Past RSS Events

RSS PROGRAMS AND OPEN DISCUSSIONS AT ANNUAL 2009 IN CHICAGO

A Dialogue with the Aging Network and the Library Community: The New Guidelines on Library and Information Services to Older Adults [preconference]
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sheraton Chicago – Ballroom (7/10/09)
Sponsored by: RSS Committee on Library Services to an Aging Population and the Association of Specialized Cooperative Library Agencies
his one-day event will highlight how libraries are collaborating with national and local organizations that serve older adults—a topic that is especially critical in today’s economic climate, as more older adults are turning to the library for assistance with job searching and other resource needs. Workshop participants will also discuss RUSA’s newly revised “Guidelines on Library and Information Services to Older Adults.”

Speakers slated for the event are:
• Laurie Brooks, associate deputy director, state programs, Institute of Museum and Library Services
• Marsha Semmel, director for strategic partnerships, Institute of Museum and Library Services
• Lynn Kellogg, president, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
• Elaine Brovont, executive director, Midland Meals; former president, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs
• Barbara Mates, head, Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
• Fatima Perkins, adult services manager, Cuyahoga County Public Library
• Maura O’Malley, president, Lifetime Arts Inc.
• Ed Friedman, executive director, Lifetime Arts Inc.

 

SATURDAY:

Reference Services Section Open House: The best way to start your Saturday at ALA Annual!
Swisshotel – St. Gallen (7/11/09)
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (Open House)
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (All-Committee Meeting following the Open House)

Are you interested in frontline reference issues such as:
-improving the usability of catalogs, search tools, and online point-of-need tutorials
-developing instruction techniques in the reference transaction
-implementing and using virtual reference services
-developing standards for evaluation and management of reference
-meeting the needs of adults, Spanish-speaking, aging, and other populations
-marketing reference services supporting research in the reference and user services field

Are you looking for ways to become more involved in your profession, and to meet and network with other reference and information providers?

Come to the Reference Services Section (RSS) Open House, where you can enjoy refreshments provided by Emerald (publisher of the Reference Services Review), and learn more about the work being accomplished in RSS. RSS Officers and members will be available to answer your questions and suggest possible committees of interest, and you can visit committee tables where members will be available to talk about current projects. You are welcome to stay from 9am-10:30am to sit at a committee table while they conduct their meeting.

Pleasure or Pain: Selecting and Promoting Electronic Books
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Palmer House – Montrose 4 (7/11/09)
Sponsored by: Dual Assignment Discussion Group
Description: Libraries are increasingly collecting e-books. How are titles selected? How are they promoted? E-books offer lots of benefits - they are readily accessible outside of physical library spaces, their text is searchable, and they can be viewed on a variety of portable devices. How are libraries implementing these new technologies? Are people using them? How will Google Books impact e-book publishing, access, and the future of library collections? All registered attendees are welcome to join us for a lively and thought-provoking discussion as we talk about what we're doing now and where we're going with e-books.

Current Topics in Cooperative Reference Discussion Forum
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Hyatt – Columbus Hall C/D (7/11/09)
Sponsored by: Cooperative Reference Committee
Description: Come join in the discussion on how we can support further development in cooperative reference. We will discuss and invite feedback on possible projects on cooperative reference that will benefit the library community.

When is Nice Too Nice? Disengaging from the Talkative Patron
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. McCormick Place W-190a (7/11/09)
Sponsored by: Services to Adults; Co-sponsored by Management of Reference
Description: Library public services staff commonly experience overly talkative patrons. Some are homeless or mentally ill, but others may simply be lonely and seeking human contact. These “chatty” patrons can be a significant problem when there are multiple people needing assistance, when they exhibit inappropriate behaviors or when they aggressively seek out the time and attention of specific staff members. Join us to explore strategies for addressing this issue in a variety of library settings.

Reference Meets Reality: (Support) Staff Training in Times of Change
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sheraton, Huron Room (7/11/09)
Sponsored by: Hot Topics in Frontline Reference Discussion Group
Description: Some libraries have long histories of employing support staff at reference desks. With shrinking budgets, this trend may be increasing. Regardless of whether you staff the desk with professionals or support staff, you may be experiencing a reorganization or (re)training of staff in your library. How do you provide training and evaluation in order to maintain good service at your reference desk? The discussion will be kicked off by: Judith S. Pinnolis (Brandeis University), Evan Simpson (Tufts University), Danielle Theiss-White (Kansas State University), and Lynn M. Thitchener (Cornell University). All are welcome to attend and participate in this lively conversation!


SUNDAY

15th Annual Reference Research Forum
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Chicago Hilton Waldorf (7/12/09) Sponsored by: Research and Statistics Committee
Description: The Research Forum is one of the most popular programs at ALA Annual, where attendees
can learn about notable research projects in reference service areas such as user behavior, electronic
services and reference effectiveness. This year’s Forum features three presentations:

What WOREP Results Say About Reference Service, Patron Satisfaction and Success
Recipient of RUSA’s 15th Anniversary Reference Research Grant
Julie Gedeon and Carolyn Radcliff (Kent State University)

“Teachable Instants” in Instant Message Reference: Taking the Opportunity or Taking a Pass?
Megan Oakleaf (School of Information Studies, Syracuse University) and Amy VanScoy (North Carolina State University Libraries)

Measuring the Effectiveness of Online Tutorials: A Pragmatic Approach
Cindy Craig (Wichita State University Libraries) and Curt Friehs (Kansas City Public Library)

Impact of Budget-cuts on Reference Collections & Services
1:30-3:00 Palmer House - Hancock Parlor (7/12/09)
Sponsored by: Reference Services in Large Research Libraries
Description: Come and discuss strategies for meeting the challenges of lower budgets on reference services. How is the balance of collections and services affected? Still buying reference books? What criteria are used in retaining or cancelling online reference sources? How are staffing levels being adjusted? Are there new or different issues involving reference spaces?
The Reference Services in Large Research Libraries Discussion Group is looking for a convener for 2011, so if you're interested, contact out-going convener, Sarah G. Wenzel, or in-coming convener, Scott Garton. This is your chance to set the topics for this group and lead a discussion about what interests you!

You Got Me, Do You Like Me? Evaluating Next Generation Catalogs
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. McCormick Place W-190a (7/12/09)
Sponsored by: Catalog Use Committee
Description: Congratulations, you have acquired (or may soon acquire) a Next Generation, Web 2.0 catalog—now what? Hear from a panel of academic and public librarians who have been evaluating their open source and off-the-shelf next-gen catalogs. Topics will include usability testing, ongoing assessment, vendor collaboration and user expectations in the transition to next-gen products.


MONDAY

Beyond ¡Hola!: Spanish Reference Resources for Non-Spanish Speakers
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. McCormick Place W-194b (7/13/09)
Sponsored by: Library Services to the Spanish Speaking
Description: Do you have the right tools to help a Spanish-speaker looking for information in your library? Do you know how to purchase the right titles for your Spanish-speaking population? As Latinos become more active library users, what can libraries do to help them become more informed citizens? Join us as we discuss reference resources, Web sites and collection development for this group of patrons.

Assess Without Causing Distress
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 am Palmer House - Indiana Room (7/13/09)
Sponsored by: Performance Issues for Reference/Information Librarians Discussion Group


RSS MEETINGS AT ANNUAL


SATURDAY

Reference Services Section Open House and All-Committee Meeting
Swisshotel – St. Gallen (7/11/09)
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (Open House)
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (All-Committee Meeting)
Following the Open House sponsored by Emerald, committees will have time to focus on their current projects. Each of the following committees will meet at a separate table.

Executive Committee Meeting I
7/11/2009 Saturday 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Swisshotel - Zurich 1

SUNDAY

Organization and Planning II MEETING TIME CHANGE – New meeting time 9:30:
7/12/2009 Sunday 9:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Palmer House - Clark 10 (Meeting was previously scheduled for 10:30-noon)

Education and Professional Development for Reference Committee II
7/12/2009 Sunday 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Palmer House - Sandburg 8

:MONDAY:

Catalog Use Committee II
7/13/2009 Monday 8:00 am - 10:00 am Sheraton - Illinois Exec. Boardroom

Executive Committee Meeting II
7/13/2009 Monday 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Hyatt - Comiskey

RSS Events at Annual 2008 in Anaheim

RSS Annual at a Glance and Anaheim Meeting Location Map

Print out a summary of RSS programs, discussion groups, and meetings and meeting location map to prepare you schedule. Remember to verify rooms with the final print program after arriving.

RUSA MARS/RSS Preconference

Reinvented Reference 4: Emerging Technologies For Reference Services

Friday, June 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Orange County, Garden 1-2

Registration and fees for event code: RU3

How can you best use online reference services, instant messaging, texting and other available technologies to provide virtual reference? How can social networking be used to enhance and extend reference services? How do you address privacy issues, administration and staff buy-in, skill set development, and marketing as you work to implement these changing technologies?   

Come join your colleagues during the ALA Annual Conference to hear from nationally-recognized experts on these topics. Keynote speaker Cathy De Rosa, Vice President for the Americas and Global Vice President of Marketing for OCLC, leads the market research team at OCLC which produced the report Sharing, Privacy and Trust in our Networked World (http://www.oclc.org/reports/sharing/default.htm). Michelle Jacobs, Emerging Technologies and Web Coordinator at the UCLA College Library, will talk about texting and Caleb Tucker-Raymond, Oregon Statewide Digital Reference Service Coordinator for the Multnomah County Library, will provide further insight into virtual reference. David Lankes, Director of the Information Institute of Syracuse (IIS), the first ALA Office for Information Technology Policy Fellow as well as noted speaker on participatory librarianship will delve further into the area of social networking as a reference tool.

Sponsored by Altarama Information Systems; OCLC QuestionPoint; Reference Universe by Paratext; and RefWorks, a division of ProQuest, this exciting and informative preconference occurs on Friday, June 27, from 8:30am to 5:00 pm.  Morning and afternoon refreshments as well as lunch are included in the registration fee.  

RSS All-Committee Meeting

Saturday, June 28 from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Sheraton Park Hotel, Palm Ballroom

The RSS All-Committee meeting is the one time when all of the Reference Services Section officers and committee members meet in the same place at the same time. Come to the RSS All-Committee meeting if:

• You are a member of RSS and want to see what we are doing for you
• You are interested in serving on a committee
• You want to get involved with a discussion group
• You are curious about RSS, but not a member

All RSS member (and non-members) are invited to attend. This is your chance to get involved with our section.  

RSS Programs at Annual

Who you gonna call? Guidelines, Training and Tips for Practicing Cooperative Reference

Saturday, June 28 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Clarion Hotel California 2-3

Cooperative Reference Service is not just for large digital reference cooperative.  Come discuss on how we all can further develop cooperative reference service using the RUSA guidelines and ideas for a tool kit.

14th Annual New Reference Research Forum

Sunday, June 29 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Hilton Anaheim, Conference Room 8

Three researches discuss their peer-reviewed, in-process or completed research project on reference services such as user behavior, electronic services, reference effectiveness, or organizational structure and personnel.

• The READ Scale (Reference Effort Assessment Data) Project: Qualitative Statistics for Meaningful Reference Assessment, A Report of the National Study - Bella Karr Gerlich & G. Lynn Berard
• Does Size Matter? Examining Trends in the Provision of Remote Reference Services in Academic and Public Libraries - Denise Agosto, Eileen Abels & Lorri Mon
•  Problems, Processes and Judgements: User Expectations of Online Reference Service - Lynn Westbrook

Please Talk to Strangers Online: Spreading Trust in Cooperative Virtual Reference

Monday, June 30 from 10:30 to 12 Noon
Hyatt Regency Orange County, Grand B-D

Will another library make my customer happy? Will they come back after their experience? Does it make a difference if an academic or public librarian picks up the questions? What about our patrons? They trust Wikipedia. They trust Google. What do wee do to make them trust us in the same way? A lively panel of virtual reference leaders will explore the issues, present their experiences, and recommend strategies relevant to all types of libraries.

Speakers: Karen Docherty, Ask a Librarian Coordinator, Maricopa Community Colleges, AZ; Vince Mariner, AccessPA Virtual Reference Coordinator, Ask Here PA; Bill Pardue (appearing virtually), Virtual Services Librarian, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL; Caleb Tucker-Raymond, Oregon Statewide Digital Reference Project Coordinator, Multnomah County Library, OR

RSS Discussion Groups

"Outreach and Collection Development Librarians" by RSS/CODES Dual Assignments Discussion

Saturday June 28 from 10:30 to  Noon
Clarion Hotel, Orangewood 3

While libraries have been always been involved in a variety of marketing and education activities, there is now a renewed focus on outreach because these efforts promote and ensure our relevance to our communities. What are the best ways to communicate the value of our carefully built collections to our users? What types of collaborations are involved and how are outreach activities assessed? All conference registrants are invited to join us for a lively and timely discussion on this compelling topic.

Ethical & Legal Issues Discussion

Saturday June 28, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Hilton Anaheim, Conference Room 4

"Disney provides great service, do we?" by Hot Topics in Frontline Reference

Saturday, June 28 from 4:00 to  5:00 p.m.
Disney's Paradise Pier, Santa Monica Room

Two members of the DG steering committee will introduce the topic and open the floor for discussion about how libraries can look to corporate models of customer satisfaction. A list of suggested readings will be provided. Anyone interested in the topic is welcome to attend and join a lively conversation!                          handout       bibliography

Virtual Reference Discussion

Saturday, June 28 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Marriott Anaheim, Salon G-K

"I'm Too Sexy For My Job!" Career Advancement for Reference Librarians by Reference Services in Small and Medium-Sized Libraries Discussion Group

Sunday, June 29 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Hyatt Regency Orange County, Grand A

The Reference Services in Small and Medium-Sized Libraries Discussion Group is sponsoring "I'm Too Sexy for My Job!" Career Advancement for Reference Librarians." This informal session will be held on Sunday, June 29th from 10:30 AM-11:30 AM. We will be discussing the special challenges of librarians and small and medium-sized libraries in terms of opportunities for advancement. We will have talking points and an open discussion in which everyone is encouraged to share their questions, observations, and experiences.

Reference Services in Large Research Libraries Discussion

Sunday, June 29 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Disneyland Hotel, Dreams A

Reference Services in Public Libraries Discussion

Sunday, June 29 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Orange County, Salon VII/VIII

Performance Issues of Reference & Information Librarians Discussion Group

Monday, June 30 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Disneyland Hotel No. Exhibit Hall Mtg. Room H

This discussion group provides a forum for the informal exchange of information and the discussion of common challenges relating to performance issues in reference services. Our group also serves as a vehicle for raising awareness of performance standards and their use in the provision of quality reference service. There are usually around 25 people at our discussions. Many topics are brought to the table and the discussion is free flowing.  

Additional RSS Committee Meetings at Annual

Saturday, June 28

• New Chair Orientation, 10:30 to 12:00 Noon. at Sheraton Park Hotel, Palm Ballroom
• Executive Committee Meeting I, 10:30 to 12:00 Noon at Sheraton Park Hotel, Palm Ballroom

Sunday, June 29

• RSS/MARS Virtual Reference Services Committee Meeting, 8  to 10 a.m. at Disneyland Hotel Magic, Kingdom 3

Monday, June 30

• Executive Committee Meeting II, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Hilton Anaheim, Conference Room 12

Tuesday, July 1

• Executive Committee Meeting III, 8 a.m. - 12:00 p.m at Hilton Anaheim, Avilia

Other RUSA Programs at Annual

RUSA Presidents' Program, "Quality Service in an Impersonal World"

Monday, June 30 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Is service important in today’s do-it-yourself world? Institutions as varied as banks, gas stations, grocery stores, and government agencies have all moved towards self-service models of commerce. Telephone trees, FAQs, and web pages have replaced human interaction in most customer service situations. Even libraries have moved toward a self-service model for circulation and computing. Should libraries still be in the service business? Is the traditional model of reference service – where a librarian interacts one-on-one with a user – still of value? And what defines quality library service in today’s interconnected technological world? Representatives from the business, library, and education fields will present their opinions on why service is important (or not) and what factors lead to quality service.

Speakers include:

• Robert Spector, consultant and author of The Nordstrom Way: the Inside Story of America's #1 Customer Service Company and The Nordstrom Way to Customer Service Excellence. Robert has studied customer service in the corporate world and is a frequent consultant and speaker.
• Donna Bachowski, Head of Reference Central, Orange County Public Library, Orlando, Florida.
• Marie Radford, Associate Professor & Library Consultant, School of Communication, Information & Library Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Marie is the author of The Reference Encounter: Interpersonal Communication in the Academic Library, which was published in 1999 by the American Library Association/Association of College and Research Libraries, Chicago, Illinois.

Make sure to look at RUSA's Annual 2008 conference programs page to see what BRASS, CODES, History, MARS, and STARS are sponsoring.

RSS Events at Midwinter 2008 in Philadelphia

View a map (PDF) of Midwinter meeting locations.

All-Committee Meeting, Saturday, January 12 from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Freedom Ballroom at the Sheraton Philadelphia

The RSS All-Committee meeting is the one time when all of the Reference Services Section officers and committee members meet in the same place at the same time. Come to the RSS All-Committee meeting if:

• You are a member of RSS and want to see what we are doing for you
• You are interested in serving on a committee
• You want to get involved with a discussion group
• You are curious about RSS, but not a member

All RSS member (and non-members) are invited to attend. This is your chance to get involved with our section.

Additional RSS Committee Meetings at Midwinter

Saturday, January 12

• Executive Committee Meeting I, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Freedom Ballroom at Sheraton Philadelphia

Sunday, January 13

• Education and Professional Development for Reference Committee, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Room 203A at Philadelphia Convention Center 
• Management of Reference Committee, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Room 203B at Philadelphia Convention Center
• Research & Statistics Committee, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Room 300 at Philadelphia Convention Center
• RSS/MARS Preconference Planning Committee, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Room 101 at Philadelphia Convention Center

Monday, January 14

• Executive Committee Meeting II, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m., Room 310 at Philadelphia Convention Center 
• Catalog Use Committee, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m., Room 303A at Philadelphia Convention Center 
• Virtual Reference Committee, Index Subcommittee, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m., Room 300 at Philadelphia Convention Center 
• Organization and Planning Committee Meeting II, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Room 101 at Philadelphia Convention Center 

Tuesday, January 15

• Executive Committee Meeting III, 8 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 105A at Philadelphia Convention Center 

RSS Discussion Groups at Midwinter

Saturday, January 12

CODES/RSS Dual Assignments Discussion Group: Training Collection Development Librarians, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Chestnut Room at Radisson Plaza Warwick
The Midwinter RSS/CODES Dual Assignments Discussion Group meeting is focusing on in-house training for collection development librarians, either new to the profession, new to the institution, or new to the discipline. This discussion on practices and procedures will be both informative and lively as participants talk about how they teach colleagues to successfully handle this complex range of responsibilities. Please join us.

Ethical and Legal Issues Discussion Group, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Salon II at Courtyard Downtown  
Are you interested in discussing confidentiality/privacy vs. Family rights; privacy of patron/librarian chat. Are you interested in conducting or have conducted an audit of privacy policies and procedures?  If so then please join us for a discussion on the various aspects of privacy and the library patron. 

Hot Topics in Frontline Reference, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Franklin 12 at Marriott Philadelphia 
Meeting features a guest speaker who will introduce the advertised topic. Group will discuss chosen topic, and if time permits, move on to other issues.

Sunday, January 13

Bustin' Loose:  Discussion Group Session on Providing Reference Service Away from the Reference Desk, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Regency Ballroom C2 at Loews Philadelphia
There will be an informal discussion on providing reference service away from the reference desk. This includes roving reference, reference service in other campus buildings, kiosks in malls, and virtual reference done away from the reference desk. It is sponsored by the RUSA/RSS Reference Services in Small and Medium-Sized Libraries Discussion Group.

Catalog Use Committee Discussion:  Real World Ideas for You and Your Catalog, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Liberty C at Crowne Plaza
Participants will gather at tables for discussions, two tables per topic, led by a knowledgeable expert. The discussion topics will include: 1. Should you have to teach the catalog? If so, what are different words to use when teaching the catalog to different groups? 2. Pushing the catalog out to users using RSS feeds, PDA’s, LibX, WorldCat, and Google. 3. Tech services and front-line reference, talking to each other 4. Assessment and Usability, information seeking behavior in different age groups 5. Web 2.0 and the Catalog, Amazon, LibraryThing, etc. as discovery tools and other web 2.0 enhancements. If you would like to attend and are on Facebook, please add our event and invite others: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=19601121312

Evaluation of Reference and User Services Committee Open Forum:  Quick and Dirty Assessment?:  Qualitative, Quantitative, and everything in-between, 10:30 a.m - 12:00 p.m., Terrace Ballroom at Holiday Inn Express Midtown

Marketing and Public Relations Committee Discussion:  As the Definition of Reference Changes--How Do We Market It?, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Room 202B at Philadelphia Convention Center
Join the RSS Marketing & Public Relations for Reference Services Committee in a spirited discussion forum about the implications of marketing reference services, as the definition of reference changes. Be prepared to contribute your ideas and learn from others. The committee will collect these tips and use them and the discussions to inform future programming.

Reference Services in Public Libraries Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Versailles Room at Sofitel Philadelphia
A discussion on continued relevance in reference: strengthening and improving our services to the community. This is an opportunity to participate with your colleagues in an informal exchange of information and ideas about issues of mutual interest relating to reference services in public libraries of all sizes.

Reference Services in Large Research Libraries Discussion Group: "Next generation discovery tools: how do they help (or hinder) scholarly research?", 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Philadelphia Ballroom North at Sheraton Philadelphia
What can YOU, as reference librarians, bring to the table to help patrons by designing, teaching, or answering questions arising from these tools? Some examples to be discussed (but bring your own!) include:

• faceted browsing: AquaBrowser: Queens Library  http://aqua.queenslibrary.org/ and The University of Chicago  http://lens.lib.uchicago.edu/ or Primo: used at Boston College http://www.bc.edu/supersleuth and the University of Iowa http://smartsearch.uiowa.edu/
• WorldCat identities http://orlabs.oclc.org/Identities/
• tagging, such as Penntags http://tags.library.upenn.edu/

Monday, January 14

Performance Issues of Reference & Information Librarians Discussion Group, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m., Room 306 at Pennsylvania Convention Center
This discussion group provides a forum for the informal exchange of information and the discussion of common challenges relating to performance issues in reference services.  Our group also serves as a vehicle for raising awareness of performance standards and their use in the provision of quality reference service.  There are usually around 25 people at our discussions.  Many topics are brought to the table and the discussion is free flowing. 

RSS at ALA Annual  - Washington, D.C., June 21-27, 2007

Preconferences

Friday June 22, 2007
Reinvented Reference III: Emerging Technologies for Reference Services
RUSA-MARS/ RSS Virtual Reference Committee
Friday, June 22, 2007, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

How can social networking, blogging, and podcasting be applied to reference and information services? How can you best use instant messaging and other available technologies to provide Everywhere Reference? Speakers from academic and public libraries will highlight selection, implementation and evaluation of new technologies for cutting edge reference services. Network with colleagues regarding successful new service models. Michael Stephens, the keynote speaker, will discuss "Web 2.0 technologies for Reference Services."

Speakers: Michael Stephens, Instructor, Graduate School of Library & Information Science, Dominican University, River Forest, IL

Registration: RUSA Member: $195; ALA Member: $240; Non-Member: $315; Retired/Student Member: $99

Libraries, Older Adults and Technology
RUSA-RSS Library Services to An Aging Population
Friday, June 22, 2007, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

This preconference will focus on how seniors (older adults and baby boomers) utilize technology today and will use it tomorrow in various types of libraries. Speakers will present practical models, training examples and tool kits for library staff to work with older adults both in the library and the community. Other options such as utilizing, Seniornet and Generations Online will be explored. Participants will also learn about the importance of marketing the library's technology and training to older adults.
Speakers: Connie Van Fleet, Professor, School of Library & Information Studies, University of Oklahoma at Norman; Danny Wallace, Professor, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Oklahoma at Norman; Courtney Deines-Jones, President, Grimalkin Group, LLC, Silver Spring, MD; Carol Bean, Library Computer Center Manager, North County Regional Library, Palm Spring Gardens, FL; Janice Rosen, Librarian, Library Services to the Deaf Community, District of Columbia

Public Library; Cathy Alloway, Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA

Registration : RUSA Member: $195; ALA Member: $240; Non-Member: $315; Retired/Student Member: $99

RSS Programs

Saturday June 23, 2007
Electronic Resources: Training That Works
RUSA MARS Education, Training & Support Committee and RSS Cooperative Reference Services Committee
Saturday June 23, 2007 1:30 - 3:30

As libraries offer more and more online databases to their patrons, how do we insure that librarians are trained to use and instruct patrons in their use? Our panel members will describe their training programs and answer questions from the audience. Attendees are encouraged to share their own training materials with the group at the Swap & Shop table.

Sunday June 24, 2007
New Reference Research: the 13th Annual Reference Research Forum
RUSA RSS Research & Statistics Committee
Sunday June 24, 2007, 1:30 - 3:30

New Reference Research is a forum that provides an opportunity to learn about reference research in the broad area of reference services such as user behavior, electronic services, reference effectiveness, and organizational structure and personnel. Both completed research and research in progress will be considered via proposal. All researchers, including reference practitioners from all types of libraries, library school faculty and students, and other interested individuals are encouraged to submit a proposal.

Future Friends: Marketing Reference and User Services to Generation X
RUSA RSS Marketing and Public Relations for Reference Services Committee & RSS Services to Adults Committee
Sunday June 24, 2007, 4:00 - 5:30

How do we market to Generation X? This generation was born from 1965 to 1976. They are future friends of the library and right now they don't see any need for us. How do we draw them into the library and keep them coming back? Find out with our three fantastic speakers who have real world experiences to share that work!

Monday June 25, 2007
See it, Hear it, Touch it: How do Learning Styles Affect Virtual Reference
RUSA MARS/RSS Virtual Reference Committee
Monday, June 25, 2007 10:30-12:00

The learning styles of people using virtual reference services--including librarians--result in a variety of expectations and experiences. People have different ways of communicating preferences. For some, that means IM; others like the ability to browse live pages with the librarian. Technology continues to provide an increasing variety of tools that in turn allow tailored approaches that can emphasize audible, visual, or kinesthetic senses. Experts will explore the options and recommend solutions.

Is the Learning Commons Enough? - Asking the Better Questions
LAMA Buildings and Equipment Section & RUSA RSS Management of Reference Committee

From Library to Information Commons to Learning Commons, the academic heart of every campus is evolving. Explore with our experts the changing ways we think about library space to foster interaction, collaboration, and the learning process. How are a University’s strategic needs supported by new activities? How are new learning initiatives supported by the University? What makes a learning space successful? The next generation of libraries will come from asking these, and the better, questions.

RSS at ALA Midwinter - Seattle, January 19-24, 2007

RSS Committee Meetings

• You are a member of RSS and want to see what we are doing for you
• You are interested in serving on aa committee
• You want to get involved with one off the discussion groups
• You are curious about RSSS but not a member

All RSS member (and non-members) are invited to attend. This is your chance to get involved with the Section and its committees.

Hope to see you there!

RSS Executive Committee Meetings
Saturday January 20, 2007 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Monday January 22, 2007 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Tuesday January 23, 2007 8:00 am - 12:30 pm

Catalog Use Committee
Monday January 22, 2007 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Education and Professional Development for Reference Committee
Sunday January 21, 2007 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Evaluation of Reference and User Services Committee
Sunday January 21, 2007 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Management of Reference Committee
Sunday January 21, 2007 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Nominating Committee
Sunday January 21, 2007 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Preconference Planning Committee
Friday January 19, 2007 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Research & Statistics Committee
Sunday January 21, 2007 10:30 am -12:30 pm

Joint RSS/MARS Virtual Reference Committee
Sunday January 21, 2007 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Discussion Forum Sessions

Ethical and Legal Issues in Reference Discussion Group
Saturday January 20, 2007 1:30 pm - 03:30 pm

F2F (Face to Face): Teachable Moments during the Reference Interview
Monday January 22, 2007 Monday 8:30 am - 10:00 am

Performance Issues of Reference and Information Librarians
Monday January 22, 2007 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Reference Services in Large Research Libraries
Sunday January 21, 2007 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Reference Services in Public Libraries
Sunday January 21, 2007 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Who needs a Reference Desk? The Role of Reference Librarians in the Digital Age
Sunday January 21, 2007 10:30 am - 11:30 am

ALA Annual Conference - New Orleans, Louisiana, June 22-28, 2006

Join your friends and colleagues from the Reference Services Section for our second annual Open House on Saturday, June 24 in the Grand Ballroom D of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Sponsored by Reference Services Review and Emerald Publishing, the Open House is a chance to meet the officers and committee members of the section. All of the Committees meet following the Open House, giving you a good opportunity to find out what they are working on and how you can participate. Join us for a little food, a lot of friends, and a moderate amount of business in New Orleans.

RUSA -RSS Open House and All-Committee Meeting

Date: 6/24/2006

Time: 8:00 AM- 10:00 AM

Location: Astor Crowne Plaza room: Grand BR D

RSS is sponsoring or co-sponsoring four different programs at the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans. Please join us at one or more of the following:

Saturday, June 24

PTDLA - What Business Reference Providers Need to Know About Intellectual Property. Morial Convention Center

Room 294.

10:30am-12:00pm

Sunday, June 25

Reference Research Forum.

Morial Convention Center

Rooms 386-387.

1:30pm-3:30pm.

Catalog Transformed: From Traditional to Emerging Models of Use.

Morial Convention Center

Rooms 295-296.

4:00pm-5:30pm

Monday, June 26

Abuse is in the Eye of the Beholder: Managing Challenging Users in Chat Virtual Reference.

Morial Convention Center

Rooms 278-282.

10:30am-12:00pm

RSS is sponsoring several discussion groups during the annual conference. Discussion groups are meetings where everyone who attends gets to participate. By attending a discussion group, you not only find out what is happening in other libraries, but get an opportunity to present your own problems or solutions. Many conference attendees rate the discussion groups as the conference experience with the most practical value to their jobs. Discussion group topics and times are:

Saturday, June 25

Ethical and Legal Issues in Reference Service.

Intercontinental New Orleans

Pydras Room.

1:30pm-3:30pm

Hot Topics in Frontline Reference.

Morial Convention Center

Rooms 238-239.

4:00pm-5:00pm

Sunday, June 26

Reference Services in Public Libraries.

Loews New Orleans Hotel

Feliciana East Room.

10:30am-12:00pm.

Reference Services in Large Research Libraries.

Morial Convention Center

Room 275.

1:30pm-3:30pm

Reference Services in Small and Medium-Sized Research Libraries.

New Orleans Marriott

LaGalerie 2.

4:00pm-5:00pm

Monday, June 27

Performance Issues for Reference and Information Services Librarians.

Hilton Grand

Salon 18.

8:00am-10:00am