****  Technology, Globalization, and Multicultural Services Conference  ****

WHAT: An IFLA pre-conference before Boston 2001
WHERE: Buffalo, New York
WHEN: August 14-16, 2001

WEBSITE: http://libris.lib.buffalo.edu/iflabuffalo
All conference details and registration forms are available at the website.


CONFERENCE THEMES:
The conference will explore the ways the new technologies and emerging
global information networks pose challenges and opportunities for the
delivery of multicultural services in libraries. Participants will have the
opportunity to learn how libraries have begun to develop initiatives to
respond to the challenges of technology and globalization in a
multicultural setting.

International speakers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and
Europe will explore globalization and its effects on society and culture,
the impact of technology in an information age and its role in creating a
digital divide and the challenges involved in providing services to a
multicultural community as technology diversifies, grows, and prevails.

The conference will examine the shortcomings of Internet technology for the
presentation of multilingual material, and special features required for
Internet-based library services directed at members of ethno-cultural
communities. English is the language of the conference presentation.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Jorge Reina Schement, noted researcher in issues related to demographics
and multiculturalism, and co-director of the Institute for Information
Technology at Pennsylvania State University.

Gary Strong, recognized leader in multicultural library activities and
director of the Queens Public Library in New York, will discuss the
internationally recognized New Americans Program and WorldLinQ, an
innovative multilingual web-based information system.

Visit the conference website for regular updates on speakers and the
program schedule.


REGISTRATION:
Electronic registration and forms available at website.
http://libris.lib.buffalo.edu/iflabuffalo

CONFERENCE FEE:  (Includes meals but not accommodations)
$150 USD  Early registration before June 15
$225 USD  After June 15

CONFERENCE HOTEL:
University Inn and Conference Center, conveniently located 10 minutes from
the Buffalo/Niagara International Airport and 15 minutes from the splendor
of Niagara Falls.

Rooms are available at a discount rate (see conference web site) and are
limited. To be assured a room at the  conference rate, make reservations
before July 23, 2001. Hotel reservations and booking forms available from
the conference web site.

SPONSORS:
IFLA Section on Library Services to Multicultural Populations
IFLA Section on Information Technology


Come join us and focus on the challenges and opportunities that face
libraries in the 21st century.


********************
For more information, contact:
Barbara von Wahlde
Associate Vice President for Univ. Libraries
University at Buffalo Libraries
Phone:  716-645-2966
FAX:    716-645-3844
bvw@buffalo.edu