KLAS® Users' Conference 2005 - Keystone Systems, a Raleigh-based library software company, recently hosted over 80 librarians from across the country at its annual KLAS Users' Conference in the company's headquarters. Held during the week of March 16-19, 2005, the KLAS Users' Conference brought together representatives from many different libraries, each using the Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS®).
"This is the most relevant and interesting statewide or national event I have ever attended. I very much enjoyed meeting people on my own occupational level and discussing our common experiences. I especially enjoyed having an accessible workstation to use during the pre-conference training sessions," stated Alan Bentson, a Readers Advisor for the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library.
Pat Schubert a Librarian with Manatee County Talking Books Library commented, "This was the best KLAS Users' Conference I've ever been to. Programs and presenters were substantial."
Over 20 informative sessions were offered and covered a variety of topics, each relating to the different natures of the represented libraries and the Conference theme of "Connecting Communities". One conference attendee noted, "We heard from a lot of different libraries which was very helpful."
Wednesday's Pre-Conference Session offered hands-on training in KLAS version 7, including Query Building, Cataloguing Maintenance, Reader Services and Preparing for Conversion to KLAS v7. Many attendees remarked that the pre-conference training was "quite helpful" and gave many a chance to do training applicable to their job functions.
Two notable speakers addressed the full conference. The first was the keynote speech delivered by Brian Charlson, Vice President of Computer Training Services at the Carroll Center for the Blind. The second was by Gary Ray, Director of Volunteer Services at the North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NCLBPH) who presented during Friday's lunch. Each spoke from personal experience on the importance Talking Book Libraries had played in their lives. Each speaker gave the audience a newfound sense of pride in their jobs and a greater sense of what their day-to-day work means for their blind and physically handicapped patrons.
During General Sessions held on Thursday through Saturday, topics such as Getting the most out of Webinars and Websupport and Web-OPAC Accessible Online Training course for KLAS Patrons presented new dimensions for training both staff and patrons. Other presentations, such as the discussions on Digital Books and a KLAS New Features Roundtable, looked toward the future.
Special events offered conference attendees an opportunity for socializing and networking. A North Carolina style Pig-Pic'n Wednesday evening hailed the official start of the conference. Kay and Dave Holloman, of Keystone Systems, hosted the attendees for an evening of food and conversation at their home Thursday evening. On Friday, participants enjoyed a tour of the NCLBPH and lunch at the Exploris Museum in downtown Raleigh, sponsored by the Friends of the NCLBPH.
Another highlight of the Conference came Thursday morning when Bella Lucero, a Reader Advisor at the New Mexico Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, received the 2005 Julie Klauber Award. The award includes recognition from the recipient's peers and travel expenses to the KLAS Users' Conference. It is granted to a library staff member who works with KLAS, has demonstrated outstanding service during his/her time with the library, and will appreciate and benefit from attending the KLAS Users' Conference.
The KLAS Users' Conference has been held annually since 1997. For dates and locations of previous and future conferences please go to http://www.klas.com/KLASnet.html.
