ALAO 2005 Conference logo

Call for Proposals

Presentation and Poster Session Proposal Deadline: May 9, 2005

Lights! Camera! Action! Libraries of all types and sizes and library staff with various backgrounds and expertise are increasingly “on stage” in the age of the Internet, the “information commons,” and 24/7 expectations. Not only are we asked to perform but we must play several different roles simultaneously – in one project, one day, even one interaction with staff or patrons. Library buildings are changing roles as quickly as the staff they house. What are these various roles? How do they overlap? Why are they important? The following aspects of our changing roles offer some inspiration for the thespian in all of us – the one that thrives on lightning-speed costume changes, dynamic stage design, and a challenging script.

The Cast: Changing roles for librarians and staff

  • Virtual Reference – Speaking from behind the scenes
  • Professional Development – Learning the role, maintaining a creative edge
  • Recruitment and retention – Enticing professional players
  • Diversity – Eliminating typecasting
  • Gathering an effective cast (teambuilding) – Is it all for one or one for all?

The Management: Administering the Show

  • The Actors’ Guild – Involvement in professional organizations
  • Creative Marketing – From playbills to rave reviews
  • The Producers – Interaction with government agencies and representatives
  • Listening to the Critics – Using service quality evaluations to improve service
  • Open access – An angel in the Wings?

The Venue: Changing roles of the physical space.

  • Support of distance education – live broadcasts and taped segments
  • Training and education – Learning the part; practicing until you get it right
  • Social gathering space – Bringing the audience back

The Stage: Building the scenes

  • Technology – Center stage or waiting in the wings?
  • Communication – Reading from the same script.
  • Information commons – A new look on center stage
  • Touring Troupes – Collaboration with other groups and institutions

The Production: Putting it All Together

  • Interactive Theatre – Becoming learning-centered
  • The Show Must Go On – Handling crises in the library

ALAO invites you to present your ideas, experiences, and views on these issues at our 31st Annual Conference.

  • Sessions may take the form of contributed papers, demonstrations, workshops, or panel discussions.
  • Poster session proposals addressing the conference theme and presenting innovative ideas, practical solutions, original research and/or creative approaches to issues and challenges facing libraries are similarly encouraged.

To encourage support staff participation, the 2005 Program Planning Committee will sponsor a Support Staff Presenter Grant for staff members who want to present at the 31st ALAO Annual Conference.

For further details regarding the conference and proposal forms, go to the ALAO web site: http://www.alaoweb.org/05conf/. Look under ALAO 2005 Conference.

For more information, please contact:
Megan C. Kinney
Phone: 440-775-8081     Fax: 440-775-6586
Email: megan.kinney@oberlin.edu