All Sessions

Come and hear how librarians and administrators from libraries of all sectors showcase creative strategies and practices in developing sustainable partnerships with local organizations. Presenters will discuss case studies of international collaborations between U.S. and international libraries that represent innovative practices in developing program proposals, mobilizing community support, and raising funds. The $75 registration fee includes light refreshments and lunch. (Program is followed by lunch)

An introduction to the ALA Conference and the city of Anaheim, for International and other attendees from abroad. ALA members will provide an overview of the conference, including recommended programs and social activities. Learn about conference transportation, the ALA's Exhibit Hall and the meaning of the ALA's many acronyms. Meet your mentors who will help international librarians get the most from the conference experience. (For International librarians outside the U.S.)

Meeting of all the International Relations Committee (IRC) and the International Relations Round Table (IRRT).

IFLA representatives will provide updates on the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and its Annual Conference.

Increasingly, economic, political and human crises, along with natural disasters, constitute a recurrent reality around the world. The effect of large-scale disaster and economic disruption are being felt far and wide and impacting libraries in diverse ways. Libraries are casualties of natural disasters, from earthquakes to hurricanes, as well as civil unrest and wars. Sudden cuts in library budgets have resulted in severe staff reductions, privatization and even closures. Four presenters from around the world will share their experiences about how they have prepared for or coped with profound change.

The exploding world ebooks is not limited to the English language. The demand for libraries to provide Spanish language ebooks is growing. Come hear about the current and future state of Spanish language ebook publishing, access for libraries, and how libraries are already integrating Spanish language ebooks into their collections.

Libraries are essential for a well-informed citizenry and play a large role in a community’s successful participation in the information society. Discover how libraries and information professionals in Africa are connecting people to information, facilitating equitable access and addressing barriers to information. The presenters will discuss projects, services and research studies about provision of content in local languages; preservation of indigenous knowledge; information literacy programs; services to rural, displaced communities, women, children and youth.

Taiwan was awarded the ALA Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects in 2011 ALA Annual Conference. It is an outcome of long-term practice and hard work of colleagues of Library Association, Central Library, Public libraries of major cities, LIS Education institutions, and various levels of information providers that put their efforts to do the information services to all people.

We will take this occasion as Taiwan’s way to strengthening international collaboration with ALA. Librarians and LIS Educators will share their ideas and strategies of library development in Taiwan.

Come and listen to ALA librarians discuss their Sister Library partnerships and how these initiatives provide a mutual source of pride, opportunity, and inspiration between two institutions.

Treaty of Waitangi settlements are enabling iwi/hapu (tribal) entities to build repositories to house their own taonga (treasures) and mātauranga (knowledge) which can affect mainstream libraries throughout Aotearoa (New Zealand) , as iwi contemplate repatriation of their iwi/hapu taonga. Te Ropu Whakahau (Māori in Libraries and Information Management) has developed a one-day workshop, Mātauranga Māori in New Zealand Libraries.

This workshop provides a professional development opportunity for non-Māori librarians, on how to work with iwi/hapu through true partnership, by acknowledging the importance of Matauranga Māori values and practices. This applies to the resources contained within the collections in which they work, as well as the customers of whom they serve. This session showcases the structural framework of an indigenous model; allows participants to experience the content of the workshop; provides innovative ideas on workshop delivery (and the challenges of delivering in earthquake ravaged Christchurch, Kai Tahu, one of the richest iwi of Aotearoa); and includes participant attendance and feedback. This presentation serves as a model for information professionals who seek to be inclusive of indigenous culture and values within their organizations.

Please join the International Relations Round Table (IRRT) in welcoming and celebrating with librarians from more than 80 countries at the ALA Annual Conference. Open to all conference attendees, this reception offers a unique opportunity to network with hundreds of information professionals from around the world. Join us for a mixing of culture and ideas, regional cuisine, hors d’oeuvres and open bar (this event is free for international librarians). Advance registration is required. No tickets will be sold at the site.