The IFLA Agricultural Libraries Special Interest Group in association with the International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD) invites papers for presentation at IFLA General Conference, Helsinki, Finland in August 2012. 

Theme
Social networking for agricultural research, education, and extension service: an international perspective Social networking is a hackneyed  phrase. It is a tool to connect people to people. Agricultural research, education, and extension are establishing connections with one to one and many to many in sharing and exchange of information.  The advent of Internet has greatly facilitated and reinforced these connections by a variety of social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Flicker, Ning etc. 

Topics
The session will focus on pragmatic approach on the role of social media as a catalyst in establishing connections for advancing agriculture. Proposals must focus on one or more of the following topics with reference to the country/region/institution:

1.      Role of social media for agricultural research

2.      Role of social media for agricultural education

3.      Role of social media for agricultural extension service

4.      Role of social media for sustainable agriculture

5.      Role of social media for agribusiness and marketing

Submissions
Proposal abstract (max 500 words) must  be submitted by January 20, 2012 on any one or more of the topics listed above to [email protected]. Submission is to include presenter's name, position, institution, and email address.  All fees, including registration to the conference, travel, accommodation etc. are the responsibility of the authors. Notification of acceptance of proposals will be completed by February 20, 2012.