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GOOD, BETTER, BEST How public libraries are creating their own future A regional seminar for librarians and decision makers London, Bristol, York, Manchester, Glasgow How can public libraries take cost out of the service infrastructure without damaging frontline services? How will libraries continue to invest in service development while reducing overall running costs? This series of regional seminars brings together expertise from some of the leading technology and service companies in the library sector to explore changing roles, different ways of working, and new models for service delivery, along with an update on new products and technology. What librarians said about the 2010 seminar series ‘Excellent overview of current and future possibilities…’ ‘Stimulating sessions…’ ‘Definitely worth attending…’ ‘Very useful day indeed!…’ ‘Inspiring…’ ‘Very interesting and informative…’ ‘Stimulating and encouraging… ‘Eye-opening…’ ‘A positive view of an uncertain future…’ PROGRAMME Room for manoeuvre Speakers from Civica share their current thinking on technology, business processes and operational effectiveness in the public library sector, drawing on experience from around the world. What is the scope for collaboration, consolidation, shared services and systems to achieve efficiencies and cost savings? Better services at lower cost Can the private sector provide more cost-effective ways of managing service infrastructure while delivering a just as good or better frontline service? John Laing Integrated Services makes a realistic assessment of the current state of the market for outsourced management, and dispels some misunderstandings about what this means for the future delivery of professional library services. An intelligent future In the first of the technology sessions, Intellident assesses the rise and rise of intelligent technology, where it is going, what can be achieved, the scope for operational efficiencies, better stock management and the promotion of customer-orientated services. Making stock work for you Now more than ever libraries need to make both their collections and their stock fund work as hard as possible. smartsm provides an analysis of the efficiencies and savings actually being made through evidence based stock management both within and across services. New content, new experience Can libraries make more use of enhanced data and interactive services to create online communities? Bowker, with their international partners, are well positioned to explore the potential of enhanced OPAC content for remote browsing, information sharing and a better customer experience. Going digital New technologies are enabling more libraries to make their resource available online and open all hours, saving staff and space costs. Townsweb Archiving offers an update on how libraries are digitising reference material, local history resources, photographs and documents to provide enhanced online library services, greater public access and potential income streams. The e-book revolution, Part 1 There’s been rapid rise in the adoption of online download services for e-books and audiobooks as libraries recognise the benefits of a 24/7 online service. OverDrive returns to the UK to report on how it is responding to emerging devices and mobile technology, how services are growing and costs are falling. The e-book revolution, Part 2 In this second session Nick Forster from Audio Go (formerly BBC Audiobooks and one of the UK’s leading content providers) comments on the changing nature of publishing and what this means for the industry, traditional distribution channels and libraries as publishers adjust to the new business paradigm, and libraries positively embrace the future. Register online at http://www.librariesagency.com/events.php.