This is just one more example of how the industry has turned adversity to advantage, embracing measures initially forced upon it as stop-gaps in desperate times and emerging from the pandemic haze stronger, not weakened by the crisis.
Buoyed by the success of the March 2020 annual conference and the just-concluded Midwinter conference (January 2021), both held online for the first time thanks to the pandemic, the American Library Association’s president Julius C. Jefferson Jr has confirmed this year’s annual conference, scheduled for June, will also be virtual.
Few surprises there. Even though the Covid-19 vaccination programme is now being rolled out across the United States the danger will remain for many months to come.
But even when in-person events can safely resume the ALA has made it clear it will continue to develop its virtual programme alongside.
Jefferson explained in a statement:
We had hoped that by this summer it would be safe to meet again in person. However, that is clearly not the case. Given the success of our just-wrapped virtual Midwinter meeting, I am confident that Annual will be just as dynamic, engaging and inspiring. As always, we will have big name speakers, a full online exhibit floor, and more events and opportunities to network, learn and grow that I know participants will love.
The ALA Midwinter event last month attracted 7,100 participants.
ALA executive director Tracie D. Hall added,
Covid-19 has profoundly changed the library world, and, of course, the wider world around us. But I’m buoyed by the incredible determination, resilience and community-building I’ve seen in the past year. As a body, ALA has proven nimble and unflappable in the face of adversity and we will continue to prioritize safety, even as we strive to innovate the digital conference experience to widen attendance and deepen engagement well after this period.
This is just one more example of how the industry has turned adversity to advantage, embracing measures initially forced upon it as stop-gaps in desperate times and emerging from the pandemic haze stronger, not weakened by the crisis.
