PDA Event: Doing the Charleston: A Conversation with Katina Strauch

This book talk and “live” webinar offers a moderated discussion and audience Q&A with Katina Strauch, a distinguished librarian, visionary, and founder of the Charleston Conference, established in 1980. The conversation aims to explore the origins, evolution, and impact of this influential conference, as well as Katina’s personal journey, as detailed in her memoir, Doing the Charleston: A Personal History of the Charleston Conference. The discussion will begin by delving into the initial inspiration and early challenges of organizing the conference, tracing its growth from a small gathering to an international event, and highlighting the support it received from the Charleston community and the College of Charleston.

The webinar will then transition to key reflections and milestones, including how the conference cultivated open dialogue among diverse stakeholders—librarians, vendors, and publishers—and how it has adapted to changes in scholarly communication over the years. A personal segment will explore Katina’s experience writing her memoir, what she hopes readers will gain from it, and advice she would offer to aspiring conference organizers. The session concludes with an audience Q&A, inviting attendees to submit questions about the future of the Charleston Conference and evolving trends in scholarly publishing.

Register to attend.

Hosted by ASERL