CFP: New Reference Research at 14th Reference Research Forum, 2008
The Research and Statistics Committee of the Reference Services Section of RUSA is sponsoring its Fourteenth Reference Research Forum, "New Reference Research," at the 2008 American Library Association Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA.
This is an opportunity to present and discuss your research project conducted 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. 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.
The Committee employs a "blind" review process to select a maximum of three (3) projects for 25 minute presentations, followed by open discussion. The selected researchers are required to present their papers in person at the forum. Criteria for selection are:
.. Significance of the study for improving the quality of reference service;
.. Quality and creativity of the research design and methodologies;
.. Potential for research to fill a gap in reference knowledge or to build on previous studies;
.. Previously published research or research accepted for publication will not be accepted.
Please submit a one-page proposal by Monday, January 7, 2008. Notification of acceptance will be made by Friday, March 21, 2008. The submission must consist of no more than two pages. On the first page, please list your name(s), title (s), institutional affiliation(s), and address(es) (including your mailing address, fax number and email address).
The second page should NOT show your name or any personal information. Instead, it must include:
.. Title of the project;
.. Explicit statement of the research problem;
.. Description of the research design and methodologies used;
.. Brief discussion of the unique contribution, potential impact, and significance of the research.
Please send submissions preferably by email to:
Anne C. Moore, Ph.D.
Associate Director for User Services
W.E.B. Du Bois Library
University of Massachusetts Amherst
154 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9275
Voice: (413)-545-0148
FAX: (413)-545-6494
annem@library.umass.edu
