Call for Presentations: 15th Reference Research Forum, 2009

CALL FOR PAPERS

The Research and Statistics Committee of the Reference Services Section of RUSA
invites the submission of research projects for presentation at the 15th
Reference Research Forum at the 2009 American Library Association Annual
Conference in Chicago, IL.

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 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/rssresearch
 
The Committee employs a “blind” review process to select two projects for 25
minute presentations, followed by open discussion. Winning submissions must be
presented in person at the Forum in Chicago.

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 5, 2009. Notification of acceptance will
be made by Friday, March 20, 2009. 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;

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
312.745.3858 (phone)
liane.luckman@gmail.com