Shaping the future of libraries

MEDIA RELEASE: Monday 6 October 2014

Shaping the future of libraries

Auckland will host the biggest gathering of library and information professionals in the country this month when around 650 local and international delegates, exhibitors and sponsors from New Zealand and overseas converge for the annual LIANZA Conference.

Sponsored by NZMS (New Zealand Micrographic Services Ltd), the LIANZA (Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa) Conference will be held at SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre from Sunday 12 October to Wednesday 15 October and includes a line up of outstanding keynote speakers, breakout sessions, workshops, library tours and social events.
Over four days delegates from all library sectors will reflect on the need for libraries to connect with the past to help shape and develop a thriving future for our communities - ‘Pou Whakiro – Connect and Thrive’.

Conference Convenor, Anahera Morehu, Library Manager Māori and Pasifika Services at the University of Auckland, says the annual conference is an important opportunity for library and information specialists to develop skills to better support the communities they serve.

“LIANZA14 is a chance for the sector to bring different perspectives and skills to connect with each other, our communities, our environment and changing technologies in order to understand and evolve into the future”.

“We’re thrilled to have some highly regarded local and international speakers lined up to inform and challenge our thinking about libraries and role in New Zealand communities”.

The conference theme is reflected in opening Keynote Rangimarie Hunia’s address focussing on the need for libraries to foster and build connections with local iwi as they develop the resources and knowl­edge to create and manage their own information.

The first of LIANZA’s international keynotes is Eibhlin Roche, Manager of the Guinness Archive and a leading example of how heritage materials can be utilised to maximise a corporate brand. Roche passionately believes in maximising the heritage of the brand to inform future innovations and commercial developments for GUINNESS©.

Speaking on leadership and connecting with local communities through collabo­ration, partnerships and building relationships are Mai Chen, public and employment law specialist and Adjunct Professor in Commercial and Public Law at the University of Auckland Business School, and former President of IFLA, the International Federation of Library Associations, Dr Ingrid Parent.

Judith Peacock, information literacy guru, thought leader in student engagement from the Queensland University of Technology Library in Brisbane will highlight the need to reinvent library roles and capitalise on valuable opportunities.

Challenging libraries to ensure they are well equipped to understand, connect with and meet the needs of Pacific and Māori communities are Damon Salesa, Rhodes Scholar and Associate Professor of Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland, and Wiremu Doherty, Professor of Education – Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Provost Academic Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi.

The Conference will draw to a close with highly rated international futurist speaker Thomas Frey and his journey into the future roles libraries will play as we enter a brave new era where hundreds and even thousands of new “things” enter our lives – From an Internet of Things to a Library of Things.

During the event delegates will be treated to a Tales from the Long White Cloud themed conference dinner including a panel discussion with esteemed New Zealand authors Witi Ihimaera and Dame Fiona Kidman as well as behind-the-scene tours including Auckland Museum, Waiheke Library, TMMC and Hobsonville Point Secondary School.

The Conference whakataukī , Me hoki whakamuri, kia haere whakamua – Look to the past, to view the future – underscores the intent of the profession to leverage the extensive experience of the people in the information sector and take advantage of future developments so that we can move ahead with confidence. That is the message we hope delegates will take with them when they return to their desks.

View the key topics and events covered in the conference programme - http://lianzaconference.weebly.com/programme.html

ENDS

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