Professional Development Outcomes of a Globally

Based Virtual Conference Participation:

A Library 2.0 Case Study Dr. Sandra Hirsh, Professor and Director, School of Information

October 10, 2016 * IFLA / ALA Webinar

“To advance professionally

information professionals must

access professional

development opportunities,

must explore… new

technologies, and must remain

current on user behavior.”

Sandra Hirsh, 2015

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• Began in 2011

• Thousands of participants

• Over 160 countries participate

• Keynote speakers from around the world

• Archived recordings/sessions

Library 2.0 Conferences Library 2.011

Library 2.012

Library 2.013

Library 2.014

Library 2.015

Library 2.016

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Library 2.0 Conference PartnershipLibrary 2.011

Library 2.012

Library 2.013

Library 2.014

Library 2.015

Library 2.016

School of Information

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Library 2.0 Conference Partnership

Free

Inclusive

Fully Online

Goals

• Draw participants from around the world

• Encourage global conversations on key

issues and concerns

• Allow participants to present in whatever

language

• Enable participants to schedule their own

presentation times.

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Library 2.0 Impact and

Outcomes Study

Purpose:

To identify the impact and outcomes a

worldwide virtual conference has on both

conference participants and the LIS

organizations around the globe.

Methodology:

• Session survey feedback

• Online survey

• Interviews with participants

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Top Reasons for Participation

• Interested in new concepts and trends in

librarianship

• Interested in the themes, sessions, and/or

presenters

• Conference was free

• Learn new skills/knowledge that could help

in my job and/or career

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Top Skills and Knowledge Attained

61% of survey participants indicated

they learned about new technology

and its integration

Other TOP knowledge gained:

• 28% - Information issues(cybersecurity, open access, licensing, etc.)

• 26% - Instructional design strategies

• 25% - Social media engagement strategies

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Top Professional Outcomes

44% - Gained more confidence as a professional

39% - Expanded professional network

32% - Increased communication and

management skills

21% - Developed leadership skills in the online

environment

66% indicated they developed new

skills/knowledge they can use for their job.

Other TOP outcomes:

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Impact on Information Organizations

Improved customer service

Adopted new technology

Developed new programming

“The conference helped me to develop some

ideas that I have for practitioner research to look

at the very long-term development of teaching &

learning/e-learning issues for academic science

and technology libraries and librarians.”(Survey respondent, 2015)

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Benefits of Presenting in Conference

• 90% felt more confident as a presenter

as a result of presenting in this

conference

• 68% advanced their presentation skills

• 59% learned how to engage with

participants in an online format

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100%Interviewees

94% Survey respondents: 94%

Plan on attending, volunteering,

or presenting in a future Library

2.0 conference.

“This was a very

exciting forum for

discussion and

collaboration. I

would definitely

join another

conference like

this in the future.” (Library 2.014

Participant)

“When information professionals engage in the

global information environment and expand their

networks and experiences globally, they gain new

knowledge and competencies, opportunities, and

even access to new information for their

communities.”

(Jan Holmquist, 2015)

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Library 2.0 Conference Series:

Factors for Success

• Mutually beneficial to each partner

• Shared goals

• Trust – an essential element

• Good communication

• Collaborative spirit

• Clear roles and responsibilities

• Continuous analysis of best

practices

• Openness to new approaches

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Thank you for attending!

Dr. Sandy Hirsh, Professor and Director

sandy.hirsh@sjsu.edu

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sjsuischool

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http://ischool.sjsu.edu/