Wednesday, November 28, 2012, 2:00-3:00 PM ET The emergence of new library services platforms — Innovative Interfaces’s Sierra, Serials Solutions Intota, Ex Libris’s Alma, OCLC’s WorldShare Management Services among them — is increasingly evident as part of the ongoing migration to a new generation of automation products that are far more functional and dynamic than integrated library systems. These platforms allow libraries to operate and innovate at Webscale and to revolutionize workflows, operations, and user engagement. Panelists will discuss their experiences of migrating to these next generation applications. This archive is no longer available.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012, 2:00-3:00 PM ET Whether patrons come to a library planning to research a project, discover a new author, or access the Internet as part of a job search, librarians are there to help them find the right information. Personal service puts a public face on librarianship and remains a key component of the profession. Yet with many libraries facing the squeeze of rising usage and flat or declining funding, self-service technologies have become more of a necessity. Many librarians report that self-service options that allow patrons to do things like check in books and DVDs, or check out their own laptop or tablet computer, have improved service overall. With these tools in place, staff has more time to answer questions and assist patrons. This presentation will feature flagship implementations of various self-service models at libraries both large and small. This archive is no longer available.