On day one, five internationally-renowned speakers helped set the stage for a discussion about the future of Alberta's libraries by creating context, challenging existing assumptions and providing new perspectives. Video clips and slides from their presentations are included below.
Day two of the symposium was designed to engage participants in meaningful inquiry and conversation about the future of Alberta's libraries. Conversations at the symposim generated over 250 pages of comments which have been provided here just as they were recorded during the discussions (see Responses from Small Group Discussions). A final report that synthesizes these comments provides insights that can inform strategic planning and act as a way to engage communities in further discussion.
Final Report
Listening in, speaking out. Ideas and Insights from NEXT: A Library Futures Symposium
The report is a snapshot of the themes and ideas that emerged from the discussions. It synthesizes participants' comments about the trends that are likely to affect libraries and reflects ideas about how to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Listening in, speaking out (viewable pdf).
Listening in, speaking out (downloadable pdf).
Responses from Small Group Discussions
Participants engaged in small group discussions centered around a series of focused questions about the future of Alberta's libraries. They were also given the opportunity to generate questions that mattered to them. The following documents capture the comments from the discussions as they were happening.
Emerging trends & issues
Which emerging trends and issues are most likely to affect Alberta’s libraries in the next 10 years? Challenges? Opportunities? Emerging Trends & Issues
Opportunities
What can we do as a library community to take advantage of emerging opportunities over the next 10 years? Opportunities
Future needs
How can libraries anticipate and meet the future needs of their community, collaborate and develop partnerships? Future Needs
Participant-generated questions
Participants were given the opportunity to generate and discuss questions they had about how Alberta libraries can survive, thrive and transform. Participants contributed questions they felt were important to address and then each group chose one question to discuss.
Chosen questions and discussion responses. Participant-generated questions
Questions generated by participants that were not chosen as the group’s discussion question. Additional participant-generated questions
Major insights
What is your major insight from the symposium? Major Insights
Parking lot
The parking lot was an outlet for participants to record questions, comments and ideas that were not addressed as part of the small group discussion at their table, but that they felt were important to capture. Parking Lot
Speakers
Michael Adams | The Shape of Things to Come: Where We’re Going and Why it Matters
video clip
slides
Thomas Frey | The Age of Enlightenment and the Library of the Future
video clip
slides
Mike D’Abramo | The Influence of Young Canadians
video clip
slides
Patricia Graham | Crossing the Digital Divide: Exceeding Expectations in a 24/7 World
video clip
R. David Lankes | The Librarian Militant, The Librarian Triumphant
video clip
slides/presentation
Photo Gallery
Graffiti Wall
The graffiti wall was a fun way for participants to share their insights from the symposium.
Graffiti Wall comments
More graffiti wall photos
October
21st to 22nd, 2010
Crowne Plaza Chateau Lacombe, Edmonton, Alberta