Washington, DC (PRWEB) November 09, 2012
The Library of Congress on December 6 and 7 will host the first International Summit of the Book, a gathering of leaders in academia, libraries, culture and technology to debate and discuss the powerful and crucial form of information transmittal: the book.
Books in their many forms are nothing short of imperative to an informed democracy, said James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress. The ability to read is the key to a good life and a functioning society. But the book itself whether on paper or an electronic format is unique in its power: this long-form presentation of a concept or story is the key to converting mere information into knowledge.
The worlds national research libraries collect, preserve and ensure access to knowledge and creativity, Billington said. Through the ongoing International Summit on the Book, these institutions will further the expansion of wisdom and human understanding.
The summit will take place in the Coolidge Auditorium of the Librarys Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. Keynote speeches and panels throughout the two-day event will be free and open to the public. Registration is required at http://www.loc.gov/international-book-summit; the site will be available Tuesday, Nov. 13.
Speakers for the two-day event will include David M. Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chief executive of the Carlyle Group and a major supporter of literacy initiatives at the Library of Congress; Rep. John Larson of Connecticut, who was instrumental in conceiving the summit; Ismail Serageldin, director of the Library of Alexandria and director of the World Digital Library Executive Council; Rep. Elizabeth Eisenstein, historian of early printing; Caroline Brazier, director of The British Library; Anton Likhomanov, director general of the National Library of Russia; Gl