Ultimate Preconference Run-down

The 2014 NJLA Conference is rapidly approaching, but you still have time to register for one of our exciting preconferences! Whether you’re just coming down for one day, or you want to extend your Conference experience, the Monday sessions are a great option.

Preconference sessions give attendees the opportunity to explore issues in a more participatory and in-depth format than regular sessions. If you’ve never attended a preconference at the NJLA Conference, then this is the year you don’t want to miss! Take a look at all we have in store.

 


 

Detecting & Protecting Your Digital Footprint at Work, Home and on the Road: ID Theft & You

Social networking sites, search engines, and home, work, and public computers provide considerable information on you—your digital footprint. Even though ID 

theft is on the rise, many people are not vigilant in protecting their privacy, identity, and good name. This session helps you analyze ID safety issues and apply safeguards at work, home, and on the road. Explore online identity and privacy sites, tools, and resources so you can detect and protect your digital footprint.

Presenter: Robert J. Lackie, Rider University Professor-Librarian; Franklin F. Moore Library Department Chairperson; Liaison to the School of Education and the Discovery Program

Moderator: Marguerite Dugas, Ocean County Library

 


 

Disruptive Thinking About Disruptive Innovation

How does an academic library prepare for a future filled with new technologies, unexpected trends and new information ecologies? Will we be successful providing our same services or will our role be replaced by an unexpected disruptive innovation? Understanding the theory behind "disruptive innovation" can help us identify tools and services that are ripe for disruption. Using "disruptive thinking" can help reshape those tools and services to meet user needs.

Presenters: Dr. Susan Breakenridge Fink, Rowan University; Marc Davis, Drake University

Moderator: Gracemary Smulewitz, Rutgers University

 


 

Takin’ It to the Streets: New Ideas for Transformational Outreach

Libraries are unique in their mission to inform, enable, and engage members of their communities. The homeless are another marginalized population we can empower, if we rethink the library's role. Learn how to bring the library into the community, and how to effectively and respectfully serve New Jersey's homeless - a growing population that includes families, teens, and veterans. Hear innovative outreach approaches, including a reference library conceptualized, curated, and run by the homeless.

Presenters: Vikki C. Terrile, Queens Public Library; Sam Miller, Jean Rice Homeless Liberation Reference Library; Jack Fanous, GI Go Fund; Jaime Angelini, Mental Health Association in Atlantic County

Moderator: Andrew Luck, Paterson Free Public Library

 


 

WHAT IS THIS?! Middle Grade? YA? New Adult? Top Authors Address Category Crossover Confusion

Until 2000, there was no such thing as the New York Times Children’s Bestsellers List. Since then, this increasingly dynamic market has called for the creation of the Children’s Series Bestsellers List in 2004, followed by both the Middle Grade and Young Adult Bestsellers Lists in 2012. Is it only a matter time before there’s a separate “New Adult” list? Or a distinction is made between “Upper Middle Grade” and “Lower Middle Grade”? The classification of books for young readers has changed drastically in the past decade and continues to evolve so quickly that it’s hard for readers to keep up! Four popular authors who write bestselling novels for children and teens will lead this discussion.

Presenters: E. Lockhart, author; Robin Wasserman, author; Sarah Mlynowski, author

Moderator: Megan McCafferty, author

 


 

You want more? Good! We got it.

After the preconferences are over, drop down to the Librarian Mixer at the Mussel Bar. This social event, sponsored by the Member Services Committee, will give you the perfect opportunity to relax over cocktails and appetizers while discussing highlights from Monday’s preconferences.

Then end your evening with the President’s Program featuring writer and creative director Helen Klein Ross who will be exploring the power of libraries in the social media space. This event begins at 7:00 pm and features a dessert reception that is not to be missed.

So beat the Tuesday morning rush hour, get a good parking spot at Revel Resort & Casinos, and join us for a fun afternoon and evening on Monday, June 2!