Charleston Trendspotting Initiative

How can we stay ahead of the trends shaping scholarly communication, publishing, and academic libraries in an ever-evolving landscape? The Trendspotting Initiative is your chance to engage in a dynamic, hands-on exploration of the social, policy, economic, and technological shifts that are transforming our industry. Through interactive group discussions and activities, you’ll dive into the possible futures of trust, transparency, and innovation in scholarly communications. Together, we’ll explore questions such as: How likely are certain trends to disrupt our field, challenging our values? What are the best- and worst-case scenarios we could face in the coming years? And how can we collectively craft strategies to address these challenges? Join us for this lively and thought-provoking annual session, where creativity and critical thinking come together. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning participant, you’ll leave with fresh insights, practical strategies, and a renewed sense of direction as we imagine the future.