librarian—how and where can librarians engage in scientific research in informatics-related areas?

Session C301 — Preparing for ERM
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Jeff Wisniewski, University of Pittsburg
Andrew White, Associate Director, Stony Brook University (SBU)

Many institutions have home-grown systems to meet their needs, and the market is in the process of responding to libraries’ needs with ERM systems from several major vendors, either available now or in development. Given this, many libraries have chosen to take a wait-and-see attitude, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things you can be doing now to prepare for ERM later. Wisniewski highlights key vendor-neutral activities and considerations that any library contemplating an ERM system can undertake to manage the current environment more easily and prepare to adopt an ERM system down the road. White illustrates how the Open Source LAMP model (Linux/Apache/MySql/PHP, Python, PERL) can form the backbone of an efficient and cost effective ERM system for any library. White also shows how SBU Health Sciences Center Library’s use of LAMP components to construct two ERM tools, the ROAMS and SML applications, help the library reduce the complexities associated with ERM and benefit the library’s customers who rely on timely information for education, research, and patient care. He shows both the power of open source library solutions and the viability of creating and customizing software to meet the needs of today’s library without depending on proprietary vendor offerings.

Session C302 — Interoperability: Creating a Cohesive Online Experience
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Karen Coombs, Head of Web Services, University of Houston Libraries, &
Amanda Hollister, Information Technology Librarian, SUNY Cortland

With many different Web-based library systems and services, libraries find themselves trying to answer the question of how to create an integrated experience for their users, especially when library systems often do not interoperate well. This session focuses on SUNY Cortland’s efforts to build a more unified library Web presence by bridging the gaps between the library’s integrated library management system, interlibrary loan system, library databases, and other electronic resources. It provides an overview of strategies and technologies in developing an integrated electronic presence for the library and discusses the impact of XML, database-driven Web pages, OpenURL, and federated search on their efforts. Lessons learned and unresolved challenges are also covered.

Session D301 — CNN Library Intranet
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Sunny McClendon, Reference Librarian/Webmaster, CNN Library

This session illustrates what’s going on at the CNN Library Intranet—a blog, an RSS aggregator behind a firewall, converting from a table design to a css placement design, moving from SiteXpert search engine to another, a sort-by feature on CNN’s value-added resources, and a CMS for Web editors. See a robust intranet and get new ideas and insights for yours!

Session D302 — Fostering Collaboration with Wikis and Weblogs
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Darlene Fichter, Data Library Coordinator, University of Saskatchewan

More and more organizations are turning to wikis to help teams collaborate and share knowledge. The flexible, self-organizing nature of wikis and their ease of use make them an ideal bottom-up approach for sharing knowledge rather than a top-down content management system. Sometimes wikis and Weblogs are seen as an either/or proposition. Not so. Each has its place and can help foster collaboration and sharing. Find out more about wikis, how some organizations have successfully used them, and how Weblogs and wikis fit into your collaboration toolbox.