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