Virtually Yours - AISTI Mini-Conference 2008

I returned last week from the 9^th Annual AISTI (Alliance for Information Science and Technology Innovation) Mini-Conference in Santa Fe, NM titled, Virtually Yours! Information, research and learning, through gaming and on-line relationships . As with most AISTI conferences, the focus was on innovation through cutting edge technologies. In this case, virtual worlds and dynamic online relationships. We are a member of AISTI and it was a privilege to represent MSU Libraries at this conference.

Of the eight presentations on the two-day program, three were directly related to the virtual web space called Second Life and the others more generally addressed new technologies and information agencies. The Second Life presentations included histories, overviews, and demonstrations of Second Life. Presenters discussed the benefits of conducting chat sessions visually within the 3D web and suggested that the quality and experience of communication is enhanced by a sense of physical space and presence. Many conference members and presenters commented candidly about the challenges and blocks to effective use of Second Life for educational purposes, but there was a strong impetus and belief that Second Life is only the first test bed of many virtual worlds to come. Many conference attendees confirmed that libraries should keep an eye on these virtual environments for potential use in the future.

Stephen Abrams, President of SLA (Special Libraries Association) was the first presenter and set the tone with an engaging talk about CHANGE and new information strategies. Stephen pointed out that libraries are paradoxically both leaders in the world of information evolution, and unfortunately, institutional anchors that resist change and the implementation of newer technologies. A claim he made that leapt out at me was that all recorded human knowledge in every format will be storable on an ipod by the year 2030. SLA had a strong presence at the AISTI conference.

Martha Russell from Stanford University presented a survey of “geniuses” at her institution to identify common denominators that propel innovation. She claimed the results show that a big amount of collaboration in a small organization was the best chemistry for innovation. On the other hand she pointed out that nothing stifles innovation more than concerns over legality.

Here are some random facts I observed at the conference:

-Most of the members and attendees were from government information agencies. Information Specialists seemed more prevalent than librarians.

-Regional attendance predominated. Most attendees came from within New Mexico.

-One out of six attendees was actively engaged on their laptops throughout the conference.

-One out of four attendees was male.

-Eight out of ten attendees were older than me (I’m guessing).

-Several of the presenters referred to themselves and others as “futurists” (An interesting job title).

You can also check out these links:

http://www.aisti.org/home/

http://www.aisti.org/home/events/mini08/topics.php#con