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The theme of the conference this year is "Agricultural Information for the New Millennium: New Crops, Biotechnology, and Saving the Past".
In keeping with the new crops / biotechnology part of the conference theme, we'll have:
- a preconference on Bioinformatics (Friday)
- a keynote speaker from Monsanto speaking about benefits and risks of bioengineered crops (Saturday)
- a luncheon speaker who will talk about the consumer issues involved in marketing bioengineered products (Saturday)
- several of the contributed papers will focus on issues having to do with agricultural biotechnology information (Saturday)
- and, several campus tours will visit research areas involved in biotechnology. (Monday)
USAIN has always had a strong emphasis on the preservation of the agricultural literature, "saving the past," and this year's conference is no exception. The preservation-related sessions include:
- a preconference session on the pros and cons of digital vs. microform preservation (Friday)
- the Preservation Special Projects Committee will hold a roundtable discussion session on the topic of modifying the National Preservation Plan for Agricultural Literature so it addresses the need to preserve last print copies of key agricultural material in this era where many are opting to subscribe to the digital-only versions of materials. (Sunday)
- and, one of the scheduled tours will be to visit the National Soybean Germplasm Collection – Maize Genetic Cooperation Stock Center, a national center for seed preservation. (Monday)
All of the USAIN Interest Groups will have conflict-free time to present and discuss issues of importance to them. These groups are:
- AgNIC Interest Group (Saturday).
AgNIC: technical aspects, content development, online reference, E-extension linkages, and fundraising
- Collection Management Interest Group (Sunday).
Developing contacts for potential collaborative projects: a roundtable discussion
- Technology Trends Interest Group (Sunday).
New technologies in USAIN Libraries: a panel presentation.
- AGRICOLA Interest Group (Monday):
The AGRICOLA Analysis Project and the Cooperative Indexing Project: a panel presentation.
- Social Issues / Rural Information Interest Group (Monday)
Cooperative Extension, libraries, and economic development -- What are the connections?
Nearly twenty contributed talks or posters will be presented during the conference on such topics as: biotechnology information, agricultural serials indexing, aids for collection development decisions, providing access to extension materials, etc.
Several USAIN committees have also planned sessions:
- Legislative and Government Relations Committee (Sunday).
The strategies, tactics, and tools to communicate your message: a panel discussion.
- Preservation Special Project Committee (Sunday)
Considering how to adapt the National Preservation Plan for Agricultural Literature to address the need to preserve last print copies of key agricultural material.
Of course, it will not be all work! The local organizing committee has been making plans for your enjoyment and pleasure, too...
- on both Friday and Monday evening, conference-wide receptions will be held
- on Saturday night we'll have the opportunity to kick back and relax, or to attend one of several performances at the UIUC Krannert Center for the Performing Arts -- orchestra, dance, or opera are all scheduled for that evening! Sign up for one of these performances on the online registration form <Sorry! As of April 8th, we've removed this option from the registration form since we wanted to purchase the reserved tickets. You may still be able to purchase a ticket for one of the performances, though -- contack the Krannert Center yourself -- http://216.43.25.82:8880/tickets/.>
- or, you might want to buy a ticket for a film at the Roger Ebert Overlooked Film Festival, which will be going on in Champaign the same weekend as the USAIN Conference
- on Sunday evening there will be a bountiful Awards banquet
- although most of the meals are included as part of the registration fee, there are lots of alternative places to eat and relax within a block or two of the hotel, too
- and, surely a "pleasure", will be the opportunity to tour the newly opened UIUC ACES Library, the newest agriculture library building in the U.S.
Take a look at the preliminary program for more details about what is planned for the conference.
Then go to the online registration form to register for the conference and one of the optional Saturday night performances.
You'll also want to arrange for lodging at Chancellor Hotel & Convention Center, where a specially-priced block of rooms has been reserved for Conference attendees.
And while you're at it, be sure to check out the local links and transportation tips.
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