Library 2.0 Virtual Conferences

The San José State University School of Information is bringing you three virtual Library 2.0 mini-conferences for 2024. These events are free to attend. All sessions will be recorded and made available to attendees. 

The Supportive Library: Helping Patrons Experiencing Homelessness

Our next Library 2.0 Conference will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 12 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time. The sessions will explore the theme of “The Supportive Library: Helping Patrons Experiencing Homelessness.”

From a librarian’s perspective, we know and understand that patrons experiencing homelessness are an especially vulnerable population. We also know that to work in libraries is to be on the forefront of homelessness. However, while we are working directly with vulnerable patrons, many of us may not know how to help someone who is unhoused or who is experiencing food or other insecurities. We may not understand why they don’t trust us, or why they are striking out angrily toward us. We may not know the mental challenges or trauma they are experiencing or the loneliness and isolation they are feeling. In turn, this can expose our own vulnerabilities.

What we do know is that there are many challenges for our vulnerable patrons. What can we do to help strengthen these patrons, knowing that this requires being emotionally vulnerable ourselves? How do we find the emotional strength and courage to be open and authentic? What can librarians provide? 

For this conference, we encourage you to embrace vulnerability, share stories of helping vulnerable patrons, express how you have been vulnerable and needed support, and what it means to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone.

Our special conference chair is Kimberli Buckley, M.A, MLIS, senior community library manager at Contra Costa County Library, and a lecturer at the San José State University School of Information.

Please visit the Library 2.0 conference website for more information and to register to attend this free event. All sessions will be recorded and made available to those who register in advance.

AI and Libraries: Applications, Implications, and Possibilities (Recordings Available)

The first of three Library 2.0 conferences was held on March 21, 2024. Sessions explored the theme of “AI and Libraries: Applications, Implications, and Possibilities.”

Attendees learned how libraries and library workers are engaging with artificial intelligence tools in their libraries from research support to information literacy to technical services. The conversations addressed the practical implications of these tools in the library profession.

Our special conference chair was Dr. Raymond Pun, the academic and research librarian at Alder Graduate School of Education, and the immediate past president of the Chinese American Librarians Association and a past president of the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association.

Please visit the Library 2.0 Conference YouTube playlist to watch the recorded sessions.

Join Library 2.0

Join the Library 2.0 network (it’s free) to stay updated about these conferences and other professional development options.