GO | School for Information is part of Computers in Libraries 2026 in Airlington, VA. From 16 – 19 March we will be actively present at this interesting event organised by Information Today.
We will have a booth at the Information Market during the event. But representative Eric Kokke will host a panel discussion and provide a workshop!
Topic of the workshop is:
E301. Think Different: Communicate With a Purpose!
Thursday, March 19: 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
When Steve Jobs introduced the iPod, he didn’t say, “1GB of storage”—he said, “1,000 songs in your pocket.” He understood that people don’t care about features; they care about transformation. Libraries face the same challenge. We say, “Access to subscription databases” when patrons need to hear, “Get answers from expert sources.” We describe institutional repositories when we should be saying, “Your research, preserved forever.” This interactive session shares tips on how to apply Steve Jobs’ three communication principles to library services: focus on benefits not features, embrace simplicity over jargon, and tell stories instead of specifications. It includes insights from video analysis of Jobs’ 2007 iPhone launch, guided exercises, and hands-on practice to shift our thinking from institution-centered to patron-centered communication. Create your own “60-second pitch” for one of your services, clearly articulating the unique added value.
Topic of the Panel discussion:
E302. To NEXT From NOW: Global Leadership in Tomorrow’s Library
Thursday, March 19: 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join library managers for a dynamic panel where opinions clash, consensus emerges, and your voice matters just as much as theirs. Through live polling, you weigh in on provocative statements about library leadership alongside our panelists—then watch as they react to where the audience stands. Will they double down on their positions or find common ground? Expect spirited debate, surprising alignments, and practical insights from leaders navigating the same challenges you face. This isn’t passive listening—it’s real-time dialogue, where the collective wisdom in the room shapes the conversation. Weigh in on traditional library hierarchies, preserving legacy services, experimenting with emerging technology, advocating for funds and demonstrating ROI to stakeholders, remote and hybrid work models, and more. Come prepared to vote, question, and maybe change your mind.
The Computers in Libraries conference and exhibition, produced annually by Information Today, Inc., brings together library and information professionals from around the world to explore how technology is transforming libraries and the communities they serve. This year’s event will be held in Arlington, VA from March 17 to 19, offering attendees an exciting opportunity to learn, share, and celebrate the people and tools driving the future of libraries and information services.
Reflecting the journey of library innovation over the past few years, Computers in Libraries’ focus has moved from stabilizing communities in the wake of global disruption, to inspiring bold visions for the future and emphasizing the importance of agility in adapting to rapid technological change. Building on this arc, Computers in Libraries 2026 represents a decisive next step: purposeful acceleration. Rather than merely imagining change, it’s time to implement it—transforming ambitious ideas into practical, lasting results.
Computers in Libraries 2026 is all about action—spotlighting the tools, technologies, and strategies that empower library and information professionals to turn vision into sustainable impact. No matter your role, library type, or organization, you’ll find actionable insights, real-word examples, and a supportive professional community ready to help you lead with confidence. Register today and join us in Arlington this March to be part of the movement shaping what’s next for libraries!
