Reporting from Salt Lake City, UT.
The first day of the conference was filled with presentations and conversations about many technology related issues. The ones that I attended focused on mobile technologies mostly.
In the opening plenary, Joan Lippincott overviewed a variety of ways in which libraries can deliver resources and services to users via mobile devices and the market penetration of such options within higher education (only about 13% according to a 2007 survey). She also talked about the need to plan in anticipation of these services and to avoid duplicative and possibly conflicting directions throughout the parent institution. Audience members added comments such as distinguishing between mobile apps and web sites designed specifically for mobile devices that can address the need for platform-specific solutions.
Another session I attended was sponsored by the ALA Washington Office. In the past they have given a Washington Office Update, much like they do at ALA Annual and Midwinter. This year they attempted to focus the content on policy issues related to mobile devices and services. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the session covered issues unrelated to mobile policy. It was, however, a good overview of the variety of issues that impact the provision of digital content in libraries (e.g., copyright and licensing, accessibility), some of which related directly to mobile devices (e.g., managing content of Kindles). It seems to me that one challenges is defining two things: What constitutes a mobile device? And which devices are designed to be personal, as opposed to something one would borrow, say from a library?
The Hilton Hotel is a great place to have a conference this size, easily navigable and convenient, well appointed and appropriately configured venues. The location is good as well with a variety of restaurants nearby.
