Posted on behalf of Cathy Gray, 2008 Conference Chair.

Ahh…The Magic of Libraries...does it seem like there are more and more magical and mystical twists to keep up with everything that's happening in libraries and librarianship? New technologies, and electronic formats challenge the traditional issues of copyright, intellectual freedom, administration, reference and instruction. Are you keeping up? Are you prepared for the future? Keynote speaker Joan Frye Williams, Information Technology Consultant will present The Crystal Ball of Libraries at the Idaho Library Association Annual Conference at the Shilo Inn in Idaho Falls, October 1-4, 2008. Children’s author Gary Hogg will be the luncheon speaker on Thursday, October 2, and young adult fantasy author Heather Tomlinson will be the luncheon speaker on Friday, October 3. Also, picture book author Trudy Harris will present on Thursday. Of course, all these authors' books will be available for purchase and signing. Additionally, there are workshops to focus on the needs and interests of each of the divisions: public libraries, academic & special libraries, educational media, and trustees.

The past is fascinating as well, evidenced in the wonderful Pharoahs of Egypt exhibit at the Museum of Idaho, where the opening reception will be on Wednesday, October 1 from 6-8:30. The exhibit has memorabilia from Egyptian pyramids and the ancient Egyptian culture that will open your minds to this civilization of the past. Thursday evening will be the Intellectual Freedom auction and Awards Banquet, with a sprinkle of magic from John Stevens.

On Wednesday, there will be two preconferences. Cathy Gerhart and Jeff Parsons (University of Washington Libraries) will teach Map Cataloging to all who are willing from 9-4. The Northwest Regional Medical Libraries will present Partners for Consumer Health and Health Fair from 12-4, providing information about health resources that will be useful to your patrons.

The committee has built a powerful and intriguing conference! Come and enjoy! For the full schedule and registration information, go to the ILA Conference website, http://www.idaholibraries.org/conferences .

Cathy Gray, ILA Conference Chair
University Library Center in Idaho Falls, ID
282-7849