2019

LITA’s Statement in Response to Incidents at ALA Midwinter 2019

lita: empowering libraries through technology

The Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) Board of Directors is aware that there were several reports on social media from attendees who encountered aggressive behavior, racism, and harassment at the 2019 ALA Midwinter Meeting, which violated our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that there were multiple incident reports filed, including one formal complaint regarding the violation of the Code of Conduct as well. We thank those who were able to share their experiences and draw attention to the systemic issues that our society and profession face. As an association with an unwavering commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, LITA believes that clear action is necessary and seeks partnerships within ALA and beyond to address these issues of systematic oppression. It is our belief that safety, both physical and psychological, is a requirement for the full engagement of participants. LITA is committed to ensuring, through…

2019

LITA @ ALA Midwinter 2019 – Top Technology Trends

ALA Midwinter 2019 Seattle logo

If you’re going to Midwinter, don’t miss the latest Top Tech Trends panel. LITA Top Technology Trends Sunday, January 27, 2019, 1:00 – 2:30 PM Location: Washington State Convention Center, Room 618-620 LITA’s premier program on trends and advances in technology features an ongoing roundtable discussion by a panel of LITA technology experts and thought leaders. The panelists will describe changes and advances in technology they see having an impact on the library world and suggest what libraries might do to take advantage of these trends. This year’s panelists are: Kate Tkacik, Session Moderator, Director, Network Engagement, Foundation Center Joyce Valenza, Assistant Professor, Rutgers University, SC&I Cynthia Dudenhoffer, Director of Information Resources and Assessment, Central Methodist University James Neal, Senior Program Officer, Institute of Museum and Library Services Suzanne Wulf, Head of Digital Services, Niles-Maine District Library Becky Yoose, Library Applications and Systems Manager, Seattle Public Library           More…

2019

Apply now for the LITA Conference Buddy Program for the 2019 ALA Midwinter Meeting

lita conference buddy horizontal graphic

Applications are now open for LITA’s Conference Buddy program for ALA Midwinter 2019. The program designed to make conference attendance more approachable, foster inclusion, and build connections. Inspired by the GLBTRT Buddy Program, we hope that this program will help us to foster stronger relationships among LITA members who attend conferences and also make attendance more enjoyable and rewarding for everyone who participates. For more information or to apply go to the Conference Buddy website Application deadline is January 10, 2019. If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Questions or Comments? Contact LITA at (312) 280-4268 or lita@ala.org

2019

Call for Panelists – Deadline Extended – 2019 ALA LITA Top Trends Program

ALA Midwinter 2019 Seattle logo

We are currently seeking nominations for panelists for the 2019 ALA Midwinter LITA Top Tech Trends program in Seattle, Washington! The submission deadline has been extended to Sunday October 28, 2018. You may nominate yourself or someone you know who would be a great addition to the panel of speakers. Submit your nominations. The next LITA Top Tech Trends Program will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2019, 1:00 – 2:30 pm. During the program, a moderator and several panelists will each discuss trends impacting libraries. LITA encourages participation from underrepresented groups, such as women, people of color, and LGBTQA+. We also value diverse perspectives on the panel from different types and size of libraries and individuals who can bring a fresh voice. The submission deadline has been extended to October 28, 2018. Panelists will be selected based on their proposed trends, experience, and overall balance to the panel. View the submission guidelines.

2019

Call for Proposals, LITA @ ALA Annual 2019

2019 ALA Annual Conference, Washington DC, logo

Submit your program ideas for the 2019 ALA Annual Conference Washington DC, June 20-25, 2019 LITA is now encouraging the submission of innovative and creative proposals for the 2019 Annual American Library Association Conference. We’re looking for 60 minute conference presentations. The focus should be on technology in libraries, whether that’s use of, new ideas for, trends in, or interesting/innovative projects being explored – it’s all for you to propose. Programs should be of interest to all library/information agency types, that inspire technological change and adoption, and generally go above and beyond the everyday. Submission Deadline: August 31, 2018 Final Decisions: November 9, 2018 Schedule of Sessions Announced: December 5, 2018 Proposals will be accepted via one submission site for all ALA Divisions, RoundTables, Committees and Offices. This link to the submission site will redirect to the ALA log-in page. All submitters are required to have an ALA profile, but…

2018

#LITAchat – LITA at ALA Midwinter 2018

ALA Midwinter 2018 Denver badge

Attending the 2018 ALA Midwinter conference? Curious about what LITA is up to? Join us on Friday, January 26, 1:00-2:00pm EST on Twitter to discuss and ask questions about the LITA events, activities, and more happening at this year’s 2018 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Denver, CO, February 9-13. To participate, launch your favorite Twitter mobile app or web browser and search for the #LITAchat hashtag and select “Latest” to follow along and reply to questions asked by moderator or other participants. When replying to discussion or asking questions, add or incorporate the hashtags #alamw18 and #litachat. See you there!

2018

Apply for the LITA Conference Buddy Program for 2018 ALA Midwinter

lita conference buddy horizontal graphic

Applications are now open for LITA’s Conference Buddy program for ALA Midwinter 2018. The program is designed to make conference attendance more approachable, foster inclusion, and build connections. Inspired by the GLBTRT Buddy Program, we hope that this program will help us to foster stronger relationships among LITA members who attend conferences and also make attendance more enjoyable and rewarding for everyone who participates. For more information or to apply, see the Conference Buddy website: http://www.ala.org/lita/buddyprogram To participate in the program as either a new or experienced conference attendee, get details and complete the sign up form by January 15, 2018. If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Diversity & Inclusion Committee at LITAConferenceBuddy@gmail.com

ALA Midwinter Meetings

Call for Panelists – 2018 ALA LITA Top Trends Program

We are currently seeking nominations for panelists for the 2018 ALA Midwinter LITA Top Tech Trends program in Denver, CO!  You may nominate yourself or someone you know who would be a great addition to the panel of speakers. LITA’s Top Trends Program has traditionally been one of the most popular programs at ALA. Each panelist discusses two trends in technology impacting libraries and engages in a moderated discussion with each other and the audience. Submit your nominations at http://bit.ly/lita-toptechtrends-mw2018.  Deadline is Saturday, September 30, 2017. The LITA Top Tech Trends Committee will review each submission and select panelists based on their proposed trends, experience, and overall balance to the panel. Submission Guidelines can be found at http://docs.lita.org/committees/top-technology-trends/panel-submission-guidelines/. For more information about the Top Tech Trends program, please visit http://www.ala.org/lita/ttt.  

2017

LITA Highlights at ALA Midwinter

2017 ALA Midwinter logo

ALA and LITA are heading to Atlanta for ALA Midwinter 2017. Whether or not you will be attending the conference, there are plenty of opportunities to check out what’s happening at the conference. All the LITA highlights are on the LITA at Midwinter webpage. You can find the whole LITA schedule at the Midwinter Scheduler. Most committee meetings are open to anyone whether or not you’re on the committee, so feel free to stop by and check out what’s going on. There’s even a page showcasing the LITA Interest groups managed discussions. Make sure you don’t miss the following: LITA Diversity and Inclusion Committee – Kitchen Table Conversation Saturday, January 21 from 4:30 to 5:30 PM LITA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee is thrilled to provide ALA and LITA members with an opportunity to provide substantial feedback on developing inclusive programming and member services, as well as meaningful membership outreach efforts…

2017

LITA Conference Buddy Program

2017 ALA Midwinter logo

Apply now for the LITA Conference Buddy Program for the 2017 ALA Midwinter Meeting LITA is excited to announce a new program designed to make conference attendance more approachable, foster inclusion, and build connections. Inspired by the GLBTRT Buddy Program, we hope that this program will help us to foster stronger relationships among LITA members who attend conferences and also make attendance more enjoyable and rewarding for everyone who participates. We will be offering this program for the first time at Midwinter 2017. For more information or to apply, see the Conference Buddy website: http://www.ala.org/lita/buddyprogram The deadline to apply will be January 1, 2017. If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Diversity & Inclusion Committee at: LITAConferenceBuddy@gmail.com