MAY PREVIEW ISSUE

ALACognotes

2013 ANNUAL CONFERENCE May 2013 Issue

Chicago is one of the world's most interesting and attraction-filled cities. Join us for the ALA Annual Conference June 27-July 2, and click here to see all that "Chicagoland" has to offer during your visit. Photo: Cloud Gate at Millennium Park (©Cesar Russ Photography).

Make Your Plans Now for Chicago

There's never been a better time, or better reasons to attend, the ALAAnnual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago, June 27 July 2. Attendees will benefit from:

500+ programs, discussions, and sessions on hot topics
Free access for full registrants to all programs that are recorded new benefit!
Memorable speakers and events, including bestselling authors Khaled Hosseini and Temple Grandin, Congressman John Lewis, award-winning education writer Jonathan Kozol, founder of wordnik.com Erin McKean, Visual Thinking Strategies Executive Director Oren Slozberg, leadership expert Karol M. Wasylyshyn, and Lee Rainie, Director of the Pew Internet and American Life Project.
800+ exhibitors highlighting new and favorite titles, products, and services, and related fun events at exhibit hall stages and pavilions and 100's of authors
Preconferences offering in-depth professional development
Key policy, research, and other updates from leading institutions and offices
In-depth, facilitated, and informal conversations on advancing library-led community engagement and practical steps, strategies, and tools
Library Unconference on Friday, Library Camp on Monday, and Networking Uncommons for impromptu sessions, follow-up conversations, and small get-togethers
ALA JobLIST Placement Center connecting job seekers and employers,

» see page 2

Innovative
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Opening General Session Sets the Stage for Conference

Steven D. Levitt, coauthor of the upcoming Think Like A Freak and of the smash #1 international bestseller Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, promises to turn your brain inside out before the conference even starts. He's likely get your problem-solving juices flowing to the benefit of you and your library, showing how applying counterintuitive approaches to everyday problems can bear surprising results.

Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? How much do parents really matter? These may not sound like typical questions for an economist to ask, but Levitt is not a typical economist. He studies the riddles of everyday life from cheating and crime to parenting and sports and reaches conclusions that turn conventional wisdom on its head.

Think Like A Freak (October 2013), a "must-have handbook for decision making," intends to radically transform the way you look at every aspect of your life. Levitt and co-author Stephen J. Dubner analyze the decisions we make, the plans we create, and the morals we choose and show how their insights

» see page 9

Exhibits Open Friday, Events and Stages Set

Ribbon Cutting & Exhibits Opening Reception

The Exhibit Hall opens on Friday evening, June 28, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring a brief welcome by ALA and Chicago dignitaries. The Exhibits Opening includes food, drink, and entertainment through the exhibit hall, giving exhibitors and attendees their first chance to network as the exhibits kick off.

Exhibits Closing & Wrap Up/Rev Up Celebration

Join us Monday afternoon, July 1, to close the exhibits and rev up for the Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia. Start in the Exhibit Hall where exhibitors will offer discounts and special giveaways in their booths. The Exhibits Closing will be followed by the Wrap Up/Rev Up party, which will feature raffle prizes and fun.

» see page 6 for exhibitor list and floor plan

» Janis Ian at Wrap Up/Rev Up! see page 8 » see pages 9, 12, 13 and 17 for Pavilions and Special Feature Areas information

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TRAVEL & HOUSING

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REGISTER for CHICAGO

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EXHIBITS INFORMATION