MI Virtual Reference Conference: Call for Proposals Michigan Virtual Reference Conference Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Research Help Now VR Cooperative April 25, 2014 Eastern Michigan University Library Ypsilanti, Michigan Proposals due : Thursd ay, January 9, 2013 The Michigan Virtual Reference Conference is a one-time, one-day conference exploring all aspects of virtual reference services in libraries. The conference is being held in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Michigan Research Help Now Collaborative, and is co-sponsored by Research Help Now and the Eastern Michigan University Library. Share your ideas about or expertise in virtual reference by submitting session proposals to be considered for presentation. Proposals should be on a topic related to virtual reference, including chat, email, SMS, or other ways to provide research advice to remote students. Suggested topics include but are not limited to: * techniques for successful VR interactions * assessment of VR effectiveness or user satisfaction * exploration of VR technologies * outreach and marketing of VR * comparison of different VR modes * VR best practices and service quality * usability and user perspectives on VR * instruction and student learning in VR * using VR to connect with specific student populations * VR staffing and training * VR innovations and solutions to common problems * other topics related to providing research advice to students remotely Proposal Details Proposals are submitted online and will be judged in a blind review process by a committee composed of librarians from universities, four-year colleges, and community colleges. Conference slides, papers, and/or supplementary materials will be published on Eastern Michigan University’s Digital Commons online repository. Authors retain copyright and may also publish in other venues. Two types of proposals are solicited: presentations and lightning talks. Presentations: Presentations on virtual reference topics may be lecture format, interactive discussion, speaker panels (up to 4 speakers), or hands-on sessions in computer labs. The time frame for presentations is 50 minutes, including time for questions. Lightning Talks: Short presentations on innovative virtual reference topics that can be quickly shared within 10 minutes. These may be slide presentations or very brief interactive discussions. Conference organizers may group lightning talks together to form a session. Submission: More details on submitting a proposal can be found at: http://guides.emich.edu/vrday-proposals Kate Pittsley Business Librarian, Assoc. Professor Eastern Michigan University Library kate.pittsley@emich.edu 734-487-2508