Code4Lib 2010 Conference Proposal: Columbus, OH
Code4Lib Columbus Host Organizations
The local organizing committee includes staff from the Columbus Metropolitan Library, LibLime, OCLC, OhioLINK, The Ohio State University Libraries, and OPLIN (the list of individuals involved and support letters from host institutions are below).
Conference Venue
University Plaza Hotel and Conference Center is centrally located a 1/2 mile north of The Ohio State University. Meeting room facilities consist of a large first floor ballroom that easily seats 250 and can be divided into 6 smaller rooms that can hold breakout groups up to 56 in classroom style seating. Free wireless access is available throughout the building and there is ample free parking.
Conference Extras
Several optional events will be arranged to maximize the opportunity for conference attendees to network informally and visit facilities of potential interest:
- An opening night all-conference reception will be offered free to all Code4Lib 2010 attendees at the end of the first conference day. Besides meeting new people and renewing old acquaintances, conferees will have an opportunity to view poster sessions of Ohio technology projects. This event will be completely sponsored, and therefore will not impact the cost of the conference.
- Visits may be arranged to:
- Columbus Metropolitan Library's 50,000+ sq. ft. Operations & Technology Center (Gahanna, OH)
- The OCLC campus
- The Ohio Supercomputer Center
The City and Environs
Columbus is the capital of Ohio, and the major city in central Ohio. Host to several Fortune 500 companies and boasting a mix of industries, the Columbus metropolitan area is home to almost 100K college students and academic/research organizations such as The Ohio State State University and the Battelle Memorial Institute. Central Ohio also boasts a number of highly-regarded libraries and library organizations including Columbus Metropolitan Library (consistently ranked as one of the nation's top libraries), Worthington Public (2007 Library of the Year), OhioLINK (consortium of 86 Ohio college and university libraries, and the State Library of Ohio), OCLC (the world's largest cooperative of libraries), and many more.
Amenities
Columbus and its neighbors boast a wide range of attractions, a rich choice of restaurants, and various museums, theatres, and sports attractions.
Transportation Options
By Car
Located at the intersection of two major interstate highways, I-71 and I-70, Columbus is in ready driving distance of much of the East Coast and Midwest of the United States and even parts of Canada.
By Air
Served by Port Columbus International Airport - 190 non-stop flights to 44 airports via 15 airlines. Columbus, OH is within an hour-and-a-half flying distance from 56% of the US population (and likely a high percentage of Canadians as well). Check out some low fares to US destinations.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Inexpensive airfares are available to many destinations
Lodging
The University Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. We have blocked 130 rooms at $99 a night. Network easily with other conference attendees and have a quick trip to program and functions by lodging at the conference site. There are also several restaurants and bars within a five minute walk. (There are three other hotels within a couple blocks)
3110 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio, USA 43202
Tel: +1-614-267-7461 Fax: +1-614-456-1157 Toll Free: +1-877-677-5292
- Complimentary wireless Internet access
- Complimentary Breakfast Buffet
- In room data ports
- Fitness Center
- 24 Hour Business Center
- On site bar which opens at 5pm
- 2 9-passenger shuttles operating from 7-10p. Can take attendees to/from campus or the Short North area
Fees
We are committed to keep the registration fee for Code4Lib 2010 at $120 or less, with a goal of no more than $100.
Local Organizing Committee
- Helene Blowers, The Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Eric Schnell, Ohio State University
- Peter Murray, OhioLink
- Eric Childress, OCLC
- Roy Tennant, OCLC
- Joshua Ferraro, LibLime
- Stephen Hedges, OPLIN
Institutional Letters of Support
- OCLC [PDF]
- OhioLink [PDF]
- OPLIN [PDF]
- OSU Libraries [PDF]