Library + Information Show (2)

Excuses, excuses, excuses! I suppose that they're better than lies, damned lies and statistics - probably not much but at least I can now bring you the link for the presentations I went to. That's one excuse, next one ... ?

I managed to get to four seminars over the two days - three of them on Wednesday (yes, I know that was a week ago)

Information literacy (IL), a subject which many of you know is very dear to my heart, was ably covered by Professor Sheila Corrall Professor of Librarianship & Information Management at the University of Sheffield. She had titled her presentation "Developing Information Literacy: Our Mission for the 21st Century" and concentrated on taking a broader perspective of IL than is usually the case -- most commentators talk about IL within a formal education setting but this talk was about education at a societal level.
Professor Corral's PowerPoint presentation is here

After lunch it was Credible and Credited - The Changing Face of a News Library
Richard Nelsson, Information Manager, Guardian News & Media (GNM) Seminar Details, spoke about his work in a news library and the changes that have been seen over the past 40 years. Once seen principally as a cuttings service GNM's Research and Information department now offers a pro-active research service to over 700 editorial staff.
PPT presentation is here

followed by

Blogs, Wikis and RSS: Key Technologies for Information Provision and Gathering
Karen Blakeman, Director, RBA Information Services, went quickly but effectively given the time constraints through what these "things" are and that many people are using them without realising it. Whilst, for me, there was nothing that I didn't already "know" it was a very useful reminder that I don't always do as I should. Karen is very professional but friendly in her presentation style - and for those who are interested "yes, the photo on her blog is a good likeness." The PPT presentation contains a substantial list of useful addresses etc.

then on Thursday the "biggie" in terms of improving my personal knowledge

The Gowers Review of Intellectual Property –Implications for Libraries and Access to Knowledge
Barbara Stratton, CILIP's Senior Copyright Advisor and Secretary to LACA (The Libraries and Archives Copyright Alliance, told delegates that HM Treasury’s Gowers Review Report, published December 2006, included significant proposals concerning copyright and libraries in the digital age in the context of explicit acceptance of the need for a balanced intellectual property regime which respects the wider interests of society. Ms Stratton provided a very slick presentation which updated us on progress towards achievement of Andrew Gowers' recommendations.
The presentation notes are not available to non-attenders.

I have a feeling that I should sign off here and talk about the stands I visited on Thursday as a separate posting - this seems to be getting a bit "wordy".