University of Johannesburg: Conversations about the Journey of Change: a “New Normal”

The University of Johannesburg will be hosting a virtual international conference on

THEME:

Conversations about the Journey of Change: a “New Normal”

    Platform: Zoom Webinar

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsdOyspz0pGdwiJkRp2BF6pqE0HMO6vrVm

CONFERENCE DATE:

07 & 08 September 2021

Amid the numerous changes and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, all spheres of work, learning, and research have been affected and have had to evolve. One of the few things we know about the future is that it will be very different from the world before COVID.  During this period, libraries have become fully integrated virtual and physical spaces.  How libraries have been building additional capabilities, innovating new services, and offering the support needed by users in these unusual times is an important conversation for librarians to have.

At the University of Johannesburg Library we are inviting librarians from across the world to reflect on and share in conversations about lessons learnt, ongoing challenges, best practice examples and innovative solutions to the ‘new normal’ we find ourselves in.

The conference will focus on several areas of conversation and we invite papers that address the following questions, or related issues not highlighted here:

The budget cuts and challenges that all libraries are facing. How do libraries make the best choices in order to prioritise the immediate needs of clients, while continuing to develop and maintain resources and services that add the most value and address long-term aims?

The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a key concern worldwide, particularly for universities who can potentially play a critical role in the research and education needed for societies to achieve these goals.
What role could libraries play in helping universities, NGOs and governments reach these goals?

COVID has shown that a variety of working models are possible and that some jobs may no longer be needed.
How do we ensure that all library jobs are future-fit jobs and staff have the skills and expertise needed in this new world?

In the midst of all the innovations and changes that have been taking place, how can libraries remain cutting-edge in the innovations they offer but also be a space of certainty in a world that has become so uncertain?

Technology and the online platform has radically changed libraries during the COVID pandemic.
What are best practices and lessons learnt from this experience that can be shared among libraries to enable the whole library community to use technology most effectively?

The online platform has opened up a variety of new ways for librarians to reach users, but what are the unforeseen problems or benefits of social media and all the other online spaces through which librarians can engage with users?

In the era of fake news and conspiracy theories, the role of librarians in helping users understand how to access, critique and use reliable and valid information is more important than ever.
How has teaching and learning in information management been affected by the overall changes in higher education?

WORKSHOPS & SESSIONS

During the Conference there will be Workshops and Sessions on:

Changes and Transitions in Collections Development

Technology and Transitions in Libraries

Personalisation and the Promise of Artificial Intelligence

The Rise of Open Content

Continuous Learning and Development: Reflections on Re-imagining Staff Development

The Library Website and Social Media as the Virtual Front Door

This virtual international conference will offer practical advice and lessons learned, exploring a range of key areas in higher education.