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CHICAGO — The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will convene an “All Things Digital” panel at the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color, Sept. 19-23, 2012, in Kansas City, Mo.

“All Things Digital,” from 8:30 - 10 am. on Saturday, Sept. 22, will provide an opportunity to explore the future of library services with experts leading some of the profession’s most innovative and ambitious projects.

Scheduled speakers include Dr. Charles Henry, president of the Council on Library and Information Resources, who will speak about new developments in the ; Dr. Jon P. Gant, visiting resident fellow, Media and Technology Institute at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and research associate professor at the iSchool at Illinois Graduate School of Library and Information Science, who will discuss “”; and Jake Cowan, senior program manager, Urban Libraries Council, who will discuss “Edge Initiative & Benchmarks;” and Anthony D. Smith, senior program officer, Institute of Museum and Library Services, who will discuss "Connect to Compete" and moderate the session.

The Joint Conference of Librarians of Color is a conference for everyone and brings together a diverse group of librarians, library staff, library supporters and community participants to explore issues of diversity in libraries and how they affect the ethnic communities that libraries serve. Under the theme, “Gathering at the Waters: Celebrating Stories and Embracing Communities,” JCLC deepens connections across constituencies, creates spaces for dialogue on issues of diversity and encourages the transformation of libraries into more democratic and diverse organizations. For more information about the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color, please visit .

JCLC will provide a unique opportunity for learning, with more than 70 concurrent sessions, including panel discussions, presentations, workshops and roundtables. Programming is divided into five tracks—Advocacy, Outreach and Collaboration; Collections, Programs and Services; Deep Diversity and Cultural Exchange; Leadership, Management and Organizational Development; and Technology and Innovation. Three pre-conferences will provide more focused exploration of diversity leadership development, diversity action plans and advocacy in diverse communities.

Kansas City, newly revitalized and richly diverse, will provide an ideal backdrop for this gathering, with the beautiful symbol of fountains set throughout the landscape. Kansas City offers numerous cultural opportunities, including a culinary scene set apart by world-famous barbeque and nightlife fueled by a vibrant jazz community.

The Joint Conference of Librarians of Color is sponsored by the five ethnic caucuses: the American Indian Library Association (AILA), Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), Black Caucus of the ������ý (BCALA), Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking. The first Joint Conference was held in Dallas, Texas in 2006. More information may be found at .

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