Contact: Macey Morales
PLA Media Relations
312-280-4393
mmorales@ala.org
For Immediate Release
February 20, 2008
Minneapolis site for national discussion on how U.S. public libraries
stack up in digital age
Many libraries report growth in demand for access to technologies
MINNEAPOLIS – How do public libraries stack up during the digital age? According to a recent study by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, more than 70 percent of U.S. public libraries report that they are the only source of free public access to computers and the Internet in their communities. The demand for access to technology and the space needed to sustain technological services continues to increase, as public libraries offer their users free access to wireless Internet, electronic gaming, laptops for in-library use, 24/7 online reference help, e-books, blogs, Wikis and MP3s.
More than 10,000 library staff, supporters and exhibitors from across the country will gather at the Minneapolis Convention Center from March 25 – 29 for the Public Library Association’s (PLA) 12th National Conference to discuss new technologies and a host of other challenges that face U.S. public libraries. The conference is the premier event for public library staffers, and the only conference dedicated entirely to the continuing education needs of public librarians.
“Public libraries provide more than just books,” said PLA president Jan Sanders. “Public libraries are our nation’s gateway to new technologies, cultural programs and the informational resources needed to enrich lives. From providing access and expertise on new technologies, to best practices on how to serve new Americans, the conference will provide a wonderful opportunity to share ideas on how libraries can continue to meet the needs of their communities.”
According to ALA’s 2007 State of America’s Libraries Report, last year Americans visited libraries more than 1.3 billion times and checked out more than 2 billion items everywhere from one room rural outposts to spectacular facilities, which attract both users and tourists.
The average user checks out seven-plus books a year, but turn to their libraries for more than books. Users depend on libraries to learn new computer skills; conduct job searches; participate in the community activities; and for entertainment such as borrowing DVDs. Online gamers have also become part of the mix, with consumer demand for gaming activities increasing.
Yet, thousands of libraries across the country face the danger of reaching their maximum capacity to support technology services. Seventy-six percent of public libraries reported that space limitations are the top factor affecting their ability to add computers, while 31 percent reported that lack of space for electrical outlets and cabling limited their capacity for technology infrastructure.
Advancements in technology have provided a unique opportunity for public libraries to retool traditional services. PLA Conference programs such as “Technozoo” and “The Digital Revolution and Libraries: Where Are We and What’s Next?” will provide participants with information on how current technology trends are impacting libraries, as well as knowledge on new gadgets, gizmos and games.
The conference also will offer programs and events that focus on literacy, advocacy collection development, and a host of other topics.
On Wednesday, March 26, at 10:30 a.m., award-winning author and librarian action figure model Nancy Pearl, will present “Book Buzz.” Pearl along with a host of panelists will discuss some of the best upcoming books. Pearl regularly recommends books on NPR’s “Morning Edition.” Panelist scheduled to appear with Pearl include Virginia Stanley from HarperCollins; Talia Ross from Holtzbrinck; Nora Rawlinson from Hachette; and Marcia Purcell from Random House.
Later in the day John Wood, founder and CEO of Room to Read, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping over one million children across the developing world through the power of education and advocating for schools, will present the keynote address at the Opening General Session at 2:30 p.m. After leaving an executive career track at Microsoft Corporation, Wood has sponsored the opening of more than 280 schools, 3,600 multi-lingual libraries, and distributed over 2.8 million children’s books across the developing world.
The conference will also host Authors Readers Theatre, A.R.T., on Thursday, March 27. Readers Theatre takes many forms, but A.R.T. follows the tradition of the readers/actors standing on stage, reading from prepared scripts. The program will feature 2003 Newbery award winner Avi, author, “Crispin: The Cross of Lead”; Pam Munoz Ryan, author, “When Marian Sang”; 2008 Caldecott award winner Brian Selznick, author/illustrator, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret”; and Sarah Weeks, author, “So B It.”
The Best In Mystery Authors Revealed! will take place on Friday, March 28. Today's premier mystery authors will give an advance sneak peak into the plots everyone will soon be talking about. Participants include T. Jefferson Parker, author, “L.A. Outlaws”; C.J. Box, author, “Blue Heaven”; Linwood Barclay, author, “No Time for Goodbye”; Karen Rose, author, “Scream for Me”; and Laura Lippman, author, “Another Thing To Fall.”
Other conference speakers include Meg Cabot, author, “The Princess Diaries” series; Raúl Colón, illustrator, “Doña Flor”; Louise Erdrich, author, “The Birchbark House”; Arthur Frommer, Frommer’s® travel guides; Pauline Frommer, author, Pauline Frommer guidebooks; Pat Mora, author, “Doña Flor”; Dan Musselman, executive producer, Books on Tape; Paula Poundstone, “There’s Nothing In This Book That I Meant To Say”; and Jacqueline Winspear, author, “Maisie Dobbs” novels.
Advance press registration is strongly recommended. Interested press may contact Louisa Worthington at 312-280-5024 or lworthington@ala.org to register. To schedule interviews, please contact Macey Morales at 312-280-4393, or onsite after March 25 at 708-769-0789.
For more information on the 2008 PLA National Conference please visit www.placonference.org.
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