----------------------------Original message----------------------------
For Immediate Release                     From:  Linda J. Knutson
March 1995                                800/545-2433, ext. 4270
 
LITA Plans Two Preconferences for 1995 ALA Annual Conference
 
     The Library and Information Technology Association (LITA, a
division of the American Library Association) announces two day-
long preconferences to the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago.
Both will be held Friday, June 23, 1995, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30
p.m.
     "Geographic Information Systems:  An Introduction" is
intended to introduce librarians to geographic information
systems.  In the 1990s, all types of libraries will adopt GIS
tools to make available to their clientele the whole new
dimension of spatial data to solve many practical and societal
problems.  This preconference will cover GIS concepts,
terminology, and trends as they apply to building spatial data
collections, describing them, and accessing them.  The program
will also review continuing education and training opportunities
in GIS, and will feature vendor and project demonstrations.  Joan
Maier McKean and Thornton Patrick McGlamery, Co-Chairs of LITA's
Geographic Information Systems Interest Group, will serve as
moderators.  Featured speakers include Mary Larsgaard, Univ. of
California-Santa Barbara; Kenneth Tozier, International Computer
Works (Tampa, FL); Charlie Fitzpatrick, ESRI (St. Paul, MN);
Michael Domerantz, U.S. Geological Survey (Reston, VA); Larry
Carbaugh, U.S. Bureau of the Census (Washington, DC); Betsy
Mangan, Geography and Map Division, Library of Congress
(Washington, DC); Hedy Rossmeissl, National Mapping Division,
U.S. Geological Survey (Reston, VA); Christie Koontz, Florida
State University (Tallahassee, FL); and Dean Jue, Florida State
University (Tallahassee, FL).  The preconference is co-sponsored
by the LITA Education Committee, the Map and Geography Round
Table (MAGERT), the Government Documents Round Table (GODORT),
the Reference and Adult Services Division (RASD), the Association
of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), and the Public Library
Association (PLA).
     "Internet 101:  K-12 Resources" is intended to bring some
much-needed attention to the use of and potential for the
Internet in K-12 settings.  This day-long session starts off with
a discussion of the Internet's functions and tools, from the most
basic to the highest of the high-tech.  The afternoon will focus
on the uses now being made of Internet resources in schools
across the country.  Interviews (live or taped) with school
librarians and teachers currently using network resources in
their libraries and classrooms will round out the day.  Sole
presenter for the day is Gail Junion-Metz of Information Age
Consultants, a Cleveland, Ohio-based Internet training and
consulting firm.  Ms. Junion-Metz is also the editor of the LITA
Newsletter.  This preconference is sponsored by LITA and the
American Association of School Librarians (AASL).
     Registration fees for "Geographic Information Systems" are
$125 for LITA, RASD, ACRL, and PLA personal members, $160 for ALA
personal members, and $205 for non-members.  Registration fees
for "Internet 101:  K-12 Resources" are $110 for LITA and AASL
personal members, $145 for ALA personal members, and $170 for
non-members.  Registrations received after June 2, 1995, are
subject to a $35 late registration fee.  To register by phone
using a credit card, call 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4269.  You may use
the same number to request more information or to receive a
registration by mail or fax.  E-mail requests should be directed
to [log in to unmask]