Welcome to VALA2012

VALA2012 Conference Theme

The VALA2012 theme, eM-powering eFutures, promotes the understanding and use of communication technology in libraries and the related museums, archives and galleries services. VALA2012 looks to the future as our presenters embrace technological change in their workplaces and institutions, seeking ways to mobilise service delivery and granting service providers the skills and power to stay ahead of a connected and socialised client base.

INVITATION FROM THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

On behalf of the VALA2012 Programme Committee, I invite you to register for VALA's 16th Biennial Conference, the premier library technology conference and exhibition for this region. It is a platform for innovation that promotes the use and understanding of information and communication technologies across a broad sector of Libraries, with increasing participation from the Galleries, Archives and Museums sectors. Join VALA2012 as it returns to the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre.

The Call for Papers asked the following questions. Are technologies shaping services? What skills are staff required to have? Are your clients satisfied or are their requirements being met elsewhere?

To find the answers, it's not enough to wait for the cloud in the crystal ball to clear; the future is here: the 21st century has been with us for a decade, and it’s time to take action. Cultural institutions are being disintermediated by ubiquitous computing, the rise of social networking, fragmentation by mobile technologies and the challenges raised by itinerant staff.

The proliferation of powerful connected smart mobile devices is revolutionising the way society accesses and interacts with information. Organisations need to engage with their clients, wherever they are and whenever they wish, establishing new value propositions that retain and gain client growth and buy-in.

At VALA2012, be enlightened and challenged by our global keynote speakers, be engaged by our presenters, share their journeys and stories, and take away ideas to contribute to new paradigms. Over four days, our international speakers, invited guests and peer-reviewed papers will inform, challenge and inspire you. Our three-day exhibition is one of the largest we have organised, providing the opportunity to discover new solutions, revise old networks and create new partnerships.

Recognising the synergies between the Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museum sectors, VALA2012 offers opportunities to share ideas and make connections. Our Network Hub will become the meeting place, a central commons in the middle of the exhibition hall; the Sage Red Carpet area will host launches and gatherings.

Need a refresher or new to the industry? The L-Plate Series returns to guide you through the jargon. For the technically minded, the VALAtech Boot Camp sessions aim for hands-on-learning. Visit the Showcase sessions for practical demonstrations of innovative current practice.

I also invite you to secure your places at the Plaza Ballroom for the prestigious Robert D. Williamson Award and the VALA2012 Conference Dinner.

Join us in eM-powering our own futures. I look forward to meeting many of you during the course of the event.

Bart Rutherford
Conference Committee Chair

KEY DATES

Early Bird Registration has now CLOSED

Main Announcement and Registration Brochure

The Main Announcement and Registration Brochure is now available.

If you are interested in holding a workshop in conjunction with the conference, please contact the VALA2012 Conference Office.

Let everyone know you are attending the VALA2012 Conference! Download one of the buttons below and put it up on your website or blog, with a link to http://www.vala.org.au/conf2012.

Call for Papers

Call for Papers has now closed but you can see details of topics that were available.