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| Liz McGettigan - Keynote Speaker on Thursday 16th May. |
"Liz will discuss the transformation taking place in the library system, how Edinburgh libraries are embracing new technology and partnerships to deliver " Digital by Desire " not by default and transform to meet the changing needs of the people."
UNAFRAID OF THE FUTURE
The way people work,
interact, learn, and create information is changing across the world. Nowhere
are the challenges of transition more evident that in the public library and
information sector. In a world of e-books and the internet, the very purpose and
relevance of libraries is under threat. Many, unable to retain customers
and survive in the digital age, are closing down.
Facing head-on the ever
increasing challenges to improve the quality of services, creativity
and innovation are all concepts that Edinburgh City libraries and
Information Services (ECLIS) have embraced. ECLIS have been extending service
provision for citizens and engaging with the wider community through innovative
use of services and apps to deliver a unified and engaging electronic citizen
experience. Public libraries in Edinburgh, Scotland, however, are thriving. The
library system has seen two new additions to its network of 28 libraries over
the last year – a far cry from the tens of closures across the United Kingdom.
The Edinburgh library service won the Library of the Year award at The
Bookseller Industry Awards in London last year.
About Liz.
Liz is currently Head of
Libraries and Information Services with City of Edinburgh Council Edinburgh in Dec 2008 she
was Business Development Manager for TALIS Information Services and before that,
Head of Libraries in East Renfrewshire .
Since
her appointment in Edinburgh Liz has led a major strategic development and
transformation programme. Edinburgh Libraries now reach out to a wider public,
increasingly through its digital services and contributes to innovation and
creativity in our knowledge society.
An award winning leader in libraries, information,
electronic and social media and knowledge management, Liz is known for an
innovation and best practice. The service has won several accolades
including the Best UK Library Service 2012.
Delivery
of the UK’s first and innovative 24/7 Public Library portal, Edinburgh
Council’s first-ever social media suite, and Scotland’s first Library App,
electronic community information, and self service has transformed the service.
Liz has demonstrated an understanding of the drive to support digital by
default, new technology, and mobile devices in particular. These initiatives
have enabled Edinburgh
Liz has worked on many other key projects including
the Scottish Government E-content advisory board and the Scottish Government
Interoperability Standards Group. Liz is active in Scotland IS Broadband Policy
Group and Advisory Board member of the
Institute for Informatics and Digital Innovation at Edinburgh Napier University.
Liz
is active in high level international, European and national bodies concerned
with libraries and the information society, digital inclusion, and public
libraries leadership.
Liz is an expert adviser on
future of public libraries, a trustee of the UK Chartered Institute of Library
and Information Professionals and a board member of UNESCO City of Literature
and the Library
and Information Research Group. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Edinburgh Napier University Institute
for Informatics and Digital Innovation
With grateful thanks to Liz for this information. Booking for conference, which will be held in the Cardiff Radisson Blu Hotel on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th May 2013, is still open. Book here.
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