Category: News

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OCLC, Syracuse University and University of Washington to help develop a new Web search experience based on expertise from librarians

DUBLIN, Ohio, USA, 7 November 2008—Researchers and developers from OCLC, the world’s largest library cooperative, and the information schools of Syracuse University and the University of Washington today announced their participation in a new international effort to explore the creation of a more credible Web search experience based on input from librarians around the globe. Called the “Reference Extract,” the planning phase of this project is funded through a $100,000 grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

“Sometimes, the simplest ideas are the most powerful,” said Dr. Mike Eisenberg, Dean Emeritus and Professor at the Information School of the University of Washington and a lead on the project. “The best search engines are great for basic search, but sometimes the Web site results lack credibility in terms of trust, accuracy and reliability. So, who can help? Librarians. If a librarian recommends a Web site, you can be pretty sure that it’s credible. RefEx will take hundreds of thousands of librarian recommendations and use them in a full-scale search engine.”

Reference Extract is envisioned as a Web search experience similar to those provided by the world’s most popular search engines. However, unlike other search engines, Reference Extract will be built for maximum credibility of search results by relying on the expertise of librarians. Users will enter a search term and receive results weighted toward sites most often used by librarians at institutions such as the Library of Congress, the University of Washington, the State Library of Maryland, and over 2,000 other libraries worldwide.

As part of the planning process, participants are reaching out to partners in libraries, technology organizations and research institutions. “The only way this will work is by making a project of an entire community,” said Dr. R. David Lankes, Director of the Information Institute of Syracuse and Associate Professor at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies. “Web searchers get to tap into the incredible skill and knowledge of the library community, while librarians will be able to serve users on a whole new scale. This work follows on previous credibility work supported by the MacArthur Foundation, most notably the Credibility Commons (http://credibilitycommons.org/).”

“We look forward to working with Syracuse University and the University of Washington in developing this credibility focused search capability, which holds the promise of providing powerful new access to information based on professionally delivered library reference services,” said Jay Jordan, OCLC President and CEO. “We are grateful for support from the MacArthur Foundation in this planning phase, and we are hopeful that this effort will lay the necessary groundwork for implementing a large-scale, general user service.”

The Reference Extract project will hold a series of meetings and consultations over the coming months. The team is eager to build a business plan and technology architecture to benefit users and the library community alike. Those interested in providing input on the project and learning more can visit the project Web site at http://digref.org.

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, the Foundation works to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society. More information is available at www.macfound.org.

The School of Information Studies at Syracuse University
The School of Information Studies is The Original Information School in the nation. It is a leading center for innovative programs in information policy, information behavior, information management, information systems, information technology and information services. The nationally ranked school (U.S. News and World Report) has professional degree programs at the undergraduate and master’s levels and a research degree at the doctoral level. The school offers its master’s programs in campus and distance learning formats. For more information, visit www.ischool.syr.edu/about/.

The University of Washington Information School
Each year, the world creates more than 161 exabytes of new information—enough to fill 2 billion 80GB iPods. So much information can be overwhelming. Rigorous study of the users and uses of information conducted at the UW Information School helps answer important questions. By tackling key social and technical problems in the information field, the UW iSchool has become an important link between users of information and designers of information systems, connecting society with the information it needs. For more information, visit www.ischool.washington.edu/.

About OCLC
Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, OCLC is a nonprofit library service and research organization that has provided computer-based cataloging, reference, resource sharing, eContent, preservation, library management and Web services to 60,000 libraries in 112 countries and territories. OCLC and its member libraries worldwide have created and maintain WorldCat, the world’s richest online resource for finding library materials. For more information, visit www.oclc.org

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Reference Renaissance: CALL FOR PRINT PROCEEDINGS

CALL FOR PRINT PROCEEDINGS

?Creating a Reference Renaissance: Current & Future Trends (title tentative)?

Edited by Marie L. Radford & R. David Lankes
To be published in 2009 by: Neal-Schuman Publishers

?This book will include the best research papers and reports from the field which have originated in presentations from the Reference Renaissance: Current & Future Trends conference, held August 4-5, 2008 in Denver, CO (http://www.bcr.org/referencerenaissance/).

All conference presenters are invited to submit research papers and reports from the field which will be peer reviewed for selection by the book’s two editors (Radford and Lankes) with the help of a selection committee recruited from members of the conference program planning committee.

Contributed papers of two types are sought.

  1. Current Research in Reference. The first section of the print proceedings will be composed of chapters on recent research in reference. These will be drawn from the best of the submissions from the conference research papers and will be peer reviewed. Submissions for these chapters should be approximately 20-25 pages in length (12 pt type, double spaced) and should include the following:

    Abstract (250 words)
    Title
    Research Problem
    Significance of Problem
    Literature Review
    Method of Data Collection
    Method of Analysis
    Results
    Discussion of Results
    Implications for Practice
    Bibliography of Cited References
    Biographical sketches for each author (Approximately 300 words each)

  2. Current Reference Initiatives – Reports from the Field. The second section of the print proceedings will feature “Reports from the Field” that describe innovative approaches to traditional as well as virtual reference initiatives. Submissions for these chapters should be approximately 10-15 pages in length (12 pt type, double spaced) and should include the following:

    Title
    Abstract (250 words)
    Description of library context (e.g., type of library, users, any relevant history, etc.)
    Detailed description of reference initiative. Sufficient detail so that others can replicate the initiative at their institution if desired.
    Assessment of initiative (or planned assessment)
    Bibliography of Cited References, Websites & Publications that discuss similar initiatives.
    Biographical sketches for each author (Approximately 300 words each)

Paper Submission Instructions

All contributed papers for both types of chapters should include author(s) name, job title, institution, address, phone, fax, and e-mail address. Contributions should be in Word doc or docx format. Please indicate whether you are submitting a type 1 (Research Paper) or type 2 (Report from the Field) contribution. E-mail all submissions to: Marie L. Radford ([email protected]).

?Deadlines

?Completed Papers Due: November 7, 2008?Notification of Acceptance (with suggested revisions): February 1, 2009
Final Revisions Due Back to Editors: March 15, 2009?Book to be published in 2009???

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Lankes named to IMLS Task Force

David Lankes will serve as a member on a new Institute for Museum and Library Services task force on 21st Century Skills.

From the invitation:

The IMLS 21st Century Skills Task Force will play a key role in developing the strategic vision for 21st century skills and museums and libraries. Specifically, the task force will help guide a new report and a companion self-assessment tool, developed with the assistance of e-Luminate group, which will detail the need for 21st century skills in our society and the role of museums and public libraries in conveying these skills to their constituencies.

We are reaching out to key visionaries in the fields of museum and library services to ensure that our work reflects the best thinking available around these topics.

The task force’s charter is as follows:

1. Defining the Skills: The task force will help define the critical elements of 21st Century Skills specifically as they relate to the mission of libraries and museums.
2. Identifying Competencies and Aptitudes: The task force will help analyze and describe the elements of museums and libraries that deliver—or may be leveraged to deliver—21st century skills.
3. Articulating Key Strategies: The task force will explore and articulate the key opportunities that libraries and museums can pursue in promoting and integrating 21st century skills into services and programming.

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Goodbye Google Video

Well, I got very tired of Google Video being under supported. The statistics just never worked, and it has recently become more and more of a pain to get things uploaded. Instead I’ve switched to Blip.tv to host my webcasts. I’ve uploaded most of the one’s I put on Google (where they will remain as well).

If you are interested in seeing what’s there, check it out at: http://rdlankes.blip.tv/

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ALISE Call for Papers Now Available

Call for Papers

Deadlines:

July 31, 2008: 500-word abstracts
August 31st, 2008: notification of decision re paper acceptance for publication
September 30: notification of decision re in-person paper delivery
November 14st: : final paper due, 3,000-5,000 words
December 1st, 2008: online proceedings available

The ALISE Juried Papers Committee seeks submissions on the conference theme “i-CREATE” (Information / Culture / Research / Education / Art / Technology/ Experience). The papers should emphasize creativity and innovation towards creating a new model for LIS education for the digital age.
Papers on the topics of cultural and social aspects of information that bring focus to digital contexts are of particular interest. Domains might include digital libraries, archives & preservation, cultural & museum informatics, virtual scholarly communication & literacy, and outreach in a Web 2.0 world. These might include:

  • using and teaching social networking;
  • library as conversation;
  • using and teaching virtual environments;
  • museums and archives in the LIS curriculum,
  • physical and virtual interactions in the classroom; and
  • preparing students to work in new digital frontiers.

This year papers will be accepted to the conference’s online proceedings, with a subset of papers selected for presentation during the conference meeting itself. All papers selected shall be considered peer reviewed conference papers.

All papers will be made available online preceding the physical conference. The online proceedings will enable online conversations and discussions of the papers. Authors are expected to monitor these online conversations concerning their papers. The subset shall be selected for their match to the general conference program and the ability to stimulate online discussion.

Only electronic submissions shall be accepted.

Inquiries, abstracts and papers should be sent to:

R. David Lankes, Associate Professor School of Information Studies
213 Hinds Hall, Syracuse University, 13244
[email protected]

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Ratings

I’ve added a ratings function to the blog. Now you can rate my posts out of 5 stars.

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Reference Renaissance: the VRD Successor!

I am so excited. The reference movement that grew up around the VRD conferences has put together a new conference:

“The Reference Renaissance is sponsored by BCR (Bibliographical Center for Research) and RUSA (Reference and User Services Association, ALA). BCR’s dynamic President and CEO, Brenda Bailey-Hainer is chairing the conference committee. The committee is a group of vibrant library professionals who recognized the vacuum that was created when the Virtual Reference Desk (VRD) series of 7 conferences ended in 2005. The Reference Renaissance conference fully embraces and builds on the legacy of the expanded VRD mission to create a forum of LIS professionals, researchers, and students to explore all the facets of today’s reference service array, including traditional and virtual reference environments.”

Not that this group in any way needs my endorsement, but they certainly have it. The VRD years were an incredible time in my life, and (being bold) an incredible time in the evolution of reference. A movement grew up of talented practitioners and researchers out to change the world. In the intervening years, I have witnessed the folks in that movement keeping up the pace of innovation. So it is great to see a showcase for their work.

It is great to see our VRD legacy continue. Of course it will only continue if we actually show up. So go. Don’t only plan on going, put in a session (call for participation below). Reference is not dead, and the golden days of VRD were only the beginning if we put our travel and conference dollars to work. There is power in showing up, and there is power in place. In San Antonio I called upon the entire VRD community to join me in a mission. A mission to engage in our profession and improve it. Lately I have talked about the obligation of leadership and the important of innovation. Let us once again convene, plot and inspire. See you in Denver.

Call for Participation

A Reference Renaissance: Current and Future Trends
August 4-5, 2008
Denver, CO
Conference website: http://www.bcr.org/referencerenaissance

Sponsored by BCR (Bibliographical Center for Research) and
RUSA (Reference and User Services Association), an ALA Division

Rumors of the “death of reference” have been greatly exaggerated! Reference and information services now encompass not just traditional forms such as in-person point-of-service, telephone, and e-mail, but also Instant Messaging, Text Messaging (SMS), blogs, wikis, library pages on MySpace and Facebook, and virtual reference desks in Second Life.

A Reference Renaissance: Current and Future Trends conference will explore all aspects of reference service in a broad range of contexts, including libraries and information centers, in academic, public, school, corporate, and other special library environments. This two-day conference will incorporate the multitude of established, emerging, and merging types of reference service including both traditional and virtual reference. It presents an opportunity for all reference practitioners and scholars to explore the rapid growth and changing nature of reference, as an escalating array of information technologies blend with traditional reference service to create vibrant hybrids.

Our theme of a “Reference Renaissance” was taken from an editorial by Diane Zabel, in a recent issue of Reference and User Services Quarterly (winter 2007). Zabel wrote of a “resurgence of interest in reference” and that “reference is experiencing a regeneration, a reference renaissance.”

Submissions of papers, panels, and workshop proposals are welcomed that analyze issues, identify best practices, advance organizational and technological systems, propose standards, and/or suggest innovative approaches that will reveal as well as invent the future of reference in this exciting and unfolding landscape. The conference will be organized around the following interest tracks. Please note that the sub-bullets are intended to be suggested topics, not to be a comprehensive listing.

  • Virtual Reference (including e-mail, chat, IM, SMS, Second Life, etc.)
  • Interpersonal aspects of reference service across different types of service
  • Comparison of VR modes
  • Innovative Service Models (including face-to-face, outreach, and Web 2.0)
  • Comparison of different modes (locations, configurations, etc.) of service delivery
  • Social networking applications (such as blogs, wikis, Facebook, MySpace, etc.)
  • Case studies in virtual outreach
  • Satellite (or outpost) reference, roving reference
  • Managing Reference Services
  • Assessment/Evaluation (including guidelines and best practices, benchmarking performance, service quality, accuracy, effectiveness, and efficiency)
  • Hiring, training and motivating staff in an era of rapid change (including performance issues)
  • Marketing initiatives
  • Approaches, Values, & Philosophy of Reference Services
  • Reference as teaching
  • How much help to give (e.g., homework, course assignments)
  • Wild Card (including, but not limited to, controversial issues, comparisons, other innovative topics – be creative!)
  • Sustainability and budgeting issues
  • Reference consortia issues
  • Software and hardware development
  • Vendor (including demonstrations and workshops)
  • Vendor software and hardware development

TYPES OF SUBMISSIONS:

  1. Papers (500 word abstracts): include reports and research studies on any aspect of reference, user studies, evaluation projects, innovative practical applications, theme papers, or theoretical developments. In addition, works in progress and student papers are invited. Submissions should include: 1) a cover sheet with the paper title, author(s), contact information and affiliations(s) for each author, conference track(s) and 2) a second page consisting of a 500 word abstract that summarizes the paper but does NOT show your name or any contact information. Papers will be refereed by the program committee.
  2. Panels: include proposals for 1.5 hour long sessions on topics such as reference innovations, implementation of new technology, evaluation projects, reports by practitioners on current initiatives, theme panels, and contrasting viewpoints on controversial or hot issues. Innovative formats are sought, especially those that encourage audience participation, such as: roundtable discussions, debates, forums, or case studies. Submissions should include: panel title, names, affiliations, and contact information for all participants (moderators, panelists, respondents, etc.), conference track(s), and a brief overview (250 words) of the issues, projects or viewpoints to be discussed. Panels will be refereed by the program committee.
  3. Workshops, Demonstrations, and Reports from the Field: include proposals for 30 minute sessions on working projects, new services, new approaches to reference instruction, or to developments-in-progress. These can be educational in nature. Submissions should include workshop of demonstration title, names and affiliations of all participants, contact information, conference track(s), and brief overview (250 words) of the session.

DEADLINES:
April 4, 2008 Deadline for All Submissions
May 5, 2008 Notification of Acceptance to Speakers

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
Submissions should be sent in electronic format (as an e-mail attachment as a Word document or pdf) to Program Chair Marie L. Radford ([email protected]).

Information on conference registration and hotel reservations will be forthcoming on the
conference website at: www.bcr.org/referencerenaissance

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Lankes Featured in ALA’s District Dispatch

District Dispatch Podcast #26

R. David Lankes, Director, Information Institute of Syracuse; Associate Professor, Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies; Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) Fellow
Andy Bridges, Communications Director, ALA Washington Office
Subject

In his role as OITP Fellow, Dave Lankes (pictured) has been engaging library schools across the country in conversations about the importance of participatory librarianship. In this episode of the District Dispatch Podcast, he tells listeners a little bit about it.

For video of Dave’s presentation at Drexel, please visit his blog. And be sure to head over to ptbed.org to learn all about participatory librarianship and how you can take part.

Program Length
14 minutes, 19 seconds

Check it out:

http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=355

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Lankes Appointed Chair of the ALISE Conference Juried Papers Committee

I’ve just been officially appointed Chair of the ALISE Conference Juried Papers Committee. This committee is responsible for jurying the papers presented at the 2009 conference. Don’t be surprised if the process involves some participatory concepts in the review and acceptance process.

For those interested, I need to nominate 5 additional members or the committee, and I know I’ll be looking for referees.