Call for Submissions: Association for Information Science and Technology Asia Pacific Regional Conference

A low-technology or low-tech information environment is one with relatively unsophisticated technological development or equipment. For example, many institutions operate in areas with little or no Internet access or operate in infrastructure-light but mobile-heavy environments.

Even with rapid developments in technological infrastructure in many parts of the world, low-tech information environments persist for many reasons. For instance, institutional cultures and mindsets simply do not support organisational changes in information technology; the push for greener and healthier information practices may sometimes favour low-technological environment; or the lack of infrastructure or resources may render organisations and institutions to adopt adaptable and often low-tech solutions.

This conference, which takes place January 3-4, 2019, will focus on effective learning in such contexts. We are interested in (but not limited to) the following topics:

• Learning in low-tech information environments across different organisational contexts
• Case studies of information worlds, cultures, social dynamics, and access from the Asia-Pacific region
• Green information systems and learning
• Implementation of high-tech information and technological strategies in low-tech environments
• Pedagogical approaches, models, and theories for effective learning in low-tech environments
• Learning in formal and informal low-tech settings
• Strategies and challenges for learning in low-tech information environments
• Evaluation and assessment of learning in low-tech environments
• Research methods, ethics and implementation of learning in low-tech environments
• Innovation of learning in low-tech information environments
• The future of learning in low-tech environments

We invite papers, posters, panels and workshop submissions centred on this theme from or relating to the Asia-Pacific region. Work that reflects the broader mandate of ASIS&T (Association for Information Science and Technology), regarding the creation, representation, storage, access, dissemination and use of information, media and records, and the systems, tools, and technologies associated with these processes will also be of interest. The conference embraces plurality in methods and theories, and encompasses research, development and practice from a broad spectrum of domains, as encapsulated in ASIS&T's many special interest groups (SIGs). Please note that at least one of the authors must register for the conference in order for an accepted paper to be part of the proceedings.

Important dates

All proposals are to be submitted through the EasyChair system. If you have any questions about the submissions process, please contact Natalie Pang at Natalie.Pang@nus.edu.sg or Diane Velasquez at Diane.Velasquez@unisa.edu.au.

Long and Short Papers
Submission System opens: 25 June 2018
Submissions due: 22 September 2018
Notifications: 10 November 2018
Final publishable version due: 20 December 2018

Panels, Visual Presentations and Workshops 
Submission System opens: 25 June 2018
Submissions due: 22 October 2018
Notifications: 10 November 2018
Final publishable version due: 20 December 2018

Submission types

1) Long Papers:  Long papers should discuss, analyze, critique theories and concepts, or report original, unpublished research; all papers must be substantiated by experimentation, simulation, theoretical development, analysis or application in practice. Submissions will be judged on such criteria as quality of content, significance for theory, relevance for practice, method, design, originality, and quality of presentation.

2) Short Papers:  Short papers are similar to long papers in terms of scope, but may also report work in progress. Submissions will be judged on such criteria as quality of content, significance for theory, relevance for practice, method, design, originality, and quality of presentation.

3) Panels: Proposals for panels are invited on topics that explore emerging cutting-edge research and design, analyses of emerging trends, opinions on controversial issues, analyses of tools and techniques, or contrasting viewpoints from experts in complementary areas of research. Panels are not a substitute for a set of contributed papers; they must have a cohesive theme and promote lively discussions. Proposals should include an overview of the issues to be discussed and must also list panellists who have agreed to participate, indicating the qualifications and contributions of each.

4) Visual Presentations: Submissions are also invited for visual presentation via poster, demonstration, video, etc. at the meeting. Visual presentations are expected to invite questions and discussion and offer a unique opportunity to present late-breaking results, work in progress, or research that is best communicated in an interactive or graphical format.  Authors are expected to address how the work will be presented at the meeting.

5) Workshops: Workshops will be held before or after the conference. The purpose of a workshop is to provide a more informal setting for the exchange of ideas on a focused topic and suggest directions for future work. As such, they offer a good opportunity for researchers and professionals to present and discuss their work among a targeted and interested community. Workshops may be mini-focused research presentations, a series of working events, brainstorming and idea sharing, or even teaching/learning a new skill like a tutorial.

Submissions should be formatted according to the AM18 Proposal Template.

Publication opportunities

The three best conference papers (short or full) accepted by this conference will be nominated for submission to JASIST, a top journal in Information Science and Technology.

Location: University of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

For more information, visit the conference website.

Call for Proposals: 11th Annual Symposium on Scholarship and Practice

Bridging the Spectrum: The 11th Annual Symposium on Scholarship and Practice

Friday, February 8, 2019 at Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.                                 

Proposals are invited for the 2019 Bridging the Spectrum Symposium. Researchers, practitioners and students are encouraged to submit their proposals to share research findings, best practices, and works in progress at http://cuaslis.org/openconf/author/submit.php  

Proposals may relate to various aspects of library and information science including, but not limited to:

• Information services in the "fake news" era
• New developments in information organization (linked data, semantic web, blockchain, etc.)
• Preservation and management of digital and digitized resources
• Management and analysis of data and information
• Library networks and international collaboration
• Technology trends and impact on information services
• Marketing and advocacy for library and information services (social media, community engagement, etc.)
• Management of information services in cultural institutions

Presentation Formats
Proposed contributions may take the form of one of these formats:

• Briefing: A presentation on an innovative practice, initiative, or research activity. Each briefing may take 15-20 minutes. There will morning and afternoon briefing sessions.
• Panel: A panel of speakers discussing a theme or a topic, typically one hour in length. 
• Poster: A poster presentation on a practice, project, research activity or work in progress. Posters will be viewable throughout the day, and there will be a dedicated poster session as well as a "lightning round" of poster descriptions.

Important Dates
    •    Proposal Submissions Open: July 18, 2018
    •    Proposals Due: September 18, 2018
    •    Notification of Acceptances: November 5, 2018
    •    Final Program released, registration opens: December 11, 2018
    •    Symposium: February 8, 2019

Submit your proposal at http://cuaslis.org/openconf/author/submit.php

Find additional information about the 2019 Symposium at http://lis.cua.edu/symposium/2019/

ALA International Member - Sara Ulloa

I am ALA INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT highlights and recognizes talented international members from different regions around the world. The inaugural international spotlight features Sara Ulloa, a school librarian in Peru.

Can you tell us about yourself and your library?
My name is Sara Ulloa. I am a school librarian from Peru. I work at San Silvestre School, a British school in Lima, which has three libraries: Early Years, Primary and Secondary Section. I am in charge of the Secondary Section. Our library is bright and welcoming. Every year we update our collections in order to adjust it to the curriculum; we do it in collaboration with teachers and students. My favourite part is to update the Fiction collection because it is important to keep it alive for the pleasure of young readers. I like helping students to find a book they connect with. Also, I assist students with their research and subsequent referencing skills. I find being a school librarian brings out my creativity and puts in practice my other studies such as graphic design, marketing and photography. It is my hope to pursue a career in the area of Information Literacy.

Why is it important to be an international librarian today?
It is important for me to be an international librarian today because we are living in a global society. As an international librarian who comes from a country where libraries barely exist, knowing other experiences is essential. It gives me a wide perspective of the career and enhances my knowledge considering most of the research in Library Science comes from countries where their library community and policy is stronger. Also, being an international librarian connects me with colleagues from around the world who share interests in my area, school libraries. It is inspiring for me to be connected with people who are making great contributions within our profession.

Tell us three words that describe you?
Enthusiastic, curious, learner.

How has ALA helped you in your career?
It awakes my library conscience, which I define as having the sense of free access to basic services for reading, information and the world’s cultures; I consider this a basic human right but not everyone has access to it. It has allowed me to see that having a library service network within Peru is a dream that can be achieved. It has helped me to realize that having more professional librarians working in the field is a necessity. Sadly, it has also made me realize how far my country has yet to go with regard to these issues.  The ALA has also given me the opportunity for professional development. For instance, I attended its annual conference in Chicago last year and found it was amazing. It had never occurred to me that I would be surrounded by thousands of colleagues and I would be meeting authors like Raina Telgemeier, Cece Bell and Veronica Roth, among other famous personalities. Attending this type of conferences increase my motivation and learning continuum.

Applications open for ALCTS Online Course Grant for Library Professionals from Developing Countries

The Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS), a division of the American Library Association, is accepting applications for the Online Course Grant for Library Professionals from Developing Countries to participate in online Fundamentals courses held between September 10 and December 21, 2018.

One free seat per session is available to librarians and information professionals from developing countries.

For full information about the grant, including eligibility criteria and a link to the application form, visit http://www.ala.org/alcts/awards/grants/onlinegrant
 
Applications may be submitted between July 31 and August 24, 2018

Fundamentals of Acquisitions (FOA)
Session 4: September 10-October 19
Session 5: November 5-December 21
The Fundamentals of Acquisitions (FOA) web course focuses on the basics of acquiring monographs and serials:  goals and methods, financial management of library collections budgets, and relationships among acquisitions librarians, library booksellers, subscription agents, and publishers.  In this course, you will receive a broad overview of the operations involved in acquiring materials after the selection decision is made.  Note that in FOA, we distinguish between collection development, which involves the selection of materials for the library; and acquisitions, which orders, receives, and pays for those materials.

Fundamentals of Electronic Resources Acquisitions (FERA)
Session 4: October 1-October 26
Session 5: November 26-December 21
The Fundamentals of Electronic Resources Acquisitions (FERA) web course will provide an overview of acquiring, providing access to, administering, supporting, and monitoring access to electronic resources.  It will provide a basic background in electronic resource acquisitions including product trials, licensing, purchasing methods, and pricing models and will provide an overview of the sometimes complex relationships between vendors, publishers, platform providers, and libraries.

Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management (FCDM)
Session 4: September 17-October 12
Session 5: November 12-December 14
The Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management web course addresses the basic components of these important areas of responsibility in libraries. Components include complete definition of collection development and collection management; collections policies and budgets as part of library planning; collection development (selecting for and building collections); collection management (e.g., making decisions after materials are selected, including decisions about withdrawal, transfer, preservation); collection analysis—why and how to do it; outreach, liaison, and marketing; trends and suggestions about the future for collection development and management.

Fundamentals of Collection Assessment (FCA)
Session 4:  October 1-November 9
This online course introduces the fundamental aspects of collection assessment in libraries. The course is designed for those who are responsible for or interested in collection assessment in all types and sizes of libraries. The course will introduce key concepts in collection assessment including the definition of collection assessment, techniques and tools, assessment of print and electronic collections, and project design and management.

Fundamentals of Cataloging (FOC)
Session 4: September 10-October 19
Session 5: October 29-December 14
Fundamentals of Cataloging (FOC) web course begins with a discussion of how cataloging assists users in finding resources and of the value of standardization of practice. These foundations are then given practical grounding in the work of creating bibliographic descriptions, the process of subject analysis, and summarizing content utilizing classification. Standards such as MARC bibliographic and authority formats, Library of Congress Subject Headings and Library of Congress Classification are discussed. The shift in focus from format-based cataloging to entity-relationship model cataloging is taken from the FRBR foundation to the RDA practical application, with a final look at RDF triples and BIBFRAME. In all areas, the value of standards is illustrated and discussed. There is a heavy reliance on examples from actual practice throughout the course content.

Fundamentals of Preservation (FOP)
Session 4: October 22-November 16 
The Fundamentals of Preservation web course introduces participants to the principles, policies and practices of preservation in libraries and archives.  The course is designed to inform all staff, across divisions and departments and at all levels of responsibility. It provides tools to begin extending the useful life of library collections.  Components include preservation as a formal library function and how it reflects and supports the institutional mission; the primary role of preventive care, including good storage conditions, emergency planning and careful handling of collections; the history and manufacture of physical formats and how this impacts preservation options; standard methods of care and repair, as well as reformatting options; and challenges in preserving digital content and what the implications are for the future of scholarship.

Fundamentals of Metadata (FOM)
Session 5: October 22-December 7
The Fundamentals of Metadata is an introduction to fundamental concepts of metadata, including: similarities and differences between cataloging and metadata; descriptive, technical, and administrative metadata schema; content standards and controlled vocabularies; approaches to metadata creation and transformation and metadata project design.

Libraries and the Internet Governance Forum

The Internet is increasingly central to the way we create, share, access and use information. For libraries to be able to achieve their mission of providing universal, equitable and meaningful access to information, it has to work for everyone. IFLA has produced a number of statements advocating for this, notably around Public Access, Internet Shutdowns and Digital Literacy.

A key global forum for discussing relevant policy questions is the Internet Governance Forum, a UN body allowing for informal discussion and sharing of views between governments, business, experts and civil society. IFLA has attended the global forum and been represented at regional ones. There are also many national events, which can offer libraries an opportunity to build a profile, promote our work and value, and network useful contacts.

IFLA's new guide, Get into IGF, sets out what the IGF is, why engaging helps libraries, and offers some ideas for what libraries and library associations can do to get involved. You can download the guide on IFLA's website at https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/59309.

ALA President seeks to increase engagement with and awareness of interational topics

American Library Association (ALA) President Loida Garcia-Febo has announced a variety of programs and tools to engage, retain and expand ALA’s international members: from free webinars to opportunities for engagement with librarians from various countries. The International Relations Advisory Committee, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and  ALA International Relations Office will cooperate to increase awareness of international topics impacting the world and our profession.

“Regardless of where they reside, libraries and library workers are essential in helping transform lives and communities through multicultural understanding and resources,” said Garcia-Febo. The substantial number of international members are valuable to the ALA, who wishes to increase their engagement in programs and initiatives.

Garcia-Febo plans to take her Libraries = Strong Communities advocacy campaign to regions of the world where ALA already has long standing commitments by formally launching a Global Tour of libraries. This includes events such as The Guadalajara Book Fair (FIL) and the German Library Association Annual Conference.

For more information regarding Garcia-Febo’s International Relations efforts, visit http://www.ala.org/rt/irrt/initiatives or follow #LibrariesStrong.

Read the full ALA press release at http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2018/07/ala-president-announces-international-relations-resources

Call for Nominations-American Library in Paris 2018-2020

The International Relations Committee of the American Library Association announces a call for nominations for ALA Representative to the Board of Trustees of the American Library in Paris.

This two-year appointment would begin in September 2018 with the appointee having to cover costs to attend one board meeting a year in Paris. ALA does not provide financial support for the representative. The ALA representative is a non-voting member of the Board of Trustees.

The deadline to submit a nomination is August 10, 2018.

The representative should have a knowledge of U.S. public library management, broad professional contacts; knowledge of current library theory and practices; broad knowledge of library and library related organizations, information services, and networks; interpersonal skills, strong written and oral skills; experience working with international library associations or libraries, appreciation of views from different cultures.

If you are interested in being nominated please submit a letter of interest and resume or CV by email to intl@ala.org

Visit the criteria and responsibilities page for more information.

Sustainable Development Goals in American Libraries Today: Why Should You Care?

Join us for a free ALA webinar on Sustainable Development Goals in American libraries today
Thursday, July 19 at 9 am PST/ 11 am CST / 12 pm EST

Libraries are creating and cultivating new relationships with international communities and supporting these efforts. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established in 2016 by the United Nations (UN) to guide developed and developing countries alike in their development efforts. Libraries and librarians are essential to municipal development and to help each one of the communities where we are. This free webinar will feature speakers who will share different perspectives on the SDGs and its role in American libraries in supporting their communities from sustainable practices to user engagement approaches. ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo will provide opening remarks on SDGs in the library profession.

Speakers: 
Maria Violeta Bertolini, IFLA Advocacy Communications Officer
Gerald Beasley, University Librarian at Cornell University Libraries
Maria McCauley, Director of Cambridge Public Libraries
Gary Shaffer, Director of Library and Information Management at USC Marshall School of Business

How to participate:  Use the link below to connect the day of the webinar.
Join webinar: http://ala.adobeconnect.com/r7akjq568lcj/

The webinar will be recorded and archived at http://www.ala.org/rt/irrt/initiatives

Relevant Readings:
Access and Opportunity for All: How Libraries contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/10546?og=7409

Examples of how libraries and library services contribute to development
https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/9639?og=7409 

This webinar is presented through AdobeConnect. Requirements include internet access (high-speed connection is best) and media player software. Headphones are recommended. Check if your system supports this software using the links below.

Test your connection: http://ala.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm
Get a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect.html