Librarians to congregate in Auckland

MEDIA RELEASE – 10 October 2008

Librarians to congregate in Auckland for library conference

From 2-5 November librarians from around New Zealand and the Pacific will converge on the SkyCity Convention Centre Auckland for the annual Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA) Conference.

LIANZA’s annual conference is one of the largest gatherings of library and information professionals in Australasia. It is a landmark professional development event providing a platform for sharing knowledge, networking and discussing current issues.

The theme for LIANZA Conference 2008 is Poropitia Outside the Box which reflects the shifting nature of the profession and the need for libraries to develop and grow with the communities they serve.

Over four full working days conference attendees will be inspired and challenged by keynote speakers; experts and leaders in their fields who will address topics that confront the library and information sector.

This year’s high profile keynotes include internationally renowned speaker Professor Lawrence Lessig, Professor of Law at Stanford Law School and founder of the school's Center for Internet and Society. Lessig will address the conference with his topic "Keeping the outside outside the box: The role of independence in the profession of the librarian, and academy, and the threats both now face".

New Zealand comic artist and writer Dylan Horrocks will discuss how comics and graphic novels, once considered a much-maligned social problem, became a cutting-edge literary form and an increasingly important part of library collections.

Dr Diane Mara, National President of PACIFICA Inc (Pacific Women's Council), will give a personal perspective on the nature of knowledge, the creation of knowledge and information, and the effects of new information technology in Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Professor Mason Durie is currently Professor of Maori Research and Development and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Maori) at Massey University. Professor Durie will discuss the double edged prospect of global colonisation; the new opportunities created for the nation as well as the challenges to the Kiwi tradition.

Mark McCrindle, internationally regarded social researcher and acknowledged expert on Generations X and Y, will give insights into the motivations and learning modalities of today's students Generations Y & Z, and equip librarians and educators with strategies and tools to engage effectively with this multi-modal generation.

Professor Marilyn Waring, known internationally for her work in political economy, development assistance and human rights, will be sharing some of her internationally significant work and research on political economy.
Learning opportunities at conference include workshops, panel discussions and hands-on sessions in the computer labs. Other topics covered will be culture and heritage, digital services, local history, preservation of material, non-book formats, copyright, equitable access and the community. The full Conference Programme is available online: http://www.lianza.org.nz/events/conference2008/programme.html

The achievements of the profession will be recognised at an Awards Ceremony in the evening on Monday 3rd November where LIANZA will celebrate the success and honour the professional achievements of its members and libraries through professional awards, prizes and scholarships.

Full or day registrations for the conference are still available, to register visit the LIANZA website: http://www.lianza.org.nz/events/conference2008/registration.html

ENDS

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