RUSA issues call for presentations for 16th Annual Reference Research Forum
Contact: Liz Markel
Marketing Specialist, RUSA/ASCLA
(312) 280-4398
NEWS
For Immediate Release
September 15, 2009
CHICAGO—The Research and Statistics Committee of the Reference and User Services Association’s (RUSA) Reference Services Section (RSS) invites the submission of research projects for presentation at RUSA’s 16th Annual Reference Research Forum.
The Reference Research Forum is consistently one of the most popular and valuable programs held during the ALA Annual Conference. Attendees will learn about notable research projects conducted in the broad area of reference services such as user behavior, electronic services, reference effectiveness and assessment, and organizational structure and personnel. This upcoming program is scheduled for 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 27, 2010, as a part of conference events in Washington, D.C.
The committee employs a blind review process to select three projects for 20 minute-presentations, followed by open discussion. Winning submissions must be presented in person at the Forum. 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.
Proposals will be selected based on the quality and creativity of the research design and methodologies; the significance of the study for improving the quality of reference service; and the potential for research to fill a gap in reference knowledge or to build on previous studies. Research projects may be in-progress or completed. Previously published research or research accepted for publication will not be accepted.
Submissions must not exceed two pages and should include a cover sheet with your name(s), title(s), institutional affiliation(s), mailing address(es), fax number(s) and e-mail address(es).The second page should not show your name, any personal information or the name of your institution, but should instead include the title of the project; an explicit statement of the research problem; a description of the research design and methodologies used and preliminary findings if any; a brief discussion of the unique contribution, potential impact and significance of the research.
Submissions should be submitted via e-mail by Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, to Liane Luckman, chair, RUSA RSS Research and Statistics Committee, at
lluckman@txstate.edu. Notification of acceptance will be made by Monday, Feb. 8, 2010. Examples of projects presented at past Forums are available at
the committee’s website.
Bundled registration is open Sept. 1-30 for those interested in attending both the 2010 Midwinter Meeting and the 2010 Annual Conference. Registration for the Annual Conference opens Jan. 4. More information will be available at
www.ala.org/annual. The most up-to-date information about RUSA events at both the meeting and the conference will be available at the
RUSA website or at the
RUSA blog.
The Reference and User Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, represents librarians and library staff in the fields of reference, specialized reference, collection development, readers advisory and resource sharing. RUSA is the foremost organization of reference and information professionals who make the connections between people and the information sources, services, and collection materials they need. Not a member, but interested in discounted registration rates on conference, preconferences and other events? Join, renew or add RUSA to your ALA membership at
www.ala.org/membership. Learn more about the association at
www.ala.org/rusa.
