Library conference announces keynote speaker

Organisers of the Internet Librarian International (ILI) event in London later this year have announced the keynote speaker: Kate Torney, CEO of Australia’s oldest and busiest library the State Library of Victoria.

ILI, which will be held on 17 and 18 October at London's Olympia Conference Centre, is a forum for exchanging ideas, learning new skills, hearing about new tools and tech, and exploring different approaches to library services, clients and communities.

The conference programme will be announced in June and a record number of submissions have been received embracing this year’s theme: 'Super-powered libraries: innovation, influence, impact'.

Now in its 19th successful year, ILI (Internet Librarian International) remains Europe's friendliest forum for exchanging ideas, learning new skills, hearing about new tools and tech, and exploring different approaches to your library’s services, clients and communities.

Finding, communicating and ensuring the success and sustainability of libraries remains top of the ILI agenda, and the keynote speaker Torney will speak directly to that theme.

She said: 'The library sector offers a great example of successful transformation in an age of digital disruption and the results are something to shout about.

'In Victoria, public libraries have never been busier, as library leaders have quietly re-imagined their services and programs and enhanced the role of the library as a trusted, much loved community resource. Far from being under threat, these libraries represent an inspiring story of transformation; of the ability to reshape iconic institutions to ensure they remain relevant and highly valued for generations to come.'