Hi - This announcement will be making the ALA List-serv rounds. It is a call for leading discussion related to reference issues. Given the changes in publishing and access to Gov Info, this seems like a great forum for us to use. Would anyone in GODORT be interested in submitting a proposal? I'm considering it.
Cheers,
Kris
From: Sarah Hammill [mailto:hammills@fiu.edu]
Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2010 12:49 PM
To: rss-l@ala.org; rusa-l@ala.org
Subject: [rusa-l]
Please excuse cross-postings.
Interested in leading a discussion about issues related to reference? If yes, then consider submitting a proposal to the Discussion Forum Coordinating Committee of the Reference Services Section (RSS) of RUSA for ALA Midwinter in San Diego, CA.
Submit a proposal, lead a discussion, see your name in print, and find your way to stardom! Details are below.
Description: The RSS Discussion Forum Coordinating Committee solicits discussion topic proposals for discussion for ALA Midwinter 2011 in San Diego, CA. The purpose of the discussion forum is to provide a venue for reference practitioners to introduce reference related topics of current importance, to promote discussion, and to encourage further exploration.
What to Include in the Proposal:
The following 5 elements need to be addressed and clearly stated in the proposal:
- A clear description of the discussion topic's issues
- Rationale for convening a discussion on the topic
- Importance of the topic's issues for reference librarians
- At least three sample discussion questions that may be used to facilitate group discussion
- Proposed strategies and structure to ensure a group discussion
The Potential Scope of Discussion Topics includes, but is not Limited to:
- Reference methods
- Reference and information technology
- Assessment of reference
- Management of reference
- Research in reference
The topic should be focused enough to be covered reasonably well within the allotted time. (For example "Everything about IM" would be too broad, while "Using IM to answer reference questions for Honors Students" might be just the right scope).
Expectations for Discussion Forum Conveners:
For the selected proposals, the proposal author(s) will serve as convener(s) and commit to:
- becoming up-to-date and familiar with the discussion topic;
- exploring possible discussion formats and selecting the appropriate format that allows for maximum discussion within the parameters and scope of the topic;
- drafting a summary of findings about the issue with a few key references to hand out at the discussion forum;
- facilitating a Discussion Forum at the ALA Midwinter Conference (in San Diego, C.A., January 7-11, 2011);
- maintaining communication with the Discussion Forum Coordinating Committee throughout the planning, program, and follow-up processes.
Who May Apply: Applications are welcome from any ALA member with topics related to reference.
How to Apply: Complete and submit the proposal form to Sarah J. Hammill (hammills@fiu.edu) by October 1, 2010. The proposal form is attached.
Contact Sarah Hammill (hammills@fiu.edu) with questions.
Process: Selection will be based on the perceived importance and impact of the proposed topic. Additional selection criteria used in the selection process includes evaluating proposed topics for: timeliness, relevancy, currency, practicality (that the topic lends itself to a discussion), innovation, evidence of applicant's knowledge, and clear focus. Proposals must be submitted by October 1, 2010 for ALA Midwinter in San Diego, C.A. Proposal writers will be notified within 3 weeks as to whether or not their proposal was accepted. Conveners are responsible for their own conference registration and travel expenses.