Paul Reynolds

Paul Reynolds is one of the most well known and respected commentators and thinkers on the topics of information access and technological change in New Zealand today. His work demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of the Internet and of the broader issues in a social, economic, political and technological context. He puts a strong emphasis on community access and contribution to knowledge.

Paul is joint Managing Director of McGovern on-line media, one of the New Zealand's original new media companies. Over the last 10 years the company has developed first class web properties for the library and information sector, as well as enjoying an excellent reputation in the legal, cultural, creative, and education sectors.

He has a reputation for making the complex intuitive and the inspirational instrumental.

He strongly believes it is our responsibility to invent the future.

Presentation Synopsis:

THE WEB 2.0 ECOLOGY MEETS THE EMERGING SEMANTIC WEB

What are the touch points for libraries between the ecology of web 2.0/social network practices and the emerging opportunities and challenges of the semantic web, also known as web 3.0? Are libraries positioned to take advantage of these touch points? Does current professional practice allow for the kind of agile thinking that will define both success and best practice? And crucially are current library online tools agile enough to take up this opportunity? If so, are there examples which can help us see the way forward?

Paul is a participant in a number of NZ Government advisory bodies, is Adjunct Director (Digital Library) to the National Library of New Zealand and serves on the Auckland Museum Board.

In August, 2005, he was appointed to the New Zealand Government Digital Strategy Advisory Group. He is also an invited member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Science, and a Webby Awards judge.

In September 2003 he was appointed as a LIAC Commissioner to advise the Minister Responsible for the National Library. Having served three years as a Commissioner, Paul was reappointed for a further period of two years from September 2006.

Paul also has a strong media footprint - both in National Radio and in print. More recently he has been a guest of TVNZ's Breakfast Show. He continues to write by invitation - and has a secret blog which he hopes no one will ever find.

He also consults on digital strategic planning to a number of other cultural and heritage organisations and institutions in New Zealand and Australia.