Library and Research Services for Parliaments Section

The IFLA Library and Research Services for Parliaments Section invites proposals for presentations, workshop sessions and panel discussions at the Section's meetings in San Juan, Puerto Rico from the 13th - 18th of August, 2011. We are planning two full off-site days of programme focussed upon the work of Parliamentary libraries and research services and at least one programme session within the main WLIC agenda structure.

We invite proposals for papers, workshops or panels that present, analyse or discuss topics relating to parliamentary libraries and research services. The themes for our sessions include:

Improving Research

• Improving research quality
• Strengthening research capacity particularly in science and technology
• Research support for Committees
• Understanding the client’s research needs in a parliamentary environment
• Using research tools (e.g. search engines, discovery tools etc.)

Building relationships

• Induction programmes for new members after elections
• Improving working relationships between librarians and researchers in Parliaments
• Client intelligence or customer relationship management programmes
• Training customers (either members of Parliament or staff) to use information resources

Making your resources go further in a time of economic constraint

• Coping with budget cuts
• Developing the talent within your organisation and getting the best from staff
• Succession planning
• Retaining staff
• Small is beautiful
• Learning from others
• Partnerships and co-operation

Managing content

• Standards for organising information
• Digital preservation
• Making your content easier to use

Submissions

Send your proposal via email to:

Moira Fraser
Chair, Section on Library and Research Services for Parliaments
Email: moira.fraser@parliament.govt.nz

The abstracts will be reviewed by members of the Standing Committee. Successful proposals will be identified by 12 April 2011. Full papers will be due by 14 June 2011 to allow time for review of papers and proposals for workshops or panels.

Depending upon the proposals received there may be a mix of short presentations, and longer interactive sessions. Please include with your paper proposal an indication how long you propose your presentation or interactive session should be. The review committee will then negotiate with proposers to ensure a balanced programme.

Please note

All expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodation etc., are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. No financial support can be provided by IFLA, but a special invitation can be issued to authors.

Congress Attendance Grants

The Puerto Rico National Committee and IFLA have worked hard to secure funds for Conference Participation Grants. Please check our Conference Participation Grants webpage for the most up-to-date information.