• Mission & Governance
• Services Overview
• How to Get Involved
• Standing Committees
• NCSL Foundation

• Issue Areas: A-Z
• State-Federal Relations
• NCSL Standing Committees
• News from D.C. and the States

• About State Legislatures
• Elections, Campaigns & Redistricting
• NCSL's StateConnect Directory
• Web Sites

• Online Guide to NCSL Services
• Staff Sections and Networks
• Meetings & Professional Development
• Staff Directories

• Meetings Calendar
• Online Registration
• Meetings Home Page
• Legislative Summit

• Bookstore
• State Legislatures Magazine
• NCSL's StateConnect Directory

Welcome!

So please, mark your calendar and make your plans to visit us here on the left coast. We don't have a sales tax, you don't have to pump your own gas, and I guarantee it won't snow!

Sessions

“Current Awareness in Legislative Libraries: Let the People Know!”  is a roundtable discussion that will give participants a chance to learn how their peers are alerting their clientele to new library acquisitions, articles in periodicals or newspapers, or Web information.  Do you publish a compilation online or in print?  Do you provide customized lists by subject?  Learn what works well and get ideas for new services.

In “Not Everything is on the Web: Promoting Thorough Public Policy Research in the Legislative Environment,”  join the discussion with your peers about promoting the value of print and electronic library collections, and reference services.  How can librarians combat the impression that everything is now available for free, and that a Google search constitutes thorough research?

Oregonians have never been afraid of taking the road less traveled when it comes to creating and implementing innovative public policy. From the first use of the initiative and referendum process, to guaranteeing public access to Oregon beaches, to the Oregon Health Plan and to our landmark Physician Assisted Suicide statutes, we have always been willing to think outside the box. Join us for “Oregon’s Public Policy Innovations”  and an overview of some of the policies.

In “Answerland: Oregon’s Virtual Reference Pilot Project,”  you’ll hear a presentation about the journey that a pioneering project has taken to provide a new method of delivering information services. On April 16, 2003, Oregon launched “Answerland”, a virtual reference Website. This new service offers patrons anywhere in Oregon direct access to real-time reference assistance from any computer with an internet connection.  What is your state doing in this area?

Portland, Oregon gracefully combines eccentric touches with the traditional to roll out a whimsical welcome mat. Please join us for an educational experience designed specifically for legislative research librarians and renew your energies for the important work of serving state legislatures.

Preliminary Agenda

Wednesday, October 15

Thursday, October 16

Friday, October 17

Saturday, October 18

Seminar Registration Fees and Deadlines

Mail, fax or online

Registration fees:

$250  Legislative staff or Legislators
$350  All others
$125  Spouse or Family Member

Hotel Reservations
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Portland Downtown Embassy Suites, 319 SW Pine Street, Portland, Oregon, 97204.  Make your hotel reservations directly with Embassy Suites, at (503) 279-9000, and indicate that you are attending the NCSL conference to receive a room rate of $125, plus tax.  Hotel reservations deadline is Sept. 22.  After that date, the hotel will accept reservations at the seminar rate based on 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.

Airport Information
The Portland International Airport is a 30 minute drive from downtown Portland.  Take Airport Way to I-205 South. Go approximately three miles to I-84 West. Go about six more miles, follow signs to City Center (center lane), this will take you over the Morrison Bridge. At the first light turn right onto 2nd Street. Turn left on Ash Street, right on Pine Street. The hotel entrance will be on the right hand side.

Ground Transportation
MAX Red Line light rail operates between downtown Portland and the Portland International Airport (PDX), every 15 minutes during the day. For $1.55, the direct trip to or from downtown Portland takes just 38 minutes. City of Portland taxi service is approximately $35 one way.

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??