Information Technology Section

The Information Technology Section is seeking proposals for papers to be presented at a session during the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Cape Town, South Africa 15-21, August 2015.

Libraries are under threat from large commercial aggregators who provide services which are in many cases challenging the role of libraries. Information technology is also, however, an enabler for valuable collaboration between libraries to provide their own information-rich resources. Libraries can also collaborate in providing services, software and communities.

• Software communities supporting libraries (including open source)
• Technology projects for libraries featuring multi-institution collaboration
• The role of the library in increasing service reach through institutional collaboration (eg multi-institution MOOCS)
• Use of aggregation with distributed services to form rich data services
  
  Papers presenting innovative projects, experience, initiatives or services with a strong collaborative cross-border or international dimension would also be appreciated.

Papers should reflect the conference theme, "Dynamic Libraries: Access, Development and Transformation" .

The program will feature up to five presentations of 15-20 minutes each with additional time for questions.  

For information on IFLA’s general guidelines for papers see: http://conference.ifla.org/past/2013/general-guidelines-for-authors-of-papers.htm

Language of the session:

Papers should be in one of the seven IFLA official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Russian and Spanish

However, abstracts should be in English.

Important dates and submission details

15 February 2015: Deadline to submit proposals/abstracts. 

Proposals should include:

• Title of proposed presentation
• Abstract of proposed paper (no more than 300 words)
• Name(s) of presenter(s) plus position and/or title
• Employer / affiliated institution
• Contact information including e-mail address, telephone number
• Short biographical statement of presenter(s)
• Language of final presentation

Send your proposals by email by 15 February with a subject heading “IFLA IT SESSION – your title” to: ebalnaves@prosentient.com.au

31 March 2015: Proposals will be reviewed and successful candidates will be notified.

30 May 2015: Deadline for selected presenters to submit formal paper (for inclusion on the IFLA conference website and the Section’s website). Details regarding the format and length of the final paper will be sent to candidates whose abstracts are accepted.

Please note:

At least one of the paper's authors must be present to deliver a summary of the paper during the program in Cape Town. Abstracts should only be submitted with the understanding that the expenses of attending the Cape Town IFLA conference will be the responsibility of the author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted papers.

Authors of accepted presentations will be requested to agree to publication of their paper in the IFLA library under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported licence (CC BY 3.0) to their work.

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 or the sponsoring sections, but a special invitation letter can be issued to authors/presenters if that is required.

Congress Participation Grants

List of opportunities for support is available on our Conference Participation Grants webpage.