You are not going to want to miss the sessions being planned for MLA ’08, Connections: Bridging the Gaps. Information on accepted papers will be posted when available. For now, plan to attend the following activities . . .
Contributed Papers Sessions
Title: Bridging the Gap with Web 2.0: Connecting with Our Community and Ourselves
Description: Web 2.0 is not just media hype. Social networking tools, virtual spaces, and other emerging technologies are changing the way libraries and the library’s primary clientele seek expertise, find information, and relate to each other. Many libraries are embracing these technologies to extend their services beyond their physical doors and static Websites. Librarians and library clientele use these tools daily to connect with each other beyond traditional face-to-face or teleconference meetings. Presented papers will demonstrate successes and lessons learned from implementation of Web 2.0 technologies to enhance library communication (externally or internally), extend library services, or connect with users and each other in new ways.
Title: Technologies in Teaching
Description: This session will cover the multitude of ways that technologies are used in teaching (simulations, avatars, podcasts, Web 2.0, online courses, interactive DVD or web-based multimedia programs, audience response systems, etc.) for a wide range of audiences (health sciences students, residents, preclinical students, undergraduates, continuing education programs, and even library staff.)
Invited Panel
Title: Top Technology Trends: Bridge Today, Gone Tomorrow
Description: As a follow up to last year’s standing-room-only session, technology trend spotters in health sciences libraries will offer their latest insights, opinions, and criticisms on where technology is leading us next. This energetic and sometimes irreverent panel discussion will be accompanied by a Google jockey surfing the Web and highlighting mentioned trends on the main screen. Want to jump into the mix? The session will have audience participation in a lively question-and-answer time as well as an opportunity to give feedback on the trends presented through an audience response system.
See you in Chicago!