As you plan your PLA 2010 conference schedule, be sure to include these events, where you’re likely to find other WebJunction members and staff. Beginning to compile this list has made me very excited about this conference and I look forward to adding more suggestions from the WebJunction community in the weeks leading up to the conference. Please post your not-to-be-missed suggestions in comments below and we’ll be sure to spread the word. There are a handful of events below that require separate registration so please note where indicated and visit OCLC’s PLA Events to register for many other sessions on timely topics.

For those who won’t be attending the conference f2f, we aim to provide you with conference coverage here on WebJunction. If you’re a WebJunction member who would like to help cover the conference for the community (the f2f or Virtual PLA versions), let us know and we’ll set you up as a guest blogger!

Wednesday, March 24

If you plan on arriving early, there are over a dozen preconference events to consider but you won’t regret attending this one. Longtime WebJunction member and super hero of accidental technology trainers, Stephanie Gerding will kick-start your conference adventure.

The Accidental Technology Trainer

Presented by Stephanie Gerding
8:30 am-12:00 pm, Oregon Convention Center – A105-106

Accidental technology trainers are responsible for technology training in labs, classrooms, or one-on-one with users or staff. You will learn about great tools and techniques, the most common concerns of technology trainers, and get helpful advice resulting from many years of coordinating and providing training for public libraries. You’ll discover why learning styles are important; how to create an interactive learning community; strategies for communicating about technology; and techniques for using activities, games, storytelling, and case studies.

Exhibits Open/Reception
4:00pm-6:30pm

Stop by and visit WebJunction at the OCLC booth, #1847 in the exhibits hall. We’ll also be there on Thursday from 9:30-5 and on Friday from 9:30-4.

Thursday, March 25

LITA’s Top Technology Trends
8:30-9:45 am, Oregon Convention Center – B113-116

A panel of LITA leaders who are acknowledged for their reputations and expertise in the library and information technology fields will discuss and debate the top technology trends in public libraries. WebJunction’s Michael Porter will be joined by David Lee King, Joan Frye Williams, and Michelle Frisque.

Geek the Library: Putting Theory into Practice
8:30–9:45 am, Doubletree Hotel Portland, Oregon Room
Please register for this session

Geek the Library is a public awareness pilot campaign implemented in select communities in Iowa, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. After several months, the results of the pilot are in. Were we able to increase awareness of the need for public library funding? Get the full scoop, and find out how you can implement Geek the Library in your community.

Power up Your Learning Organization
2:00-3:15 pm, Oregon Convention Center – A105-106

Transform your library into a Learning Organization. Discover new strategies and tools that move staff beyond training to proactive learning. Explore opportunities for self-directed, online, and social learning. Discuss ideas for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mentoring. Then put these ideas into action. You won’t want to miss one, staring some of the WebJunction community’s brightest stars: Betha Gutsche, Jennifer Fenton, Kathleen Gesinger and Michele Leininger.

Latinos and Public Library Perceptions (Talk Table)
4:00-5:15 pm, Oregon Convention Center – A103-104

In partnership with the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute, WebJunction published research about library use and perceptions of more than 2,860 Latinos nationally. At this talk table, discuss the findings and recommendations for increasing Latino library use and suggest best practices for implementing outreach to Spanish-speakers in your library community. Facilitated by WebJunction’s Jennifer Peterson and SLO program coordinator/trainer, MaryKay Dalgreen, Oregon State Library.

WebJunction’s Party with Competencies
6:30-8:30 pm, Note location update: Doubletree Hotel Portland, Hawthorne/Sellwood
Please register for this session

Grab a bite and a sip and connect with the people and proven competency resources that can help your library! We’ll have plenty of fun, food, festivities, good company and practical material for you to enjoy and take back to your library to help you and your staff learn and work more effectively.

Friday, March 26

OCLC Update Breakfast
7:30–8:45 am, Doubletree Hotel Portland, Hawthorne/Sellwood/Ross Island Rooms
Please register for this session

Join OCLC President and CEO Jay Jordan for breakfast and an update on what’s new at OCLC, including service enhancements and new initiatives that make information access easier. Share your questions and discussion with your colleagues at WebJunction’s roundtable discussion.

2010 Perceptions of Libraries in Changing Economic Times
10:30 am–12:00 pm, Doubletree Hotel Portland, Hawthorne/Sellwood/Ross Island Rooms
Please register for this session

In 2005, OCLC published a groundbreaking report, Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources. Five years later, OCLC has embarked on an updated study about library users and their information-seeking behavior, paying particular attention to the perception of libraries in these current economic conditions. Join Cathy De Rosa, Vice President for the Americas & Global Vice President of Marketing at OCLC, for an engaging discussion of the findings from OCLC’s latest research.

Expanding your world through Web Conferencing
2:00-3:15 pm, Oregon Convention Center – E141-144

Join panelists Jennifer Peterson, Karen Burns, and Cindi Hickey for a session filled with experience and expertise in online engagement! We’ll discuss our own use of web conferencing tools to host online conferences, produce e-learning activities, conduct capacity building for remote staff, and host virtual meetings and focus groups. Together we will share best practices for presenters, ideas for integrating web conferencing with other technologies, and user success stories. If you want to see what we’ll be talking about, check out the new WebJunction Group Online Conferencing!