Are you one of the nearly 500 delegates attending LIBER 2019? Here are some tips to make your conference experience as smooth and rich as possible.
First, Logistics
Here are a few handy links to get you off to a good start.
- Conference programme (PDF)
- Live-streaming (also on YouTube)
- Published slides and posters
- @libereurope and @liberconference on Twitter (hashtag #LIBER2019)
- Any issues? Come to the LIBER desk (right next to the main registration desk)
When you arrive, you’ll need to register. Wednesday morning is always a peak time. Avoid the rush by registering on Tuesday (12:00-14:30), or by being first through the door when registration opens at 08:30 on Wednesday.
Need Wi-Fi? Delegates will receive a Wi-Fi code at the Registration Desk. For security reasons delegates must sign to receive an Individual Wi-Fi code on the first day of the conference and a sticker will be placed on the Name Badge. Wi-Fi is also available via Eduroam.
Finally, we encourage you to prepare for “playful” weather (a bit of sun, but maybe also some rain), and to help us make the conference green by bringing your own water bottle.
If you are joining us in @TCDLibrary for #LIBER2019 we recommend you bring a re-useable water bottle – there are water fountains in the conference venue plus jugs of water for delegates in the individual theatres and rooms. No need for more plastic!
— LIBER Conference (@LIBERconference) June 20, 2019
Presentations & Parallel Sessions
With over 50 papers and posters, it can be hard to choose which session to attend. We recommend attending at least one session outside of your main subject area. It’s a great way to gain a fresh perspective. If you really can’t choose, team up with a colleague. You can each attend separate sessions and swap insights later.
choose the talks you want attend wisely [there are so many to chose from! :)], tweet about what you hear + think + learn during the talks, and get in contact with colleagues also online – the coffee breaks and social events are not long enough to meet everybody in person. 🙂
— viola voß (@v_i_o_l_a) April 30, 2019
Nice to know: all parallel sessions will be audio recorded so you can listen to them later!
During Coffee & Lunch Breaks
Make the most of the wonderfully diverse LIBER community. Approach speakers during the breaks, and mingle with other delegates. We know that networking isn’t always easy, but LIBER is a friendly crowd.
The pre-conf workshops are a good place to get to talk to people, as are the LIBER consultation sessions and the social events, of course. If you see me, come say hi! DH stuff, Collection Security and Heritage Collections are my thing.
— Marian Lefferts (@MRL57) April 30, 2019
My 5 cents? Prepare. Read up. Make a list of people you admire and want to meet. Be generous with sharing what you know and care for. Be open. Be yourself. People joining a @LIBERconference tend to respond to such things with kindness & grace #liber2019
— Saskia Scheltjens (@saschel) May 3, 2019
Well, do not be shy; talk to the ones that made your mind spark. Write down the good ideas and practices that speakers share and think how they fit to your context. The topic list is endless. It’s fun being busy like this.
— Giannis Tsakonas (@gtsakonas) May 1, 2019
Want to see who’s coming? Check the printed conference programme (there will be one in your bag) for a full list of delegates.
Join The Conversation
There are so many opportunities to share thoughts, observations and insights. Here are a few:
LIBER’s Proposal for Ensuring LIBER’s Viability & Building On Success will be presented on Wednesday at 16:15. This meeting is especially important for all LIBER Participants as the Proposal will be voted upon on Thursday, but everyone is welcome to join and learn more about how LIBER proposes to evolve in the coming years.
On Thursday at 11:15, Library Carpentry enthusiasts including Birgit Schmidt, head of our Research Data Management Working Group, David Kane of the Waterford Institute of Technology, and Juliane Schneider, a Carpentries instructor, will be meeting up in the coffee break area. Join them! If you can’t find them, come to the LIBER desk and we’ll help direct you.
Presenters may want to track down Raf Dekeyser, the managing editor of LIBER Quarterly, to learn more about publishing conference papers in LIBER’s peer reviewed, open access journal.
For social media junkies, Twitter is the place to be. Share your impressions, observations and photos with the hashtag #LIBER2019. Have a question? Tag @libereurope and @liberconference in your Tweet so that we see it.
Before You Leave, Share Your Thoughts
We can only make future conferences better if you tell us what you liked and didn’t like. Please take our post-conference survey. You can also share your questions and suggestions with a member of our Executive Board or the LIBER Office. You’ll find the LIBER desk next to the main conference registration desk.
Once You’re Home
Start planning for LIBER 2020! You’ll find us next year in Belgrade, Serbia (24-26 June).