Library Offers Tours and Programs During ALA Meeting
The American Library Association will hold its next Midwinter Meeting in Washington. The Library of Congress will offer the following programs for ALA attendees during the conference. This information is also available on the Library's web site. The site also contains a link to the American Library Association's Midwinter meetings schedule. Note that some programs require advance registration.
All-Conference Reception
Feb. 15, 1997, 7-9 p.m., Great Hall, Thomas Jefferson Building
Join the Library of Congress and the American Library Association to celebrate the centennial of the Thomas Jefferson Building and the recently completed restoration of its grand interior. The largest library in the world invites you for light refreshments in the magnificent Great Hall. Tour the spectacular Main Reading Room, which has been returned to its original splendor. Try out your searching skills on the Library's catalog in the Computer Catalog Center and on its Web site (http://www.loc.gov), which features extraordinary and unique materials from the Library's unparalleled collections. Shuttle buses will be running between the Washington Convention Center, convention hotels and the Library of Congress. Admission is free with your ALA badge.
Presentations
Digital Library Visitors' Center, James Madison Memorial Building, first floor
The following special presentations require a reservation, please fill out the Presentation Reservation on the opposite page.
Feb. 15, 1997
9-10 a.m.
"Developing Your Skills on THOMAS"
THOMAS (http://thomas.loc.gov) is an easy-to-use online public access system of congressional information named in honor of Thomas Jefferson. Features such as "Congress This Week," "Major Legislation" and searches of the THOMAS legislative databases (bill summary and status, bill text, the Congressional Record text, committee reports) will be demonstrated. Useful handouts describing each database will be provided, along with other sources of information and databases available through the THOMAS home page.
10-11 a.m.
"Unleashing the Power of LOCIS"
LOCIS, the Library of Congress Online Information System, accesses bibliographic records in LC's catalog and other LC databases (copyright, federal legislation, braille and audio, foreign law abstracts). Strategies and techniques for effectively using the powerful capabilities of LOCIS will be demonstrated. Where to go for information on how to search LOCIS will be covered.
12-12:30 p.m.
"The Global Legal Information Network"
The Global Legal Information Network (GLIN) is a multinational, intergovernmental cooperative database of legal information from countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. This presentation will highlight the origins of GLIN more than 40 years ago, its development and current status. A demonstration, featuring a typical GLIN retrieval station, will show the GLIN model for searching and retrieving abstracts and the full text of laws of GLIN member countries.
12:30-1 p.m.
"The Digitization of Historical Legal Materials"
Much of the paper to be scanned as part of the National Digital Library Program will come from the collections of the Library of Congress Law Library. In this presentation, the focus will be on issues surrounding the digitization of historical legal materials. There will be a demonstration of techniques, developed for the pilot project, for searching and navigating through the collections.
1-3:30 p.m.
"Overview of the National Digital Library Program"
This is a comprehensive presentation on the National Digital Library (NDL) Program at the Library of Congress. Experts in each area will be covering the goals and purpose of the NDL Program, funding issues, the types of collections included, accessing digitized items, producing the digitized images and text, the impact on preservation, hierarchical file management, developing the framework for searching and copyright issues -- rights and restrictions. Following the two-hour presentation, a half-hour question-and-answer session is scheduled to respond to questions about the Library of Congress/Ameritech National Digital Library Competition.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
"Developing Electronic Exhibits"
The award-winning electronic exhibits are one of the most popular areas on the Library of Congress Web site. Both beautiful and informative, LC's exhibits have served as a means of interpreting collections and educating the public about the rich resources of LC and other major international libraries (the Vatican Library, Biblio-thèque Nationale de France). How LC's on-site exhibits were transformed into electronic exhibits will be described and demonstrated.
Hispanic Reading Room (LJ 205),Thomas Jefferson Building
2-4 p.m.
"Area Studies Collections and Programs for Scholars"
In 1997 three area studies divisions (Asian, European, and African and Middle Eastern) will be joining a fourth division (Hispanic) in new reading rooms in the Thomas Jefferson Building. Hear about plans for these remarkable collections in their resplendent new quarters. Learn about the Federal Research Division, which produces the popular Country Studies books. Get a briefing on special research opportunities at the Library of Congress and the projects of Scholarly Programs. Selected items of unique interest from the area studies collections will be displayed and informational brochures made available.
Mumford Room, James Madison Memorial Building, sixth floor
8:45-10 a.m.
"A Virtual Tour of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped"
This presentation does not require a reservation. Information will be provided about the talking book service and its cooperating network. Topics covered include the history of the program, how it functions today and expectations of how the service will transition into the 21st century.
10-11 a.m.
"Using Adaptive Technology to Access the Internet"
This presentation does not require a reservation. A demonstration will be conducted of the use of the Internet by blind and visually impaired persons for information retrieval and as a configuration used in a public setting. Text-based and graphical browsers will be demonstrated in a variety of World Wide Web environments.
2-2:30 p.m.
"Electronic Cataloging in Publication"
This presentation does not require a reservation. Currently, almost 50 publishers are participating in this Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication pilot program. Come to a demonstration, which will include receiving electronic galleys, cataloging online and transmitting completed cataloging to a publisher.
2:30-3 p.m.
"Improving Cataloging Productivity"
This presentation does not require a reservation. The bibliographic workstation (BWS) has revolutionized cataloging at the Library of Congress. Building on the BWS base, staff developed customized software to optimize cataloging efficiency. This demonstration shows the latest ClipSearch applications for name authority record creation and access to MARC codes and subject heading strings.
Digital Library Visitors' Center, James Madison Memorial Building, first floor
Feb. 16, 1997
9-10 a.m.
"A Look at CORDS, Copyright Electronic Registration, Recordation and Deposit System"
The Copyright Office collaborated with national high-technology research and development partners on CORDS, a major new system for the electronic registration and deposit of copyrighted works in digital form. See a demonstration of CORDS and hear about the future plans for this key component in the global infrastructure of the digital library.
10-11 a.m.
"Cataloger's Desktop and Classification Plus: An Overview"
The Cataloging Distribution Service's newest products, providing a wealth of cataloging support tools, will be featured in a computer slide show and demonstration. The hypertext links and full boolean and keyword search capabilities of these Windows-based CD-ROM products will be highlighted.
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
""Developing Your Skills on THOMAS"
See Feb. 15, 9-10 a.m. listing above.
12-1 p.m.
"The Learning Page"
Come to a guided tour of this exciting place on the Library of Congress Web site (http://www.loc.gov). See how to search LC's digitized historical collections by events, people, places, time and topics. Explore the "Learn More About It" area for collections. Discover the e-mail gateway providing support for the exchange of ideas among educators and students. Access teacher-generated project ideas for classroom use.
1-3:30 p.m.
"Overview of the National Digital Library Program"
See Feb. 15, 1-3:30 p.m. listing above.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
"Unleashing the Power of LOCIS"
See Feb. 15, 10-11 a.m. listing above.
Tours
The following special tours require a reservation.
Feb. 14, 1997
"The Geography and Map Division"
Established as the Hall of Maps in 1897, the Geography and Map Division is a major center for scholarly research relating to cartography and geography. From rare atlases to state- of-the-art electronic maps, the collection astounds the mind and eye. A selection of cartographic treasures dating back to the 15th century will be featured, and the latest computer technology from the Center for Geographic Information demonstrated.
10-11 a.m., Geography and Map Division Foyer (Room B01), James Madison Memorial Building
1-2 p.m.
"Preservation Research and Testing"
A firsthand look at the paper chemistry laboratory and research projects of the Preservation Research and Testing Division will be featured on this tour. The tour will be repeated at 2 and 3 p.m.
Preservation Directorate Office (Room G21), James Madison Memorial Building
1-2 p.m.
"Digital Audio Recording"
A demonstration of the new digital audio recording and reformatting facility will be featured. The tour/demonstration will be repeated at 2 and 3 p.m.
Preservation Directorate Office (Room G21), James Madison Memorial Building
1-2 p.m.
"Conserving Library Materials"
See the facilities and hear about the measures taken to conserve rare book and paper library materials. The tour will be repeated at 2 and 3 p.m.
Preservation Directorate Office (Room G21), James Madison Memorial Building
1-2 p.m.
"Caring for Collections"
Demonstrations of the box making machine and a tour of the book repair unit will be conducted. The tour/demonstration will be repeated at 2 and 3 p.m.
Preservation Directorate Office (Room G21), James Madison Memorial Building
2-3 p.m.
"The Music Division"
The collections of Serge Koussevitzky and Irving Berlin, musical instruments by Antonio Stradivari, a lock of Beethoven's hair, George Gershwin's metronome, Victor Herbert's death mask. All these, millions of music manuscripts, printed music, correspondence and more make the Music Division a source for musical scholarship unmatched anywhere in the world. The tour/presentation will include selections from the incredible range of materials available for researchers, and staff experts will describe the collections and services offered by the division.
Music Division Foyer (Room 113),James Madison Memorial Building
2-3 p.m.
"The Manuscript Division"
With more than 45 million items, the collection of the Manuscript Division is an extraordinary historical resource for the nation. Among its treasures are unique documents relating to the nation's founding. This tour/presentation, including the opportunity to see selected manuscript treasures and presidential papers, will be repeated at 3 p.m.
Manuscript Reading Room (Room 101), James Madison Memorial Building
4-6:15 p.m.
"Jefferson Building Architectural Tour and Reference Service Presentation"
Go back in time 100 years. See the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress restored to its full magnificence. This unique opportunity for ALA participants will feature not only the majestic public spaces of this grand Beaux Arts building, but also the splendid Congressional Members' Room and ceremonial Old Librarian's Office. Following an hourlong architectural tour, participants will attend a special presentation on reference services in the spectacular Main Reading Room. Staff experts from the Main Reading Room, National Reference Service, Science Reading Room, and Newspaper and Current Periodicals Reading Room will cover LC reference support for researchers and the nation's libraries.
Great Hall, Thomas Jefferson Building
Feb. 15, 1997
9-10 a.m.
"Jefferson Building Architectural Tour"
This hourlong tour includes the same beautifully restored public spaces, Congressional Members' Room, and Old Librarian's Office featured on the Friday afternoon tour.
Great Hall, Thomas Jefferson Building
9-10 a.m.
"The Prints and Photographs Division"
As the eyes of the nation, the Prints and Photographs Division offers researchers millions of original and historic documents, from rare daguerreotype portraits of the Lincoln family and the American Colonization Society in Liberia to evocative views of newsworthy events from the Civil War to modern newspaper morgues. The tour will focus on technical services, such as housing and cataloging documentary photographs, cartoons, posters and architectural drawings. The digital imagebase OPAC, containing 100,000 images on diverse subjects, will also be featured.
Prints and Photographs Reading Room (Room 337), James Madison Memorial Building
9-10 a.m.
"Preservation Research and Testing"
A firsthand look at the paper chemistry laboratory and its research projects will be featured on this tour. The tour will be repeated at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Preservation Directorate Office (Room G21), James Madison Memorial Building
9-10 a.m.
"Digital Audio Recording"
A demonstration of the new digital audio recording and reformatting facility will be featured. The tour/demonstration will be repeated at 10 and 11 a.m., and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Preservation Directorate Office (Room G21), James Madison Memorial Building
9-10 a.m.
"Conserving Library Materials"
See the facilities and hear about the measures taken to conserve rare book and paper library materials. The tour will be repeated at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Preservation Directorate Office (Room G21), James Madison Memorial Building
9-10 a.m.
"Caring for Collections"
Demonstrations of the box making machine and a tour of the book repair unit will be conducted. The tour/demonstration will be repeated at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Preservation Directorate Office (Room G21), James Madison Memorial Building
12-4 p.m.
"Rare Book Open House"
Thomas Jefferson's collection, the foundation for the Library of Congress, is the nucleus of this extraordinarily rich collection. Over the years, significant collections have been purchased or donated, building a resource for researchers encompassing nearly all eras and subjects. Today, there are more than 650,000 books, broadsides, pamphlets, theater playbills, title pages, prints, posters, photographs and medieval and Renaissance manuscripts in the division's collection. Drop in any time between noon and 4 p.m. for a tour of the restored reading room and to learn about this fascinating collection. (Note: The open house does not require a reservation.)
Rare Book and Special Collections Reading Room (Room 206), Thomas Jefferson Building
1-1:45 p.m.
"Book Talk: Artists Books Dating from 1875 to the Present"
Rosenwald Room (across from the Rare Book and Special Collections Reading Room), Thomas Jefferson Building
2-2:45 p.m.
"Illustrated Books from the Rosenwald Collection"
Rosenwald Room (across from the Rare Book and Special Collections Reading Room), Thomas Jefferson Building
3-3:45 p.m.
"Books from Thomas Jefferson's Collection"
Rosenwald Room (across from the Rare Book and Special Collections Reading Room), Thomas Jefferson Building
February 16, 1997
9-10 a.m.
"Preservation Research and Testing"
A firsthand look at the paper chemistry laboratory and its research projects will be featured on this tour. The tour will be repeated at 10 and 11 a.m.
Preservation Directorate Office (Room G21), James Madison Memorial Building
9-10 a.m.
"Digital Audio Recording"
A demonstration of the new digital audio recording and reformatting facility will be featured. The tour/demonstration will be repeated at 10 and 11 a.m.
Preservation Directorate Office (Room G21), James Madison Memorial Building
9-10 a.m.
"Conserving Library Materials"
See the facilities and hear about the measures taken to conserve rare book and paper library materials. The tour will be repeated at 10 and 11 a.m.
Preservation Directorate Office (Room G21), James Madison Memorial Building
9-10 a.m.
"Caring for Collections"
Demonstrations of the box making machine and a tour of the book repair unit will be conducted. The tour/demonstration will be repeated at 10 and 11 a.m.
Preservation Directorate Office (Room G21), James Madison Memorial Building
Visit the Library of Congress Sales Shop
Stop by the Library of Congress Sales Shop during the ALA Midwinter Meeting. Located adjacent to the Madison Build-ing's entrance lobby, the Sales Shop stocks a wide variety of library-related products and publications. A 10 percent discount is available to Midwinter Meeting participants with their ALA badge.
Sales Shop Hours
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including Saturday, Feb. 15, and Sunday, Feb. 16 Closed Monday, Feb. 17
If your days are filled with meetings, take advantage of the Sales Shop area at the All Conference Reception, Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 to 9 p.m., Great Hall of the Jefferson Building.
