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Vol. 20 No. 3 — March 2003

Practical Take-Home Learning

Part of the fun of being involved in the conference-planning process is seeing the proposals and papers and knowing in advance what's in store for attendees. Here are some of my personal notes on standout sessions and tracks that will be featured this month at Computers in Libraries 2003.

The entire program for Computers in Libraries seems especially practical this year, particularly for the many attendees who are dealing with tight budgets and shortfalls in funding. The "Google-buster" tips promised in Gary Price's and Chris Sherman's session "Google Intensive: Power Searching & Beyond" are quite timely, since a new HotBot and revitalized AltaVista are on the scene. For other good advice, searchers and reference specialists should attend sessions like Mary Ellen Bates' "30 Search Tips in 40 Minutes" and Greg Notess' "Search Engine Update."

If your library is considering going wireless, coping with security issues, or creating a Web site, Computers in Libraries has several dedicated sessions that offer specific examples, suggestions, case studies, advice, and instruction. You can find out whether an intranet or portal should be part of your library's future—and learn how to implement such a service—by attending "Ten Steps to Excellent Intranets," a session led by intranet expert Howard McQueen. Electronic resources are definitely part of our future, and the Virtual Services and E-Resources tracks feature good, practical speakers and advice.

One don't-miss event at Computers in Libraries is fondly known as the "dead technology" session, an evening panel led by Computers in Libraries columnist D. Scott Brandt. In this session, formally titled "Technology & Knowledge Forum: A Look at Dead & Emerging Technologies," Brandt will lead fellow Computers in Libraries columnists Michael Schuyler and Andrew K. Pace, along with Darlene Fichter and Steven Abram, in a raging discussion that both praises and condemns current and emerging technologies.

The Content Marketplace

As a hands-on librarian or information professional, you're part of the content marketplace. Actually, most of us were information consumers long before content became king during the dot-com era. Buying & Selling eContent is Information Today, Inc.'s high-profile, executive-level conference held in Scottsdale, Ariz., each spring in partnership with Outsell, Inc.

This event reflects the content market and brings together top-level executives and information professionals who acquire and deploy content in some of the world's largest corporations. At Buying & Selling eContent, major buyers have opportunities (in personal discussions and at the podium) to tell it like it is to solutions vendors and content creators.

This year's conference features sessions such as "Where and How Corporate Buying Happens." Also speaking will be info pros like Lois Remeikis of Booz Allen Hamilton, Cindy Hill of Sun, Pamela Clark of AIG, and others who will talk about the leading-edge functions within their organizations. These dynamic, proactive, global enterprise buyers belie the myth that corporate library functions are disappearing. In fact, they're thriving. Discussing challenges and possible solutions as peers and developing relationships with top-level decision makers at vendor organizations make Buying & Selling eContent a conference well worth attending for information professionals in large organizations.

In addition, this event is a place to see, be seen, and do some business. Many content executives come for the networking, but they also pay close attention to the carefully planned agenda that features CEOs, Outsell analysts, and other challenging speakers. Of course, the sunny, warm Arizona weather competes with the event's program. Alfresco meals, receptions, and roundtable discussions are conference favorites.

If It's May, It Must Be InfoToday

May, New York, and InfoToday are linked together in the information industry and have been for more than 20 years. The event is slightly earlier than usual (May 6­8 at the New York Hilton), so you'll be home in time to spend Mother's Day with your family.

For the third year, the revitalized InfoToday features three simultaneous, co-located conferences. The content and program for each (E-Libraries, KnowledgeNets, and National Online) are better, sharper, and more focused than ever.

Pamela Cibbarelli (Cibbarelli's) and Deb Wiley (Next Wave Consulting) collaborated to make E-Libraries especially strong by introducing a full Digital Libraries track. The conference also continues to cover popular topics related to library systems and technology. Jane Dysart, organizer of KnowledgeNets, has assembled a program on knowledge management topics that's unmatched (except for ITI's KMWorld & Intranets conference in the fall). Marydee Ojala, editor of ONLINE magazine, organized National Online. The program and speakers reflect the same quality that you get from her publication.

Watch your mail for the preliminary program, or check the Web site for program details. Next month, I'll share some event highlights to whet your appetite and help you plan your week in New York.

New at ITI

ITI recently acquired Streaming Media, Inc. from Penton Media, a purchase that included a Web site and a conference. Plans for the Streaming Media NY event are now underway. Like InfoToday, it will be held May 6­8 at the New York Hilton. The conference will feature Business and Technical tracks; a Beginner's Technical Workshop on May 7; and an exhibit hall that will showcase the latest technology related to Webcasting, enterprise streaming, wireless networks, encoding and hosting, and other streaming and digital content products and solutions.

Streaming Media NY offers an exciting intersection of content and technology. InfoToday attendees will find parts of it relevant to their work and with their InfoToday admission will gain access to the Streaming Media exhibit hall. Make plans to expand your information content horizons by learning about the potential for streaming media and broadband content at Streaming Media NY.