Sent on behalf of CLIR

CLIR Symposium on Learning and Libraries, April 13

The Council on Library and Information Resources will host a symposium on “Learning and Libraries” Tuesday, April 13, in Washington, D.C. The symposium will focus on how learning patterns and technology are changing, and the implications of those changes for the future of the library.

We invite you to join us. Individuals from CLIR sponsoring institutions receive two complimentary registrations. Non-sponsors may register for $150. The registration deadline is March 25. Visit http://www.clir.org/registration/symp2004.html for details.

The symposium will begin at 9:30 and conclude by 4:00. A continental breakfast and lunch are included. A description of the symposium follows. The day’s program is available at http://www.clir.org/registration/SympAgenda2004.html.

Program Description: “Learning and Libraries”

Several trends in learning will have a profound effect on how libraries position themselves for the future. Among them are a dramatic growth in the number and type of information resources being created, changes in how students learn, an increase in hands-on learning, and changing demographics of students.

The symposium, “Learning and Libraries,” will begin with a consideration of the opportunities before libraries today to become “designed for learning.” Scott Bennett, librarian emeritus of Yale and author of Libraries Designed for Learning (CLIR 2003), will join with Patty Iannuzzi, Associate University Librarian at UC Berkeley, to consider the implications of emerging trends for the future of facilities, collections, services, and the library profession itself.

Five additional speakers have been invited to address specific learning trends. Crandall Shifflett, professor of history at Virginia Tech and creator of “Virtual Jamestown,” will discuss the growth of “self-contained” interactive Web sites (that is, sites that integrate a full range of resource materials) for research, teaching, and learning. David Rejeski, of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, will address the use of game-based learning models and simulations. A representative from Ithaka will discuss students’, teachers’, and researchers’ increasing use of digital repositories. Bob Martin, director of the Institute for Museum and Library Services, will discuss the growing demand—from learners of all ages—for distance education. Marti Watson Garlett, dean of Teachers College of Western Governors University, will discuss the "shape" of the library within the context of the rapidly growing virtual approach to education.

The presentations will be followed by a discussion of how these learning trends might inform the library of the future.