- Apologies for cross posting -

"Never make predictions, especially about the future"; a quotation attributed to Casey Stengell (1891 - 1975) in relation to the game of baseball, but of equal relevance to the knowledge and information industry. Who could have predicted at the start of this year how the social web would be the catalyst for the democracy movements now spreading across the Arab world? Or the ongoing effects of the tsunami in Japan, a technically advanced nation struggling with the unpredictability of its nuclear reactors. Do we really have as much control over information and technology as we would like to believe?

If we're honest, the answer is probably 'no', and as we prepare for another conference that is still some 9 months away it becomes increasingly difficult to identify the impact that new technologies and information services will have on our lives. What seems reasonably clear is that mobile technology and mobile services (e.g. apps) are gaining traction with users and that innovation in this sector is well established. Once again, Apple set the bar with its iPad1 and iPad2. With iPad3 scheduled for release later this year and many other vendors now entering this market we can anticipate some interesting products and services in the year ahead. It will be interesting to see what effects this has on both our working lives and how we use our leisure time.

Open data continues to dominate the agenda in the public sector; linked data is still an enigma; social networks continue to proliferate; eBooks are opening up new publishing business models. Where is all of this leading for organizations and knowledge/information professionals? As I started off by saying, it's best not to make predictions, but we can all strive to be better informed, which is what the Online Information Conference is all about.

We want to hear from people and organisations that are using knowledge, information and technology in new and interesting ways. We are looking for exciting, innovative projects and lessons learned from the introduction of Web 2.0 tools and techniques. We want to showcase people and organisations that are leading the way in how we generate, consume and make sense of information in an increasingly complex world.

Do you have a story to tell?

• Where are we going with apps? Will the closed Apple ecosystem or the open Android market dominate this space?

• There has been a growing hype over the last few years around open and linked data but what has 'the semantic web' actually delivered in terms of value to users and organisations?

• Are you using mobile technologies to deliver information services in new ways to your users?

• Social media is now 'business and usual' - what strategies and technologies are you using to be creative and add value in your work environment?

• How are librarians working with end users over social media platforms to design and deliver services together?

• eBooks have exploded and are changing the way users consume content. What new business models are proving successful? What are the opportunities and challenges to libraries and publishers?

• What skills and competencies will the information professional of the future possess? How are roles evolving how and how are you staying relevant?

Then why not share it with others?

The Online world is waiting to learn from the pioneers who have made it work. This is your chance to be seen as one of the leaders - with your story reaching a global audience from over 40 countries.

For information on conference themes, making your submission, review criteria etc please click on the links below.

I look forward to receiving your proposal.

Regards

Stephen Dale

Chairman

Online Information Conference 2011

YOUR GUIDE TO SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL:

Review Criteria and Submission Requirements
http://www.online-information.co.uk/online2010/conference/guidelines.html

Conference Themes

http://www.online-information.co.uk/online2010/conference/conference-themes.html

Delegate Profile

http://www.online-information.co.uk/online2010/conference/whoshouldattend.html