----------------------------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]