The Call for Abstracts has just gone out for the annual LIANZA conference in New Zealand, to be held in Auckland, 2-5 Nov, 2008. The conference theme this year is: Poropitia - Outside the Box.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Abstracts for papers due: 2 May 2008
Notification of acceptance: 30 June 2008
Confirmation of format of presentation: 14 July 2008
Completed papers due: 12 September 2008

“Outside the Box” and “Poropitia” both carry connotations of being “out there” - of services that are not constrained by the boundaries of how things have always been done. The conference is set to inspire the profession, influence decision-makers, and excite change.

There is a wide choice of session types and formats, from oral presentations to interactive computer sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. Sessions will be 45 or 60 minutes long, enabling plenty of time for the presentation and audience involvement through questions and discussion.

Intending presenters are urged to consider fresh approaches to sessions: use audio or visuals creatively … include drama or storytelling. Papers will be published afterwards, so aim to use the presentation to bring your ideas alive.

Topics could range from reporting on research and service innovation to pondering the social, political and legal environments within which library and information services operate. How can we collapse the walls of convention to create a future beyond the obvious? People, places, products, passion, play are all possible areas for you to explore.