Atlantic Provinces Library Association (APLA) Conference 2019

Date

June 5, 2019 09:00 - June 8, 2019 14:00

Location

St. John's

Details

Website: https://apla2019.wordpress.com/

Theme: the Tip of the Iceberg / le sommet de l’iceberg

What could be better than joining your colleagues and peers to learn about the newest ideas and initiatives in librarianship in the Atlantic provinces? How about doing so in the historic, captivating City of St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador! We are thrilled to show off our unique culture and landscape by welcoming you all here for APLA 2019. Our committee is working diligently to make this the best conference of all time.

As for our conference theme – the Tip of the Iceberg / le sommet de l’iceberg – the library landscape is evolving and growing before our eyes, as we have seen the tip of the iceberg but it’s important to recognize and address all that mass below the water’s surface. Libraries are becoming more inclusive, offering more unique programming and services than ever before, and with the unique needs of specific users in mind. In Canada, our libraries are striving to advance reconciliation with our diverse indigenous communities and ensuring everyone feels welcome and safe.

Libraries also face challenges and threats, such as budgetary restrictions, that often leave libraries short-staffed and short on funds, resulting in the possible restructuring of roles, workflows, activities, and priorities.  Despite this, libraries always endeavor to ensure our users have the best experience, and that includes being quick to adapt to new trends.  Some areas where libraries have thrived in recent years include: research data management, open access, teaching and learning, community involvement, information technologies, licensing and purchasing, and the list goes on.

In all things library-related, we are on the cusp of great change. As we break with many of our traditional operations and structures, this change can be both challenging and exciting, but always promising. Who knows what’s next? What we currently see is really just the tip of the iceberg! The future of our libraries is in our hands, and we have lots to discuss!”