Social Science Libraries Section

Havana, Cuba – National Library of Cuba José Martí

8-11 August 2011

The Social Science Libraries Section of IFLA will hold a satellite conference from August 8-10, 2011 in Havana, Cuba. The theme of the conference, Social Science Libraries: A Bridge to Knowledge for Sustainable Development, will provide librarians and library workers with an opportunity to share and develop best practices relating to the digital library of the future and its place as a driver for sustainable development.

The disciplines of the social sciences have made fundamental contributions to the understanding of the economic, political and social life of nations in the past century. Social sciences now have an important role to play in the context of the information society as significant sources of academic and social knowledge, and more importantly, for their contribution in defining and guiding strategies for change in public policy and in citizen participation. The proliferation of digital information supports and strengthens economic, social, and political development providing the tools needed by citizens and policymakers to understand the problems they must address and the possible solutions to those problems.

Papers and workshops are invited relating to the following topics:

• Digital Libraries
• Repositories – Subject and Institutional
• Open Access
• Collaboration and networking

Paper presentations should be approximately 25 minutes long and deal with descriptions of current digital projects and services or applied best practices in these areas as they relate to sustainable development.

Workshops should be approximately ninety minutes long and provide direct description, instruction and/or development of best practices for the library of the future in the information society.

Proposals

Proposals will be accepted through February 15, 2011. Final selections will be made by March 1, 2011. Final papers and presentations must be submitted by May 1, 2011. The conference will be limited to approximately 60 participants.

To submit a paper proposal please include your name(s), institutional affiliation, mailing address, and email address along with a title and abstract of no more than 200 words. Please send via email to Lynne M. Rudasill.

To submit a proposal for a workshop please include your name(s), institutional affiliation, mailing address and email address along with the title of your workshop, an abstract of no more than 200 words, and the learning outcomes you propose for your workshop. Please send via email to Lynne M. Rudasill.

The conference venue is the National Library of Cuba José Martí. More information on registration, travel and accommodations is forthcoming. Please send inquiries to Lynne M. Rudasill.

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.