Keynote Speaker — Helene Blowers
In 2007, Helene was named a Mover & Shaker by Library Journal as one of the 50 most influential people shaping the future of libraries. The discovery learning program, Learning 2.0: 23 Things, that she created while serving as Technology Director for Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (NC) has launched a worldwide 2.0 learning sensation and has been replicated by more than 700 organizations in 15 countries.
With nearly 15 years of experience developing innovative Web sites and technology services for public libraries, Helene currently practices her passion for learning at Columbus Metropolitan Library (OH) as the Director of Digital Strategy. She is the co-author of the book Weaving a Library Web: A Guide to Developing Children's Websites and the recipient of the 2008 LITA Hi-Tech Award for her many contributions to library and information technology. As a frequent speaker on emerging technologies, innovation and leadership, Helene is well known for her energy and passion about learning and libraries. She holds a degree in organizational communications from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and is a certified project management trainer. And, when she is not busy trying to keep CML from falling off the ever-surging technology wave, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and blogging at http://librarybytes.com/
"Finding the Phoenix — Feathers, Flight & the Future of Libraries"
— re:birth within our Keynote 2009
Abstract — As libraries creatively evolve to meet customers' needs in a rapidly changing culture, the concern over the future of print and the "book" remains core to their existence. However, in looking at current trends, there is evidence to suggest otherwise. The future of libraries may not be dependent on the creation or evolution of new service delivery models, it may actually reside in something more "deeply local." Join Helene Blowers in a lively conversation about the library phoenix. As old formats and service models decline, there's a new bird rising from the shadows.
Conversation with Helene BlowersWeb 2.0 guru Helene Blowers talks about the future of libraries, management styles and early memories of libraries in this episode of Conversation. |