The 10th CARL Conference will be here sooner than we think! 

Scheduled for Thursday, April 22 - Sunday, April 25, 2004, our next conference will be held at the Pasadena Westin (formerly the Doubletree). The theme for 2004 is "Mission Architecture: Philosophical Foundations of Academic & Research Libraries." (Theme information follows).

The CARL Conference Program Planning Committee invites proposals for the conference from all CARL members: interest groups, groups, or individuals.

This is a call to sponsor or co-sponsor either a 2004 CARL Pre-Conference or Conference Breakout Session:
    A Pre-Conference is a 3-hour session April 22 afternoon or April 23 morning. This might be a workshop, seminar in which your colleagues can find practical examples, an opportunity for an in-depth look, place to provide answers or suggestions for "How to...?" or an interactive session
    A Conference Breakout Session covers a 90 minutes on April 23 afternoon, April 24 morning or afternoon. They can provide overviews, can be thought provoking, or both.  The breakout sessions are meant to inform or to stimulate learning.

Where to find more information (Conference, Proposal Form):  The 2004 CARL Conference site is available at http://tutsan.forest.net/carl/carlconf/carlconfhome.html .  (A link to this page has also been set up from the CARL Conference Index page,
http://www.carl-acrl.org/Conference/index.html ).

When to submit proposals:  Pre-conference intent by Friday, September 12, 2003.
Conference Breakout Session intent by Wednesday, October 1, 2003.  Earlier is better!

The track themes are as follows:

Mission Architecture: Philosophical Foundations of Academic & Research Libraries
Mission architecture is a proud heritage in California. It continues to influence cultural and structural elements in homes, neighborhoods, and entire cities in our state. Similarly, the philosophical foundations of academic librarianship continue to influence our work in this proud profession. At the CARL 2004 conference, we will meet in Pasadena to celebrate our professional heritage and to support one another in our common mission. The following tracks relate to the foundations, mission and innovation that make us a professional. Proposals that cover more than one theme track are encouraged.

Theme Tracks:

Library Spaces, Clicks and Bricks
Libraries across the state are in the mist of remodeling or building from the ground up. This track is to focus on the architecture. Possible topics for presentations may include, but are not limited to, the following:
•    Award winning academic library designs
•    Interaction with architects
•    New Information Commons
•    Structure and furniture inside

Budget and Money
Libraries are dealing with a decline in money. This track is to focus on the increasingly resourceful, imaginative, and creativity in budgeting. Presentations may explore topics such as (but we expect the innovators out there to surprise us with others):
•    New budget methodologies for hidden funds
•    Fundraising
•    Grants
•    Practical and applied information on budgeting within the bureaucracy

Future in the Crystal Ball
What is the foundation’s future in our profession? This track is to encourage the sharing and discussion of bold ventures, far-reaching prophecies, and stimulating insights.  Since we don’t know the future here are some things to start with:
•    Hot Topics that are being revealed
•    Statewide initiatives for planning
•    Changes in the profession or building

Human Side of the Job
The people who work in these buildings, what are their foundations or missions?
Topics are limited only by your creativity, but may include:
•    Human resource management
•    MLS degree
•    Credentials or equivalencies degrees for Paraprofessionals
•    Diversity issues
•    Balance tenure and life
•    Getting organized: putting together your personnel packet or Post tenure review
•    How to win awards on your campus

Technical and Access Services
Changes in the format of information, document delivery, vendor relationships, and preservation have made a tremendous difference in providing access to information. This track is can include both digital and traditional aspects of:
•    Cataloging
•    Standards
•    Archiving
•    Acquisitions
•    Licensing
•    Online services and usage stats, changing purchasing habit?

Reference, Teaching, and Learning
The model of the “librarian as educator” is increasingly important but does it effect our foundations and values? Possible topics include:
•    PEW and other Internet studies effect the way we can teach
•    Virtual reference
•    Assessment as a tool for improving your service
•    One stop training and referrals (information commons)
•    Implementing learning competencies
•    Learning modalities

As always we will gladly take your questions concerning the event. Look forward to your submission!
Kelly Janousek on behalf of the Conference Program Committee