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IFLA Conference

World Library and Information Congress: 75th IFLA General Conference and Assembly

"Libraries create futures: Building on cultural heritage"

23-27 August 2009, Milan, Italy


Arabic translation   Spanish translation

Call for Papers

E-Learning Discussion Group

Theme: "Lifelong E-Learning and Libraries"

As part of the 75th IFLA General Conference and Assembly, the IFLA Education and Training Section is organising an open session on the role of libraries for lifelong learning using elearning tools.

Libraries are key to providing opportunities for adults to learn new literacy skills and helping people into education, training and employment within the framework of lifelong learning. Libraries have the potential to make a difference between a traditional system of formal education and a broader system of lifelong learning.

E-learning tools and e-learning strategies are becoming increasingly important to address the needs of the growing body of library users, including mature students eager to partake in formal education courses. The library can function as a study centre where the social aspects of learning can be supported.

This is particular true for the digital library which can offer access to quality assured documentation for studies via the Internet. As the volume of web information grows, the digital library becomes a central player in the modern world of education and information dissemination, to help both teaching staff and students structure their learning in a meaningful way so that they can share their understandings.

The Call for Papers invites potential authors to address the need for the creation of electronic networks between public libraries, research libraries, school libraries and special libraries so that lifelong e-learning can be realised for diverse library users. Consideration may also be given to the development of networks between public libraries and educational institutions and organisations, together with the education and training of library and information professionals to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to use information- and communication technology (ICT) to work in the context of lifelong learning.

The aim of the IFLA E-Learning Discussion Group Call for Papers is to explore the challenges and opportunities facing libraries if they are to play an increasingly active role in lifelong learning, using the e-learning tools that will ensure that librarians become significant partners in the education process.

Topics to be addressed within the Call

  • Inspiring learning in Libraries: e-learning collaboration experiences with educational institutions.
  • Lifelong e-Learning in Libraries.
  • Library cooperation and e-learning process
  • The use of libraries in e-learning process related to education and further education.
  • Pedagogical methods and e-learning strategies developed for and adapted to adult education and groups with special needs, e.g. persons with disabilities, the gender perspective.
  • The professional profile of the librarian involved in e-learning, for example skills in pedagogy, didactics and ICT.
  • The creation of electronic networks between public libraries, research libraries, school libraries and special libraries for e-learning.
  • The development of networks between public libraries and educational institutions and organisations for e-learning.
  • The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in libraries to support lifelong e-learning.
  • Library and educational policy
  • Cooperation between the library community and the educational community.

Authors are encouraged to present a theoretical exploration of the educational and social roles of information professionals. Views from students are welcome.

Submissions

Please send a detailed abstract (no more than 300 words) of the proposed paper (which must not have been published elsewhere).

Proposals should include:

  1. Title of proposed presentation
  2. Outline of the proposed presentation (no more than 300 words)
  3. Name(s) of presenter(s)
  4. Position or title of presenter(s)
  5. Presenter(s) employer or affiliated institution
  6. E-mail address
  7. Telephone/fax numbers
  8. Short biographical statement regarding the presenter(s)

Important dates and information

Proposals for papers must be submitted by 30 December 2008. Please send an email to:

     Gillian Hallam
     E-mail: g.hallam@qut.edu.au.

Successful candidates will be notified by 15 February 2009.

The full paper is due no later than 15 April 2009 and must be an original submission not published elsewhere. Papers may be written and presented in any of the IFLA working languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Russian and Spanish); however, simultaneous translation is not guaranteed.

Presentations at the conference will be limited to approximately 20-30 minutes and will be a summary of the original paper and may use PowerPoint. At least one of the paper's authors must undertake to be present to deliver a summary of the paper during the Section's programme in Milan.

Language of the session: English, although any IFLA approved language is welcome. However, simultaneous interpretation is not guaranted. We will ask speakers to use English for their power.point presentations.

All proposals will be evaluated by a refereeing committee representing the IFLA E-Learning Discussion Group.

Please note that the Section for Education and Training has no funds to assist prospective authors: abstracts should only be submitted on the understanding that the expenses of attending the Milan conference (including travel, expenses and conference fee) will be the responsibility of the author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted papers.