The NISO Plus Global/Online Conference Kicks Off in Just Two Weeks
The NISO Plus Global/Online conference (September 16–17) is happening soon! As we approach the event, which brings information professionals together to explore shared challenges, let’s take a look at a highlight of the program: the conference keynotes.
Unsurprisingly for a meeting that focuses on brainstorming solutions to big challenges, NISO Plus Global/Online features several sessions that address AI in scholarly communications. And the opening keynote by Dr. Mark Aldridge, Associate Professor of Screen Histories at Southampton Solent University, focuses on a particularly novel application of AI technology, a popular online course.
Mark was lead researcher and writer for the development of a BBC Maestro mystery-writing class that is based on the work of the novelist Agatha Christie. The BBC employed an actor to play Christie, but they used AI to enhance her appearance and voice to make the resemblance even stronger. The course also draws heavily from her writings, allowing the digital version of the celebrated author to “teach” using her own words. Mark, a Christie historian, will join us on September 16 to share his experience working on the project and his thoughts on how AI is shaping higher ed. We hope you’ll enjoy this talk from a podcaster and frequent speaker who has a very interesting perspective to share on AI. He may even share some fun facts about Christie during his presentation (we’re sure we have some mystery fans in our community!).
If our opening keynote looks at the cutting edge of what’s happening in the world of AI and education, our closing keynote, appropriately, looks to the future. Nancy S. Kirkpatrick, who recently joined Smith College as Dean of Libraries, takes a broader view in her talk examining not only AI, but several other challenges faced by the information community in a time of uncertainty and disruption. Like our opening keynote speaker, Nancy has an interesting background—she has a law degree as well as her MS in library science—and she brings a wealth of experience on leadership and collaboration to bear on her topic.
Entitled “Hope Is a Strategy: Leading Together in the Age in the AI”, the talk will explore how various sectors of the information community—librarians and content and tech providers—can work together to navigate the uncharted waters we are heading into at this unique historical moment. We’re looking forward to hearing Nancy’s thoughts on how we can do more than just survive in this climate. She has told us to “expect straight talk, a few laughs, and ideas you can put to work the moment you return to your desk,” so don’t miss this one!
The NISO Plus Global/Online conference takes place virtually from September 16–17. Thanks to our generous sponsors—(Cadmore Media, figshare, American Chemical Society, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Bowker, CHORUS, Impelsys, OpenAthens, Project MUSE, and Silverchair)—registration rates for the conference are affordable for all in the community. Discounts are available for NISO members, groups, students, and more.