LRA Conference (NEW) Updated!

Date: April 2-3, 2012

Location: Asheville, NC at AB Tech

Conference Theme: "Integrating the library into the student experience"

Speakers and sessions to date!

Keynote: (session title TBA)

Presenter: Jean Ferguson

Head of Research Services, Perkins Library

Duke University

Jean Ferguson is the Head of Research Services at Duke University’s Perkins Library. She coordinates the Perkins Research Desk and Libraries’ instant messaging system, provides instruction to a wide variety of disciplines, and works on projects related to the user experience in the library. Prior to her career in librarianship, Jean worked in the field of technology project management, and she holds Masters degrees in Information and Communication Science as well as Library Science.

Gaming in Libraries (session title TBA)

Presenter: Amy Harris Houk

Reference Librarian and Information Literacy Coordinator

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Amy will discuss many aspects of gaming in libraries, from event planning to the implications for information literacy and student engagement.

Amy Harris Houk is the Information Literacy Program Coordinator and Reference Librarian at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In her current position, she is responsible for marketing, outreach and assessment of the Library’s information literacy program. Her main research interest is using technology to increase student engagement in information literacy both face-to-face and online. She was a co-creator of the Information Literacy Game, an online board game designed to teach students information literacy skills and the Librarys PATH tutorial, an online tutorial that leads students through the research process. She co-edited the book Gaming in Academic Libraries: Collections, Marketing, and Information Literacy, published by ACRL. She also helped to establish the Librarys biannual Game Nights.

Extreme Makeover: Library Edition

Presenter: Tara Guthrie, Director of Library Services

Central Carolina Community College

Tara will discuss the recent library renovation project at Central Carolina Community College.

Tara Guthrie is the Director of Library Services at Central Carolina Community College. Prior to serving in this position, Tara spent 13 years at Carteret Community College, where she held the positions of  reference and instructional librarian, acquisitions librarian, system administrator for the library's automation system and online catalog, and also as interim director. She also served on the President's Strategic Planning Committee, the QEP Committee, the Arts and Humanities Committee, and various others. 

The Future of Mobile Apps in Libraries (session title TBA)

Presenter: Chad Haefele

Emerging Technologies Librarian

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chad Haefele is the Emerging Technologies Librarian  at UNC Chapel Hill. He explores applications of new technology in libraries, and serves in an advisory role to projects throughout campus. His areas of interest include ebooks, mobile devices, gaming in education, and location-based services. His blog is at www.HiddenPeanuts.com. Chad is hopelessly addicted to his iPad and Droid.

The New NCknows Software (session title TBA)

Presenter: Phil Blank

Coordinator at NCknows

This session will cover the changes made to NCKnows, the statewide virtual reference service, in 2011.

Library Issues and Concerns  

Roundtable Facilitated by Rodney Lippard

Director, Learning Resource Centers Information Commons

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College 

“Information Takeout: Engaging Library Users”

April Everett & Julie Obst

Central Piedmont Community College

April Everett and Julie Obst are librarians at Central Piedmont Community College. April’s areas of interest include information literacy, instructional design, and marketing and outreach services. Julie manages Harper campus library through collection development, library instruction, reference services, and subject liaison work to a variety of programs and departments.

The History & Future of NCCCLRA

Beverly Gass

Beverly Gass spent 39 years at Guilford Technical Community College, serving in a variety of positions, including Dean of Learning Resources and Dean of Student Success Services. During her career, she served as NCLA President (1997-1999), N.C. Community College Library Administrators President, and was one of the key figures in the establishment of NC LIVE. In 1999, Governor Jim Hunt awarded Gass with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, an honor bestowed upon individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state.

Interactive Library Instruction (session title TBA)

Emily King

Coordinator of E-Learning Services

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Library Branding and the Student Experience

Elizabeth Baker

Director, Learning Resources Center

Carteret Community College

What message does your library convey to your students?  Do you want some guidance on improving this message?  This presentation is geared for all library personnel, not just managers or directors.

Librarians’ Presence in Online Courses: what have you learned?   

Roundtable Facilitated by Amy Burns & Julie Obst

Central Piedmont Community College