Public Libraries and the Future of Search

Public Libraries and the Future of Search   

Date: Tuesday 11^th May 2010

Time: 1.30-4.30pm

Cost: Free

Bookings: phone 03 8664 7099; email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au

Location:  State Library of Victoria, Village RoadShow Theatrette, Entrance 3 La Trobe Street, Melbourne

What do we know about how people search for information?  Are digital technologies changing search? What are the new challenges and roles for public libraries in an environment of fast broadband, mobile computing, and global commercial interests in search and digitisation?

This half day conference, presented by the State Library of Victoria and Swinburne University of Technology, will examine these issues in depth.   Guest speakers include:

• Craig Anderson, University Librarian RMIT University;
• Libby Baulch, Policy Director, Policy & Government Relations, Copyright Agency Limited;
• Dr Warwick Cathro, Assistant Director-General, Resource Sharing and Innovation  National Library of Australia;
• Professor Brian Fitzgerald,  Professor of Intellectual Property and Innovation, Law Faculty Queensland University of Technology;
• Ms Cathrine Harboe-Ree, University Librarian, Monash University;
• Christine Mackenzie (CEO Yarra Plenty Regional Library);
• Derek Whitehead (Director, Information Resources and University Copyright Officer Swinburne University of Technology Swinburne University Librarian).

In addition  Dr Vivienne Waller and Dr Ian McShane Research Fellows,  Institute for Social Research Swinburne University of Technology and Professors Julian Thomas (Director) and Denise Meredyth, (Deputy Director) Institute for Social Research, Swinburne University of Technology will report on the results of The Searchers project, a joint SLV-Swinburne initiative, will discuss the findings of their innovative research on information seeking and the place of public libraries in the changing  information landscape.  Panels comprised of leading academics and industry professionals will debate significant challenges for library practitioners and policymakers.  Themes include the changing nature of the digital divide, libraries and digital literacy, and the changing technological, business and regulatory environments surrounding public libraries. 

This conference will interest policymakers, librarians, new media analysts and all those interested in new digital technologies and the role of libraries.