Call for Presentations: Reference Research Forum (ALA Annual, 2010)
The Research and Statistics Committee of the Reference Services Section of RUSA invites the submission of research projects for presentation at the 16th Reference Research Forum at the 2010 American Library Association Annual Conference, June 24-29 in Washington, D.C.
The Reference Research Forum continues to be one of the most popular and valuable programs during the ALA Annual Conference, where attendees can 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. 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.
For examples of projects presented at past Forums, please see the Committee’s website:
http://tinyurl.com/rssresearchstatistics
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 in Washington, D.C.
Criteria for selection:
• Quality and creativity of the research design and methodologies;
• Significance of the study for improving the quality of reference service;
• 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
Proposals are due by Monday, January 4, 2010. Notification of acceptance will be made by Monday, February 8, 2010. The submission must not exceed two pages. Please include:
1. A cover sheet including your name(s), title(s), institutional affiliation(s), mailing address(es), fax number(s) and email address(es).
2. The second page should NOT show your name, any personal information, or the name of your institution. Instead, it must include:
a. Title of the project;
b. Explicit statement of the research problem;
c. Description of the research design and methodologies used, and preliminary findings if any;
d. Brief discussion of the unique contribution, potential impact, and significance of the research
Please send submissions by email to:
Liane Luckman
Chair, RUSA RSS Research and Statistics Committee
lluckman ~at~ txstate.edu
