In the RA21 era, there is no need to sacrifice features for convenience. This session will dig into the tech behind authentication methods for digital resources. Grasp the history, current state and other initiatives that are occurring in this space as Kristina Symes, author and Technical Solutions Lead at OpenAthens, shares insights from her recent research. 

Public libraries are the heart of open access to information and entertainment resources in their communities. They take as their mission to serve citizens from all corners of a community, and as institutions, they are more than just a building with dedicated people. Finding creative ways to reach citizens who are not aware of what the library has to offer, or who may be unable to access the programing and resources at a physical location, is an increasing challenge for modern librarians.

People’s daily digital experiences have created high expectations for their interactions online and offline. Whether shopping for a sweater or booking a vacation, people expect ease, speed, and an unparalleled level of convenience. So, what does this mean for libraries? 

This economy is designed for entrepreneurs — those self-directed, intrinsically motivated, problem solvers who not only start businesses, but also create new industries and tackle big-picture problems. Sounds a lot like the individuals who are visiting your library every day! Join us in this exploration of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and ways that your library can become central to high-employment and satisfying work for your citizens.

Join Brie Betz, Director of Product Management at ProQuest, to hear new research and insights on how librarians perceive research databases in the wake of changing student and faculty content needs.Based on a survey of more than 600 academic librarians and faculty, you’ll hear what your fellow librarians have learned from their users, and how their insights may change the direction of your academic collection.

Join EBSCO and Library Journal for a look at how digital magazine archives can enhance and enrich academic research and fill in any gaps in your library’s collection. You will also learn the many ways that magazine archives support the most engaging experiences of research in science, humanities, culture, writing, movements, war, protests, agriculture, education, business, architecture, urban growth, philosophy, sport, gender, diversity, psychology, linguistics, music, religion and so much more.

Join Professor Galin Cranz (Author of “The Chair”) and Joe Agati (Director of Design Agati Furniture) for an in depth discussion about seating and how it impacts patrons' health and your library's success. Professor Cranz will explain the origins of postural and seating norms that have developed in western culture. How did we end up with chairs and why do they play an important role in our society as symbols of status and refinement?  

Recorded Books and Library Journal have conducted a benchmark survey on digital content provided by public libraries of all sizes in North America. This survey revealed what hundreds of your peers are saying is important in offering digital content—from the perspective of both the librarians and the patrons. Join us as we discuss the results of this survey and share new ideas for improving your library’s digital services offerings.

In an engaging and moderator-guided Q&A, a panel of library visionaries will present their views on the long-term needs of academic libraries and will examine how advances in research in intelligent systems could affect the institution over the coming decade. While ten years might seem like an eternity for some, for others it is normal to have both two and five-year plans, as well as speculations about possible needs in ten years.

Are DRM-free titles used more than DRM-enabled e-books in libraries? How can libraries determine which e-books to acquire as DRM-free? Get answers to these questions and more by joining Library Journal and EBSCO for an in-depth discussion about DRM-free e-book data and trends.