Speaking during a New Librarians Global Connection webinar for the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ New Professionals Special Interest Group, Dr. Sandra Hirsh, director of the San José State University School of Information, presented “Professional Development Outcomes of a Globally Based Virtual Conference Participation: A Library 2.0 Case Study,” where she discussed the influence of the Library 2.0 Worldwide Virtual Conference on participants and LIS organizations. The methodology included session survey feedback, results from an online survey, and interviews with participants.

1. Professional Development Outcomes of a Globally
Based Virtual Conference Participation:
A Library 2.0 Case Study
Dr. Sandra Hirsh, Professor and Director, School of Information
October 10, 2016 * IFLA / ALA Webinar

2. “To advance professionally
information professionals must
access professional
development opportunities,
must explore… new
technologies, and must remain
current on user behavior.”
Sandra Hirsh, 2015

3. 3
• Began in 2011
• Thousands of participants
• Over 160 countries participate
• Keynote speakers from around the world
• Archived recordings/sessions
Library 2.0 Conferences Library 2.011
Library 2.012
Library 2.013
Library 2.014
Library 2.015
Library 2.016

4. 4
Library 2.0 Conference Partnership Library 2.011
Library 2.012
Library 2.013
Library 2.014
Library 2.015
Library 2.016
School of Information

5. 5
Library 2.0 Conference Partnership
Free
Inclusive
Fully Online
Goals
• Draw participants from around the world
• Encourage global conversations on key
issues and concerns
• Allow participants to present in whatever
language
• Enable participants to schedule their own
presentation times.

6. 6
Library 2.0 Impact and
Outcomes Study
Purpose:
To identify the impact and outcomes a
worldwide virtual conference has on both
conference participants and the LIS
organizations around the globe.
Methodology:
• Session survey feedback
• Online survey
• Interviews with participants

7. 7
Top Reasons for Participation
• Interested in new concepts and trends in
librarianship
• Interested in the themes, sessions, and/or
presenters
• Conference was free
• Learn new skills/knowledge that could help
in my job and/or career

8. 8
Top Skills and Knowledge Attained
61% of survey participants indicated
they learned about new technology
and its integration
Other TOP knowledge gained:
• 28% - Information issues
(cybersecurity, open access, licensing, etc.)
• 26% - Instructional design strategies
• 25% - Social media engagement strategies

9. 9
Top Professional Outcomes
44% - Gained more confidence as a professional
39% - Expanded professional network
32% - Increased communication and
management skills
21% - Developed leadership skills in the online
environment
66% indicated they developed new
skills/knowledge they can use for their job.
Other TOP outcomes:

10. 10
Impact on Information Organizations
 Improved customer service
 Adopted new technology
 Developed new programming
“The conference helped me to develop some
ideas that I have for practitioner research to look
at the very long-term development of teaching &
learning/e-learning issues for academic science
and technology libraries and librarians.”
(Survey respondent, 2015)

11. 11
Benefits of Presenting in Conference
• 90% felt more confident as a presenter
as a result of presenting in this
conference
• 68% advanced their presentation skills
• 59% learned how to engage with
participants in an online format

12. 12
100%
Interviewees
94%
Survey respondents: 94%
Plan on attending, volunteering,
or presenting in a future Library
2.0 conference.
“This was a very
exciting forum for
discussion and
collaboration. I
would definitely
join another
conference like
this in the future.”
(Library 2.014
Participant)

13. “When information professionals engage in the
global information environment and expand their
networks and experiences globally, they gain new
knowledge and competencies, opportunities, and
even access to new information for their
communities.”
(Jan Holmquist, 2015)

14. 14
Library 2.0 Conference Series:
Factors for Success
• Mutually beneficial to each partner
• Shared goals
• Trust – an essential element
• Good communication
• Collaborative spirit
• Clear roles and responsibilities
• Continuous analysis of best
practices
• Openness to new approaches

15. 15
Thank you for attending!
Dr. Sandy Hirsh, Professor and Director
sandy.hirsh@sjsu.edu
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