Call for Papers

Information Technology Section
& Education and Training Section

Theme:
Influence of IT development on professional development in libraries

The recent information technology developments have huge impact on library operation and services. In the past we have dealt with the automation of library processes and integrated library systems. During the last few years, we can observe a breakthrough of all kind of mobile devices which are becoming another important gateway to library services. Open source software tools are also becoming a very important factor in the operation of libraries. We are wondering whether the librarians have enough knowledge and skills to deal with the information technology based environments. How do they respond to technology driven users? Do they need additional professional development? How do they respond to information technology based services demand? How the information technology influences  the organizational change and culture in developing countries? Can we speak of new library professional profiles?

The Information Technology and Education and Training sections are seeking proposals for papers on the impact of information technology on professional development in libraries.

It is proposed to hold a 2-hour session concentrating on policies and issues related to professional development and organizational change as response to the adoption of new technologies in libraries.

Areas of interest for papers include, but need not be restricted to, the following:

  • IT education in the preparation of librarians and their continuing professional development
  • Cooperation between IT people and librarians in library systems development
  • Librarians’ communication skills and knowledge in information technology development
  • Impact of change management produced by new technology on library staff
  • Guided change management in view of IT introduction
  • Library staff IT literacy and knowledge development
  • New job definitions influenced by IT skills and knowledge

Proposals for papers should be no more than one page in length. Proposals should be based on a 20-minute presentation. The following information is also required:

  • Name, title and institution of speaker(s)
  • Title of proposed presentation
  • Address and email address of speaker(s)
  • Brief biographical statement about each speaker
  • Language of presentation
  • Contact person for response to proposal

Proposals should be sent to Alenka Kavcic-Colic alenka.kavcic@nuk.uni-lj.si, Chair of the Information Technology Section.

Proposals should be submitted by 15 Feb 2011.  

Authors are required to permit non-exclusive publication of papers chosen for this session on the IFLA website and digital library.    Authors of papers not chosen for the conference may be invited to submit their paper for publication in the IFLA IT section journal.

The contact person for each proposal will be informed by the end of February 2012 whether or not their proposal has been successful. Papers, which must be in one of the official languages of IFLA, will be required by 15 May, 2012.

Submissions

All proposals must be in before 15 February 2012.

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 Finnish National Committee and IFLA have worked hard to secure funds for Conference Participation Grants. Up-to-date information is available on our Conference Participation Grants webpage.

Last update: 6 February 2012