Reflections on the 34th UKSG conference

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the key themes and discussions which came out of the 2011 UK Serials Group (UKSG) conference.

Design/methodology/approach

The conference is introduced and some of the key sessions are described and evaluated, then the report is drawn to a close with a brief conclusion which summarizes the main themes.

Findings

Many changes in user demands and the future role for libraries, librarians and publishers within the scholarly research sector; libraries need to shift services from “place to space” (physical location to online) to better fulfill their users' needs; many changes in the book industry such as a rapid increase in the number of E‐book sales; an increase in the use of mobile devices such as e‐readers and tablets; publishers are experimenting with new formats, such as print on demand; the lack of library funding, its impact on research output and the on‐going struggle for library survival was a reoccurring theme throughout the conference.

Originality/value

This conference report is relevant to librarians, publishers and information professionals in all sectors.

Citation

Prendergast, D. (2011), "Reflections on the 34th UKSG conference", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 28 No. 5, pp. 5-7. https://doi.org/10.1108/07419051111163820