CALL FOR PAPERS 


Research in Reference Services 

The Research & Statistics Committee of the

Management and Operation of User Services Section of RUSA is sponsoring its

7th Annual Reference Research Forum

At the American Library Association Annual Conference,

June 14-20, 2001, San Francisco, CA 


The RUSA/MOUSS Research & Statistics Committee is seeking research papers for presentation at ALA 2001, which cover 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 will utilize a "blind" review process to select maximum of 3 projects for 25-minute presentations, followed by open discussion. Those selected are expected to present their papers in person at the Reference Research Forum. Criteria for selection are: 

Significance of the study for improving the quality of reference service. 
Quality and creativity of the methodology. 
Potential for research to fill a gap in reference knowledge or to build on previous studies. 
Previously published researh or research accepted for publication by December 30, 2000 will not be acceptable. 

Deadline for receipt of proposals is December 30, 2000 . Notification of acceptance will be made by March 15, 2001. The submission must consist of no more than 2 pages. On the first page, please list your name(s), title(s), institutional affiliation, mailing address, phone & fax numbers, and email address. The second page should NOT show your name or any personal information. Instead, it must include: 

The title of your project. 
An explicit statement of the research problem. 
A description of the research methodology used. 
An explanation of the significance of the research to reference services. 

Please mail, email, or fax submissions to the Committee Chair:

Marie L. Radford, Ph.D.

School of Information & Library Science  Fax: (718) 636-3733

Pratt Institute      Email: [log in to unmask]

200 Willoughby Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11205-3897