Conference Features

The presentations this year reflect the traditional as well as the ever changing nature of our profession. We have a “revolutionary” eleven new presenters this year as well as many superb presenters from the past. See the Presentations Section for a tentative listing.

Nothing has revolutionized the library profession as much as the constant advancements in technology. This year’s conference explores the old and new of the information commons, LibraryThing, Web 2.0, and trends in the education of librarians and information professionals.

The conference itself begins and ends with a new and innovative reception and finale!

Opening Reception

Come prepared for an exciting and “historic” opening reception at the Josiah Quincy House, the country estate of the Revolutionary leader Josiah Quincy, located only two blocks from the ENC campus. Members of The New England Historical Society will be giving tours of the home's interior and you will have the opportunity to enjoy the history of the area while greeting old friends and making new friends. Meet and greet President John Quincy Adams, AKA presidential actor, Jim Cooke, who has graciously agreed to join us for the evening.

The Grand Finale!

We cannot offer such an exciting and unique beginning without ending with the best send off ever, a Boston Harbor Cruise. Departing from scenic Marina Bay in Quincy, our private charter will provide breath-taking views of the Boston skyline, the harbor islands and the entire Boston Harbor as the day fades into evening. A light supper will be served and local musicians will be on hand for your listening and entertainment pleasure. Conference attendees can remain on the boat after the cruise and be taken back into Boston, at no additional cost. They will disembark at Long Wharf, which is very near the North End and Fanuiel Hall Marketplace. Then they could take the "T" to return to ENC later.

Morning devotions: Each day will start with the opportunity for a prayer walk on the beach 6 blocks from campus—-bring your beach shoes and sunscreen! In addition, a devotional time of worship and inspiration will begin the programming each morning after breakfast. The devotional speakers will be announced soon.

Membership Meeting: The annual ACL Membership meeting will be held during the Conference Business Sessions. This will include reports about the activities of the ACL and the Foundation for the Advancement of Christian Libraries, introduction of nominees for offices, and "Good and Welfare" (suggestions from the members for the improvement of the Association.) You are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings and learn more about ACL and FACL.

Ideas Exchange: Conference participants are encouraged to bring multiple or single copies of bibliographies, study guides, or any library publications used at their library. An area will be available to display these for others to peruse and for you to gather ideas to take home.

Lunch Discussion Groups: Lunch time discussion groups will be available on Tuesday with tables representing various interest groups, as well as some open tables for those who just want to chat.

Vendor Exhibits: Wednesday will feature the many vendor exhibits. These will include publishers, vendors, and electronic service providers. Once again you will have some no-conflict time to interact with them and become more familiar with their products and services.

Christian Library Consortium: The ACL’s Christian Library Consortium will hold a business and information meeting to discuss discounts available to members and new vendor partnerships for library resources and services. You won’t want to miss this!

Section Meetings: During the Section Meetings, programs will be presented by the Liberal Arts Section and the Bible College Section. In addition, there will be a gathering of Library School students and of the “Sui Generis” group (librarians from various types of libraries), who will discuss issues of common interest as they get acquainted. Watch for details of these programs to be announced later.

Commission for International Library Assistance General Session: ACL's Commission for International Library Assistance (CILA) will sponsor a Wednesday evening program focused on international librarianship and our current projects to help meet the needs of overseas libraries.  In addition, CILA will present two workshops which will suggest ways for participants to get involved in helping overseas libraries and will provide some of the tools to help them get started.  Plan to attend and find your place in the world!

The Revolution Continues

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