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Joint
Legislative Research Librarians
National Legislative Program Evaluation Society
Professional Development Seminar
October 27-30, 2004
Tallahassee, Florida

Welcome ~ Preliminary Agenda ~ Registration Information
Hotel Information ~ Discount Airfare ~ Ground Transportation
Faxable Registration Form (PDF) ~ Online Registration  ~ Contacts
NLPES' Brochure and Agenda
last update: 10/13/04

Welcome!

This year's seminar, held jointly with the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society (NLPES),  features programs on sustaining a library, marketing and outreach; freedom of information laws; roundtables to ascertain what's happening in other states; and various social activities.

One of the many featured roundtables will highlight Sustaining a library,  marketing it and outreach to members. Librarians are faced with a slew of new challenges much different than even a decade ago. With the advent of the Internet and other technological advances, constituents fall under the false pretense that research is at their fingertips and libraries are no longer necessary.  How do librarians promote their unique services and sustain the value of the library? In this roundtable session,  librarians will share what their offices are doing to promote marketing their inimitable services and reveal their techniques of outreach to members that publicize the significance of libraries-especially on a tight budget.

Another session will feature a guest speaker from Florida's acclaimed Brechner Center. The Brechner Center is nationally and internationally recognized as an important resource on freedom of information issues and is dedicated to helping people understand the state's government-in-the-sunshine laws, access to courts and the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA.) Information about our government provides one of the cornerstones of our democracy. Florida is one of only a handful of states to provide a constitutional right of access to government meetings and records.  Sandra F. Chance, J.D., Executive Director, Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, specializes in media law. She will discuss Florida's open government laws, which are some of the strongest in the nation.

In addition to substantive sessions, this year's seminar will treat librarians to a variety of tours and social events. An in-depth tour of Tallahassee's state and supreme court libraries will reveal a glimpse into the daily life of the Florida librarian. On Friday afternoon, librarians will have a choice amongst a multitude of activities, from boating to golfing.

So along with your notepads and pens, grab your sandals and beach towel and join us in Tallahassee this October!


Preliminary Agenda

Wednesday, October 27
 
12:00 n - 5:00 pm LRL Registration

Note: Registration for LRL is at the Doubletree Hotel; Registration for NLPES is at the Convention Center

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Opening Reception
Florida Capitol

Thursday, October 28
 
7:30 am  - 8:30 am Registration and Continental Breakfast

Note: Registration for both NLPES and LRL is at the Convention Center

8:30 am - 10:15 am
Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center
Welcome and Plenary Session

Speaker: David M. Walker, Comptroller General, U.S. Government Accountability Office
 

10:15 am -10:30 am Break
10:30 am - 12:00 n
Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center
Sustaining a Library: Marketing and Outreach

Librarians are faced with a slew of new challenges much different than even a decade ago. With the advent of the Internet and other technological advances, constituents fall under the false pretense that research is at their fingertips and libraries are no longer necessary.  How do librarians promote their unique services and sustain the value of the library? In this roundtable session,  librarians will share what their offices are doing to promote marketing their inimitable services and reveal their techniques of outreach to members that publicize the significance of libraries-especially on a tight budget.

12:00 n -1:30 pm
Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center
LRL Luncheon Roundtable 
1:30 pm -3:00 pm 
Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center
WestLaw Training

Presenting: Kris Niederlehner, Thomson-West, Government Account Manager, WestGroup, Florida

3:00 pm - 3:15 pm Cookie Break
3:15 pm - 5:00 pm Florida Supreme Court and Legislative Library Tour
6:00 pm -7:00 pm Social Activity at the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science

Experience Florida wildlife in its natural habitat and a turn of the century farmhouse at the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science. Mingle, enjoy southern barbeque and live music in this casual setting complete with ghosts and goblins. A vintage motorcycle exhibit, night tours of the wildlife trails, and a ghost story teller will help to round out your evening. Costumes are welcome.

Friday, October 29
 
7:00 am Continental Breakfast
8:15 am - 8:30 am Announcements
8:30 am - 10:15 am
Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center
Lexis Training 

Presenting: Deidra A. Payne, Senior LexisNexis Librarian Relations Consultant, LexisNexis, Florida

10:15 am - 10:30 am Break
10:30 am - 12:00 n
Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center
Brechner Center Speaker 

The Brechner Center is nationally and internationally recognized as an important resource on freedom of information issues and is dedicated to helping people understand the state's government-in-the-sunshine laws, access to courts and the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA.) Information about our government provides one of the cornerstones of our democracy. Florida is one of only a handful of states to provide a constitutional right of access to government meetings and records.  Sandra F. Chance, J.D., Executive Director, Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, specializes in media law. She will discuss Florida's open government laws, which are some of the strongest in the nation.

Speaker: Sandra F. Chance, J.D., Executive Director, Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, Florida

12:00 n -5:00 pm Afternoon Social Activities:

These events are optional and fees are payable onsite near the Registration area.  Please contact us ASAP with your preference after registering as events are filling up fast!

Walking tour of the Florida Capital - The historic Old Capital which contains a great museum of Florida political history, and historic sites in downtown Tallahassee. 

National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Tour - at Florida State University. 

Theatrical production - at the Tallahassee Little Theater. 

Canoeing/Kayaking - Travel along the crystal clear Wakulla River, fed by one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs.  On this relaxing trip you’ll likely see birds, alligators, and maybe some Florida manatees.  Limit 30 people.  Approximate cost - $17 to $27 includes canoes/kayaks and a box lunch.  Approximate time – 4 hours.  www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings/default.asp

Golfing - Enjoy a round of golf while experiencing Tallahassee’s rolling hills, magnolia trees and azaleas.  Approximate cost - $40 includes greens fees, cart and box lunch.  Limit 16 golfers.  Approximate time – 5 hours.    www.seminolegolfcourse.com

Jungle Boat Tour - Plan to take a jungle boat tour of one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs at Wakulla Springs State Park.  The pristine river and sanctuary provide a natural habitat for an abundance of wildlife.  The three-mile riverboat tour offers a chance to observe alligators, birds, turtles and occasionally white-tailed deer and wild turkey.  Admission is $6 per person.  Lunch on your own.  Approximate time – 3 hours.  www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings/default.asp 

Antique Car Museum - From Ford Model T to Batmobiles to the Tucker Torpedo, the Antique Car Museum has more than 81 cars on display from automotive history.  Other museum collections include Indian artifacts, golf and sport memorabilia, and much more.  Admission is $7.50 per person.  Lunch on your own.  Approximate time – 2 hours.  www.tacm.com/

These events are full, but contact us if you'd like to be put on the waiting list:

Boating - Cruise along a stretch of Florida's scenic "Forgotten Coast"; up the beautiful St. Marks River to the Gulf of Mexico, where you can spot the historic St. Marks Lighthouse.  Limit 10 people.  Approximate cost - $10 includes box lunch.  Approximate time – 4 to 4.5 hours. 

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Walk/Tour - Bring your tennis shoes, cameras and binoculars to hike the beautiful St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll see birds, butterflies, wildflowers and the occasional alligator.  Limit 10 people.  Approximate cost - $8 for a box lunch.  Approximate time – 4 hours.  http://saintmarks.fws.gov/
 

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Reception at the Museum of Florida  History

Saturday, October 30
 
7:30 am Continental Breakfast
8:15-8:30 am Announcements
8:30 - 10:15 am
Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center
LRL Business Meeting 

Presiding: David Harrell,  Legislative Research Legislative Library, Oregon, LRL Chair

10:30 - 12:00 n Florida State Law Library and Archives Tour
12:00 n Conclusion of conference

Registration Information

Seminar Registration Fees and Deadlines

    Registration fees:      $295  Legislative staff or Legislators
                                    $350  All others
                                    $125  Spouse or family member

     Deadlines:  The seminar registration deadline is October 13. You can register online or by mail or fax. Confirmation letters will be sent by mail.  After Oct. 13, please register on-site.  Sorry, no on-site substitutions.  Cancellations must be in writing and received by October 26 to receive a refund, minus a $50 processing fee.

Hotel Reservations

     A block of rooms has been reserved at the Doubletree Hotel Tallahassee at 101 South Adams Street, Tallahassee FL 32301.  Please arrange accommodations directly with the Doubletree by calling (800) 222-8733 and indicate that you are attending the NCSL conference to receive a room rate of $115 single or double, plus 10.5% taxes.  To reserve rooms via the Internet, visit the Doubletree website (www.doubletree.com) and type in “Tallahassee” under the city requested and the arrival/departure dates.  Scroll down to the section titled “Special Accounts” and type in NCS next to Group/Convention field.  Follow the instructions to make the reservation.  Reservations must be held by a credit card guarantee.  The deadline for making hotel reservations is October 5, 2004.  After that date, reservations will be accepted at the seminar rate based on room availability.

NCSL Discount Airfare

     To receive the lowest fare, please make your flight reservations through Andavo Travel, NCSL's official travel headquarters, by calling (800) 825-3283, or in Colorado, (303) 694-4344, ext. 2.  Andavo Travel maintains a 24-hour, toll-free line for changes and emergencies.

Ground Transportation

     The Doubletree Hotel offers free airport shuttle service, but it can take of up forty minutes for its arrival.  The Tallahassee Regional Airport is located approximately eight miles from the hotel. Approximate taxi fee is $14.

General Information

     The seminar is a relaxed learning experience.  Casual attire and comfortable shoes are recommended.  Temperatures are generally in the 70s during the day and fall evenings are pleasant and comfortable.

Questions??

For more information about the seminar, contact NCSL staff by phone at (303) 364-7700, or via email:

   * Hotel/Travel: Heather Plush, heather.plush@ncsl.org
   * Registration: Cheri Javadi, cheri.javadi@ncsl.org
   * Program:    Janna Goodwin, janna.goodwin@ncsl.org
 

Denver Office: Tel: 303-364-7700 | Fax: 303-364-7800 | 7700 East First Place | Denver, CO 80230 | Map
Washington Office: Tel: 202-624-5400 | Fax: 202-737-1069 | 444 North Capitol Street, N.W., Suite 515 | Washington, D.C. 20001

Denver Office: Tel: 303-364-7700 | Fax: 303-364-7800 | 7700 East First Place | Denver, CO 80230 | Map
Washington Office: Tel: 202-624-5400 | Fax: 202-737-1069 | 444 North Capitol Street, N.W., Suite 515 | Washington, D.C. 20001