Bridging the Gaps: Juntos @ the Border 

The RNCIII conference theme emphasizes the diversity of issues not only in relation to libraries but the social, cultural and political aspects that surround, divide and bring our communities together. As librarians we wish to explore the current status of library services to Latinos: the “digital divide”; Latino and Spanish language collections, outreach, the number of Latino professionals; the representation of Latinos in library  administration, boards, schools, etc. As community members and because we are “@ the border” during this conference, we will explore the issues of services to immigrants, the socio-economical and political challenges face by Latinos and libraries in the U.S. and south of the border and the opportunities for collaboration with our colleagues. We are meeting “@ the Border” to address the challenges and opportunities facing the diverse Latino populations on both sides of the border. Our aim is not only to illuminate the issues but also propose solutions for the improvement of library services in the United States, Mexico and Latin America. REFORMA calls for submission that address these topics and others for RNCIII.Before Submitting:You do not need to be a current member of REFORMA to submit a proposal. However, once a proposal is accepted for presentation, each presenter is required to become a member and register for the conference.  Please notify your presenters of this requirement.Panel Organizers, have the following information ready:

• Confirm that all panel participants can attend the meetings during the selected dates. 
• Have the complete names, institutions (Library/school/community organization), and email for each panelist.  Email is very important, as this is the method we will be using to communicate with you and your panelists.
• A Panel submission requires two or more presenters and a 300 word abstract. You will need the title of the presentation for each panelist. Providing incomplete information upon submission will mean 1) Incomplete information in the program and 2) Additional work for the RNCIII staff.  While we understand that the paper title and presenters might change from the time of submission to the time of the conference, we do ask that you be as complete as possible in the submission process. Do not submit duplicate submissions to correct or update a past submission.

AV:  RNCIII will provide TV, VCR, DVD, Slide Projector (35mm slides), and Overhead Projector (transparencies).  There will be limited access to LCD Projectors depending on cost. Computers, Tape or CD players will not be provided.  If you require such AV, you will need to supply your own or we can place you in contact with the El Paso Convention Center’s AV suppliers. At this time we are uncertain about Internet access.   Please know the AV needs of your presenters prior to submitting.  RNCIII will schedule panels to rooms based on AV needs. Once the panel has been assigned, additional AV will not be provided and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to move the panel if additional AV is needed.A Panel submission requires two or more presenters and a 300 word abstract. You will need the title of the presentation for each panelist. Providing incomplete information upon submission will mean 1) Incomplete information in the program and 2) Additional work for the RNCIII staff.  While we understand that the paper title and presenters might change from the time of submission to the time of the conference, we do ask that you be as complete as possible in the submission process. Do not submit duplicate submissions to correct or update a past submission. AV:  RNCIII will provide TV, VCR, DVD, Slide Projector (35mm slides), and Overhead Projector (transparencies).  There will be limited access to LCD Projectors depending on cost. Computers, Tape or CD players will not be provided.  If you require such AV, you will need to supply your own or we can place you in contact with the El Paso Convention Center’s AV suppliers. At this time we are uncertain about Internet access.   Please know the AV needs of your presenters prior to submitting.  RNCIII will schedule panels to rooms based on AV needs. Once the panel has been assigned, additional AV will not be provided and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to move the panel if additional AV is needed.