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Libraries have always looked toward the future - aligning our collections, work, and services to the future needs of users. But lately, conversations about the future of libraries have taken on an increased importance and sense of urgency. Why is right now such an important time to think about our future and to think about it differently? Miguel Figueroa will share some of what he is learning from the development of the American Library Association's Center for the Future of Libraries, including some of the trends that are shaping our communities and the expectations of our users, the foresight and futuring strategies that might help us better plan and prepare for changing times, and insights from experts and innovative thinkers outside of our profession. More about the Center for the Future of Libraries is available at www.ala.org/libraryofthefuture.

Miguel Figueroa works at the American Library Association's new Center for the Future of Libraries, an initiative to identify emerging trends relevant to libraries, promote futuring and innovation strategies for the profession, and build connections with experts and innovators who can help libraries create our futures. He has previously held positions at the American Theological Library Association, the American Library Association's Office for Diversity and Office for Literacy and Outreach Services, New York University's Langone Medical Center Ehrman Medical Library, and Neal-Schuman Publishers. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona's Knowledge River Program.