Call for Papers

Information Technology Section
& Library and Research Services for Parliaments Section

Theme:
Usability And Accessibility - The Mobile Challenge

The Information Technology Section has partnered with the Library and Research Services for Parliaments Section to prepare an interesting session for WLIC 2012.

Libraries are dealing with an increasingly diverse collection of print and electronic resources.  Web based systems such as the Online Public Access Catalogue were  the first step toward providing better universal access to these resources.

Library clients are simultaneously demanding access across a wider set of platforms:

  • From handheld smartphones based on the iPhone and Android
  • From iPads and other tablet devices
  • From traditional desktops

In conjunction with this library systems need to make a transition to support greater web accessibility, most commonly expressed by the Web Content  Accessibility Guidelines promulgated by W3C.

Web Accessibility presents a design challenge for libraries - retaining simplicity and usability in the context of increasingly complex and rich resources.

The IFLA IT Section with the Library and Research Services for Parliaments, invites papers on the following topics:

  • Experiences with use of mobile devices to increase the reach of library services
  • Integrating accessibility and usability in mobile device services delivery
  • Examples of trade-offs and achieving a balance between accessibility and functionality
  • Innovations in web/mobile integration

It is proposed to hold a 2-hour session concentrating on the interaction between mobile devices and information accessibility for libraries that emerge with the adoption of new technologies in libraries.

Proposals for papers should be no more than one page in length. Proposals should be based on a 15-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 are invited for this session.   They should be sent to Edmund Balnaves, Information Officer of the Information Technology Section at ebalnaves@prosentient.com.au.   The subject line of all submissions should be "IFLA ITS Proposal -" followed by your last name.

Proposals should be submitted by 20 Feb 2012.   

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.

Please note:

  • Every paper must be presented in person by one of the authors at the WLIC in Helsinki.
  • Only papers presented in person at the conference will be made available on the official conference website or considered for nomination as a best paper of the conference.
  • All speaker expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodation, etc., are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. No financial support can be provided by IFLA.
  • A special invitation can be issued to authors/presenters to facilitate attendance if required.

Submissions

All proposals must be in before 20 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: 10 February 2012