The OCLC APRC18 program is designed and driven by member leaders

Library leaders across all library types will come together to share ideas, learnings, and insights, helping the entire community move forward to change the game. We invite you to contribute to the conversation.

We are seeking member proposals that will spark conversations around what it means to be a “game-changing library,” more specifically, what are those areas that will help the community better respond to shifts in the environment and drive their library’s transformation in the following categories:

  • Technology and innovation: From evolution to revolution
  • Spaces and resources: From collections to connections
  • Analytics and data: From what we count to what counts
  • Public purpose: From allies to advocates

Call for Participation is now open!

At that time, you will be able to submit a topic for a 15-20-minute session that provides insights, ideas, and experiences around the theme areas listed above. The proposed session should be applicable to library leaders across all library types.

Submit a proposal

  • Selected speakers will receive complimentary registration to the APRC18 Conference. Speakers are responsible for their own travel and hotel expenses.
  • Deadline for proposal submissions is Monday 1 October 2018. Speakers will be notified of the program selection by Monday 15 October 2018.
  • Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Idea starters

Listed below are some topics that would support conversations around the idea of becoming a “game-changing library.” Please do not limit yourself to these suggestions; we are seeking your ideas and experience to generate discussion around these key areas.

From evolution to revolution

  • Change management
  • Customer engagement
  • Service customizations
  • Smart spaces–reconfiguration/reuse of space
  • Personalized customer/patron services

From collections to connections

  • Improving discovery
  • Open access initiatives
  • Community collaborations and engagement
  • Researcher profiles and networks
  • Linked data initiatives
  • Libraries and librarians curating knowledge and access

From what we count to what counts

  • Assessment
  • Driving decisions with data
  • Research Data Management (RDM)
  • Analytics
  • Data mining to create new knowledge
  • Aggregated data to enhance workflow, services, impact

From allies to advocates

  • Embedding the library in the community
  • Diversity in libraries
  • Libraries as change agents
  • Social equity and civic engagement
  • Preserving and sharing community knowledge and local memory
  • Critical thinking to evaluate fake news