Author Archive | Brandi Scardilli

Exhibitor Spotlight

EBSCO is a leading provider of online research content and AI-enabled search technologies for libraries, healthcare, corporations, and government agencies. It offers comprehensive solutions, including discovery services, research and development, and clinical decision support.

EBSCO was a Diamond Sponsor of Computers in Libraries.

Three Questions

Let’s hear from Chappy Floyd, EBSCO Information Services’ director of SaaS innovation, who attended the Computers in Libraries conference as an exhibitor.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about the Computers in Libraries conference?

A: One of the things I appreciate most about Computers in Libraries is how it brings together librarians, technologists, and industry leaders to discuss real-world applications of technology in information discovery. The conversations at CIL go beyond theoretical discussions—attendees are actively looking for ways to enhance access to information and improve the user experience. This aligns perfectly with what we do at EBSCO, where we focus on making content more discoverable and actionable through platforms like EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) and our AI-supported research solutions. Seeing the enthusiasm for innovation and engaging in discussions about how AI is transforming information retrieval was a highlight for me. 

Q: What do you think are the best ways for exhibitors to draw attendees to their booths?

A: The best way for exhibitors to attract attendees is by showing, not just telling. At EBSCO, we’ve found that hands-on, interactive demonstrations of our AI-supported research solutions—such as the latest advancements in EDS and our personalized research recommendations—spark meaningful conversations. Attendees are looking for practical solutions to streamline research workflows, so offering tailored demonstrations that address their unique challenges makes a big difference. Additionally, engaging with attendees beyond the booth—through thought leadership sessions, discussions on open access initiatives, or AI ethics—helps reinforce the value of the solutions we bring to the table. And, of course, thoughtful giveaways never hurt!

Q: What’s a takeaway from this year’s conference you’d like to share? 

A: A major takeaway from this year’s CIL is that AI is no longer a future concept for libraries—it’s a present reality. From search and discovery to automated metadata enhancement, AI-supported tools are reshaping how users interact with information. However, the conversations at CIL made it clear that AI adoption must be thoughtful, transparent, and aligned with the core values of librarianship—ensuring accessibility, accuracy, and ethical use of data. The dialogue around balancing innovation with responsible implementation was one of the most valuable aspects of the conference.

Exhibitor Spotlight

Meescan is a self-checkout solution with kiosks and a smartphone app that’s simple for libraries to install and effortless for patrons to use. It allows librarians to get on with what they do best: organizing the library’s database, reaching out to their local community, helping people track down information, and engaging with patrons.

Three Questions

Let’s hear from Robyn Petrik, manager of business development at Meescan, who attended the Computers in Libraries conference as an exhibitor.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about the Computers in Libraries conference?

A: It was Meescan’s first time exhibiting at Computers in Libraries, and we really enjoyed it! We found the leads and conversations to be of high quality and did notice that general technical knowledge was higher than average—without getting too technical or into the weeds. 

Q: What do you think are the best ways for exhibitors to draw attendees to their booths?

A: Unlike large conferences, participants weren’t as drawn in by swag. Instead, having a quality product and service, effective communication leading up to the conference, and positive word of mouth is what drove participants to our booth. 

Q: What’s a takeaway from this year’s conference you’d like to share? 

A: We heard a lot of buzz about AI from attendees after one of the keynotes. It’s a great reminder that even as an exhibitor, it can be valuable to take the time to attend some of the keynotes and sessions. There’s so much good information being shared!

Exhibitor Spotlight

StackMap, the global leader in library mapping, has been helping users find resources more quickly, efficiently, independently, and privately, all over the world, since 2011. It assists libraries with the following:

• Providing users with a map and written directions directly to their desired item right from your library’s catalog or discovery layer.
• Allowing your users to see which computers are available at a given time while also highlighting any specialty software and hardware.
• Helping your users see where rooms and places of interest are located in a facility: study rooms, lecture halls, conference spaces, offices, restrooms, elevators and more.

Three Questions

Let’s hear from Maggie Browne, public library sales lead at StackMap, who attended the Computers in Libraries conference as a company representative and as a presenter.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about the Computers in Libraries conference?

A:  Favorite thing about the conference is the wide variety of attendees we see from so many different types of libraries. I also love the location—it’s incredibly easy to get to.

Q: What do you think are the best ways for exhibitors to draw attendees to their booths?

A:  I think the best way for vendors to initially draw attendees to their booths is to have some type of useful swag visibly available on the table (bookmarks, notepads, pens, etc.). 

Q: What’s a takeaway from this year’s conference you’d like to share?

A: Presenting with three of our library clients was a phenomenal success. The conference organizers made everything seamless and super easy and our moderator was kind and helpful. I look forward to the possibility of presenting in future years, as well!