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] __________________________________________________________________ Mail submissions to [log in to unmask] Administrative matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc) to [log in to unmask] ARLIS-L Archives and subscription maintenance: http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/arlis-l.html Questions may be addressed to list owner (Kerri Scannell) at: [log in to unmask]