Rolf Hapel, the University of Washington Information School鈥檚 Distinguished Practitioner in Residence, was among the featured speakers at the 2018 Oct. 25 in Chicago.
This year鈥檚 conference program focused on how to apply a 鈥済ame-changing鈥 approach in several key areas, including technology and innovation; spaces and resources; analytics and data; and public purpose.
Hapel has extensive experience with such topics from his time as director of citizens鈥 services and libraries in Aarhus, Denmark, where he oversaw development of the city鈥檚 acclaimed library, Dokk1. Hapel鈥檚 OCLC talk touched upon the knowledge and experience he gained in Aarhus and the possibilities he sees for public libraries鈥 future roles. At Dokk1, library spaces and services were developed in cooperation with citizens and stakeholders, along with researchers and other experts.
Hapel鈥檚 presentation included a discussion of the role libraries will play in the development of smart cities. He also discussed the more than 130 partnerships Dokk1 has formed since its completion in 2015.
emphasizing the social dimension of libraries and places to encounter the otherness of others.
鈥 Chris Coward (@chriscoward)