We are very excited to participate in the 2023 ELUNA events coming up this May 8-12, especially as they will be the first in-person ELUNA events since 2019. What a great opportunity to connect once again with familiar faces, or to meet and greet new colleagues. The conference will bring librarians and technology professionals together with a wide range of Ex Libris staff including executive leadership, product experts, support professionals and more. It will offer a platform for participants to share best practices, network, and learn about the latest developments in Ex Libris products and services.
“I’m excited to be connecting once again with colleagues within the ELUNA community. While zoom meetings and online sessions have been useful, I also find that being at the conference allows us to talk about the many things that arise serendipitously through conversation.” said Allen Jones, Chair, ELUNA Steering Committee, The New School. “In my years as Primo chair, I was amazed to hear what people were planning on regarding UI customization. Many times, colleagues carved out time during the events to work on a specific problem together. Those types of spontaneous meetings, my deepest memories of ELUNA, are difficult to have over zoom. Frequently, they rely on being physically present with Ex Libris staff and other ELUNA community members. There is just something about being away and being able to “bracket” the conference from what is going on at my institution that allows me to learn and engage in a different way. I am hoping other attendees walk away with similar “aha” moments.”
The theme for ELUNA 2023 is “Forward,” encapsulating the conference’s focus on exploring and shaping the future of library technology. It emphasizes a mindset that places innovation, adaptability, and growth at the forefront of how Ex Libris and the community can move forward together to ensure the future development and success of higher-ed libraries.
“There is nothing better than a face-to-face meeting with our community members,” said Yariv Kursh, senior vice president and general manager. “I have enjoyed traveling and meeting library staff one-on-one, but I know the learning outcomes and industry impact will be much greater when we can share ideas together in person.”
The 2023 ELUNA events begin on May 8 with ELUNA Developers Day+. ELUNA Developers Day+ includes a day and a half of focused sessions bringing technical librarians and developers together to brainstorm and create new and innovative services and solutions. In addition, the Ex Libris Knowledge Days also takes place May 8-9 and includes 4 tracks with more than 30 sessions covering a broad range of topics across two full days of learning. This is an opportunity to take your understanding of the Ex Libris suite of products to the next level.
“We want you to leave Developers Day+ with more than just a head full of new ideas,” said Daniel Naas, ELUNA Developers Day+ Program Lead, University of Kentucky. “You’ll pick up a nifty new widget for one of your Ex Libris products. You’ll discover a new piece of software you can use to tackle a problem as soon as you get home. You’ll meet a new colleague who’s looking to accomplish something similar and build something great together.”
The ELUNA Annual Meeting officially opens the evening of May 9 with our cross-event reception. During the days of the conference, you’ll hear the latest updates on Ex Libris products, offering insights into new features, enhancements, and changes that will help libraries to optimize their workflows and better serve their patrons.
“After three years of meeting virtually, we are excited for the opportunity for colleagues to connect in-person,” per Shay Beezley, ELUNA Program Committee Chair, University of Central Oklahoma. “The past three years have indisputability been a challenge, but they also have been a transformation. Library services had to rapidly pivot to meet the needs of students and researchers where access to physical spaces was limited. Controlled digital lending has become a key tool in supporting student success and learning. We are reckoning with the ways that search algorithms reinforce systemic bias and challenging our use of traditional knowledge organization systems. Together, we must continue moving our services forward to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. Join us for ELUNA 2023 Annual Meeting to move forward together!”
First-time ELUNA attendees are invited to join an ELUNA 101 session to learn about ELUNA membership benefits. There is also a special pre-reception for first-time ELUNA attendees from 6:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday evening. First-time attendees will be able to meet with ELUNA Steering Committee and Working Group members as well as Ex Libris senior management during this special hour.
There will be many breakout sessions (more than 100!) that will focus on best practices, how-to’s, and product updates. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from other libraries and institutions and gain insights into how you can improve your own workflows and processes.
During the breaks and meals there will be numerous opportunities to network with other library professionals. These networking opportunities will help you to build relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate with your peers. Whether you’re a seasoned library professional or just starting out in the field, ELUNA 2023 events are opportunities you don’t want to miss.
Registration is now open. Don’t wait! Register NOW!
Additional helpful links:
March 15, 2023
