The theme of the conference is From the Ground Up – Growing Libraries for the Future. Never before have libraries been in such a time of change and re-evaluation of services. Everyone in the library and information industry is on a journey and we are all at different stages of our travels – sometimes the stage we are at even depends on any given day or hour as we are all forever learning, building or growing our skills and knowledge. It is the aim of the 2015 conference planning committee to ensure there is something for everyone at conference to help you continue to grow – no matter where you are on your learning journey. Every single person who contributes to the school library community is valuable and we want a conference that caters for and reflects how libraries are built figuratively and literally 'from the ground up'! We will bring everything from practical, hands-on workshops to ideas to help you grow and change your library for future focused learning. Early in 2015 the conference website will go live and we will add workshops and information on keynote speakers as these are secured or confirmed.
Conference 2015 will be held at St Andrew's College in Christchurch. St Andrew's College is a Year 1-13 co-educational school situated in the north of Christchurch on Papanui Road. Accommodation will be available on site in the new boarding houses at very reasonable rates or you can choose hotel and motel accommodation just minutes away. You will be able to enjoy the river bank in springtime which runs through the College grounds and a wee touch of Scotland in Christchurch.
It is too far out from conference as yet to give a confirmed registration fee but we are endeavouring to keep the costs as close as possible to the 2013 conference in Wellington. The early bird, member registration for that conference was $375 with the conference dinner additional at $80. We will also offer author breakfasts and these were a cost of $30 in Wellington. Start talking to your school Principal now so you can budget for this essential professional development opportunity.
If you have ideas for workshops you would like to facilitate, workshops you would love to participate in or would like additional information, please contact the conference planning committee at library@stac.school.nz. You can also take a look at the short video that was presented at the end of conference 2013: Join us in Christchurch 2015.
Hope to see you there!
