The Virtual Reference Desk(SM) Announces

SETTING STANDARDS AND MAKING IT REAL

The VRD(SM) 2001 Annual Digital Reference Conference
http://vrd.org/conferences/VRD2001/

November 12-13, 2001
Orlando, FL

Hosted by:

The Information Institute of Syracuse, Syracuse University's School of
Information Studies

SOLINET

Information Institute at the School of Information Studies, Florida State
University

CONFERENCE THEME

Digital reference is now a reality in many libraries and organizations
around the world. The Internet is fast becoming a common tool for
reference service, allowing information professionals to interact with
users in environments unbound by time, place, and other communication
barriers. How can we ensure that such service is carried out most
effectively and efficiently? What                  standards exist for
service quality and technology? You are invited to participate in these
and other important discussions as we continue to define the evolving
field of digital reference.

Proposals are now being accepted for breakout session presentations and
poster sessions. Please refer to the Call for Proposals -
http://vrd.org/conferences/VRD2001/proposals.html - for details.

*Conference topics* include:

-Technology for Digital Reference - Real-time/live reference, software
solutions
-Digital Reference Service Management - Service development, policy,
evaluation, staffing, marketing
-General Issues in Digital Reference - Partnerships, legal and ethical
issues, current research, case studies
-Digital Reference Resources - Search tools and services, online
resources, assessment methods
-Standards for Digital Reference - Quality criteria, technology standards,
interoperability

SCHEDULE

The conference calendar currently includes:

-November 11: Preconference Workshop: Developing Quality Standards for
Digital Reference Service
-November 12-13: VRD 2001 Annual Digital Reference Conference: Setting
Standards and Making it Real

AUDIENCE

Who should attend?

-Librarians and other information professionals
-Digital reference and AskA service representatives
-Government agency representatives
-Commercial sector representatives

SPONSORS

Conference sponsors to date include:

-The U.S. Department of Education
-The National Library of Education's ERIC Clearinghouse on Information &
Technology
-Syracuse University's School of Information Studies

LOCAL INFORMATION

Orlando is home to many attractions including Walt Disney World, Universal
Studios, and SeaWorld. The area also offers many shopping and dining
options and evening entertainment. See the Orlando/Orange County
Convention & Visitors' Bureau Web site for more information on local
attractions and events.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information about this conference:

Contact: Marilyn Schick, Virtual Reference Desk(SM) Project
Phone: 800-464-9107
E-mail: [log in to unmask]