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

"Libraries create futures: Building on cultural heritage"

23-27 August 2009, Milan, Italy

Call for Papers

Science and Technology Libraries Section

Theme: "Open Access to Science and Technology Research Worldwide: Strategies and Best Practices"

The IFLA Science and Technology Libraries Section cordially invites proposals for papers to be presented at a two-hour session to be held at the World Library and Information Congress: 75th IFLA General Conference at Milan, Italy, 23-27 August 2009.

The session will cover innovations, trends and best practices in the area of Open Access within the context of various disciplines in science and technology and allied disciplines. Rather than primarily theoretical aspects of the theme of Open Access, our Section seeks proposals reflecting international perspectives demonstrating how information professionals, agencies, or related groups have responded to the need for, and challenges of, open access. In this regard, proposals should be based on facts and be linked to real-world contexts.

Examples of possible topics that might be addressed include:

Barriers to science and technology research information in a particular country or region and how Open Access may have contributed to alleviating those barriers?
Examples of ways in which universities, governments, and/or public funding agencies have promoted/impeded Open Access in the country?
What special challenges do developing countries face in providing Open Access to science and technology research and similar resources?
Why is Open Access a critical issue for policy-makers concerned with scientific and technological innovations and higher education? What are some concretes examples from particular countries or regions (especially in developing countries)?
How can Open Access in developed countries promote the work of researchers in these countries, both as consumers and researchers? Provide concrete examples.
In what ways has Open Access accelerated/restricted globalization of science and technology education?

Submissions

Potential presenters/authors may submit for review and consideration proposals on any of these or similar topics. The deadline for submitting a detailed abstract (max 500 words) along with full author details is 30 January 2009. Upon review of the abstracts, the selected presenters will be notified by 2 March 2009.

The full paper is due by 30 April 2009 and must be an original submission not published elsewhere.

The abstracts and full papers should be submitted by email.
Papers should be of 10 pages maximum, single spaced.
Papers should be in English with one-page abstract.
Each presenter would be allowed approximately 20 minutes for a summary delivery of the paper.
The presenter should not read the paper.
The author(s) should indicate his/her personal full contact details and include summary curriculum vitae with the paper.

Please note that all fees, including registration to the conference, travel, accommodation etc., are the responsibility of the authors.

For additional information or to submit your proposal, please contact:

Jill B. Mayer
IFLA Science and Technology Section, Chair NC AHEC ILS Associate Director Health Sciences Library UNC Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7585 USA
E-mail: jbmayer@email.unc.edu