ORLANDO, Fla. —Innovative Interfaces, a leading provider of library automation software that empowers libraries globally, today kicked off IUG 2018, the 26th Innovative Users Group (IUG) conference held in Orlando, Fla.
For four days, 650 library professionals from 10 countries around the world will gather to participate in more than 100 sessions presented by colleagues and Innovative staff.
Mark Strang, IUG chair and manager, Library Information Technology Services for University Libraries, Bowling Green State University will begin the conference with opening remarks. R. David Lankes, director of the University of South Carolina’s School of Library and Information Science, will deliver the keynote presentation. A passionate advocate for librarians, Lankes will discuss the essential role that libraries play through facilitating knowledge creation in the community.
Returning and new attendees welcome the opportunities IUG 2018 provides to network with fellow IUG members, connect with Innovative staff, and take away valuable tips and best practices from conference sessions. This year’s sessions will include: metadata transformation, the future of discovery applications, report automation, hosting, resource sharing, mobile apps and API integrations. Attendees will also hear Innovative CEO Jim Tallman present on the company’s strategic priorities, including its next-generation discovery solution launching later this year and how it will empower libraries to create greater impact.
“IUG members look forward to this conference every year,” said Strang. “It’s their time to reunite with friends, foster new relationships, and share ideas that not only help libraries grow, but contribute valuable input to the development of the very solutions they use.”
Another highlight of the conference, The Crystal Awards ceremony will acknowledge and celebrate those who have attended 15 IUG annual conferences. The 2018 award honorees are: Stephen Boss, University of Wyoming; Rex Helwig, Finger Lakes Library System; Sean Hill, Henderson District Public Libraries; Sarah Houk, Fayetteville Public Library; Stephanie Kaceli, Masland Library of Cairn University; Cindy LaCount, St. Paul Public Library; Laurie Shedrick, Mid-Hudson Library System; Mark Strang, University Libraries, Bowling Green State University and Nicole Turzillo, Suffolk Cooperative Library System.
In addition to Innovative and the Innovative Users Group, IUG 2018 is sponsored by EnvisionWare and Marcive Inc.
For more information about the Innovative Users Group, visit the IUG website.
About IUG
The Innovative Users Group (IUG) was formally organized in 1991 as an international organization of member libraries that use Innovative’s integrated library software products. The organization is independent from Innovative, and is led by the Steering Committee whose members are elected by the general membership. All members of the Steering Committee volunteer their services to the organization. In addition to archiving all conference presentation materials, the IUG maintains a website (www.innovativeusers.org) that also includes an Online Clearinghouse of member-developed resources including tutorials, scripts, training documents, and promotional materials. These resources represent a level of customer involvement and support unmatched in the library technology arena.
About Innovative
Innovative (www.iii.com) provides leading technology solutions and services that empower libraries and enrich their users worldwide. Innovative offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios of library automation products on the market today, serving academic, public, national, corporate, and special libraries, and consortia. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, Innovative has a global presence—serving thousands of libraries in 66 countries and offices worldwide.