January 2002

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Virtual Reference Services . . . What, Why and How? The Network will offer a new teleconference series in 2002: "Virtual Reference Services . . . What, Why and How?" The two national satellite teleconferences on virtual reference services will be held on Friday, February 8, 2002 and Friday, April 19, 2002 from noon to 2:00 p.m. (ET). Both teleconferences will be followed by a one hour roundtable discussion concerning local virtual reference services. The programs will clarify the differences between traditional and virtual reference services and analyze the organizational impact new services can have. They will analyze what works, what pitfalls to avoid, what new skills are required and what must be changed within your library to make virtual reference services work well. Program I (February 8) will give an overview of the current state and variety of virtual reference services and their future directions. The conference will detail changes such services have already made in the library community and explore how creative work can be an effective agent of change. Program I will help you assess need for change and the opportunities it means for your library. Program II (April 19) will show how library practitioners are instituting virtual reference services by showcasing successful implementations. The program’s goal is to give practical, realistic information to the working librarian and decision maker on moving to virtual reference services. These will be candid discussions of the problems facing adopters of virtual reference services work. The teleconference sessions and following roundtable discussion will take place on February 8, 2002 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and on April 19, 2002 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) at the Network office in Potsdam, NY. The registration below is for the first session, February 8, 2002. There is no charge to attend the teleconference, but please register by phone, email or fax. Lunch will be provided. A separate registration will be sent for the second (April 19) session. Registration for the "Virtual Reference Services, Program1" being held on February 8, 2002, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Northern New York Library Network office in Potsdam, NY. Registration deadline: Monday, February 4, 2002. Name: Institution: Address: Telephone: E-Mail: Cost: None Reply to: Northern New York Library Network, Attn: Continuing Education, 6721 U.S. Highway 11, Potsdam, NY 13676; phone: (315) 265-1119; fax: (315) 265-1881; or email: cont-ed@northnet.org