OFFLINE 2008
February 22 & 23
Missoula Public Library

Offline 2008 will be a little different than what it has been in recent years.  It will be getting back to its roots and going online.  That is to say that we will be offering some of our sessions in a classroom style.  Attendees will be sitting at computers and will be working through certain procedures with the instructor.  We have the resources to do this here at the Missoula Library so it seemed like a good time to give it a try.

The conference includes a preconference on Thursday the 21st showing a tool called ITconfig.  This is a tool to help libraries manage their patron's GALE experience.

The main conference starts Friday just before lunch and continues through Saturday just after lunch.  We have some great sessions for you again this year.  Much of the topic list was developed from the survey sent out earlier this year.  The goal with the topic selection this year is to help you develop skills that can be immediately useful to you once you get back to your library.  The schedule is dense with useful classes but there will also be some other things you're sure to love.  And Mark Sheehan is back again, with a little different twist.

You will be splitting up into smaller groups this year for some of the classes, but that will all be explained when you get here.  We provide two lunches, supper, and breakfast.  We will have a pre-breakfast riverfront walking tour Saturday AM, entertainment during supper, and shopping after the conference.  We are delighted that Mike Beers, a local personality, will be able to offer a few thoughts about the librarian profession after supper.   Oh, and there may be a piece of chocolate available here and there.

The bottom line is that it will be the tech gathering you have come to know and love.  Please join us to learn a few tips, share your thoughts, and reconnect with your friends and associates in libraries around the state.